Camping/hiking

Hiking Blue Mountain in the Adirondacks

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On this particular trip to the Adirondacks my friend Carrie and I had planned to do a totally different mountain but upon driving by Blue Mountain parking lot and seeing it empty we decided to change plans. It’s a rarity that this mountain isn’t swarmed with people and with puppies in tow the less people the better, in my opinion.

It was a fairly easy hike, aside from the ice.

Honestly we were not prepared for as much ice and snow as we had encountered. We knew that it had snowed in the last couple of days up there, but didn’t expect that much of it to stick. The way down included a few spills which could have been avoided with proper gear. #respectthemountain

In the summer this would be a beautiful and easy hike, that’s perfect for families or beginners, but also worth the trip for the a seasoned hiker looking for a quick trip. It’s also right near the Adirondack Museum, so it’s a great addition for a day trip there.

It was 4 miles round trip and we made it in and out in about 2.5 hours (I’m guessing – neither of us really checked the time we came in or out).

The top was a little disappointing since there were a number of antennas and cell towers to obstruct the otherwise beautiful view, and it was a little past peak leaf peeping. We also didn’t go all the way to the top of the town because it was covered in ice and we are chickens. Go ahead and laugh, I am known to fall right over m own two feet I don’t need to do it down a sketchy set of metal stairs.

The hike was good and the company better. I really love hiking, and for me it isn’t all about the views. It’s being in the woods, the candid conversations and getting a little sweat going.

One the way home we stopped at Chrissy’s Café in Indian lake. A hot meal was much needed and really hit the spot. It’s a great little place that serves breakfast and lunch for good prices. Check it out next time you are in the area!

The Honeymoon Finale and Camp Clam Chowder

By Jessica

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A quick overview of our favorite camping spot and an amazing recipe for Camp Clam Chowder.

I have already talked about the first half of our honeymoon in wine country, as well as our trip to Watkins Glen, but those only took up the first half of the week. The second half was spent camping in our favorite spot; a special place that we go to every year (2012, 2013, 2014).

It’s a really beautiful lake that we hike back into and setup camp for the weekend only venturing out for extra supplies at the truck. It’s a little known place that doesn’t get much traffic so most of the time we are completely on our own there, and it’s pretty much bliss. Brody loves it because he gets to have his run of the campsite sans leash or fence. There is also lots of swimming with this little guy.

Lake Champlain on the way back home.

We went later in the year than we usually do so it was a bit colder, which of course calls for tummy warming foods. Some of my favorites are foil potatoes, Hobo Stew, Fire Roasted French Style Onions and camp clam chowder.

This chowder is probably one of the tastiest and easiest things to prepare over the fire. With lots of protein and carbs, it’s great for a long journey. Like any chowder its super filling and warming form the inside out. Don’t let it’s looks fool you, it’s delicious. The only down side for a long trip is lugging in the canned clams, so if you want to make this on a longer trip I would dump the canned clams into a light weight container or Ziploc , just be sure it doesn’t leak because that will turn into a sticky mess.

For the rest of the ingredients I brought the potato flakes, herbs, & spices in a baggy with a whole shallot and a small potato (optional). The shallot and potato were removed and chopped up just before cooking. The bacon was saved from breakfast and just crumbled when ready for use.

Camp Clam Chowder

Prep time: 2 mins

Cook time: 10 mins

Total time: 12 mins

Serves: 2 Servings

Ingredients

2 strips of bacon, cooked & crumbled
1-2 tablespoons of butter or oil
1 shallot, minced
2 6.5 oz chopped clams in juice
1 vegetable bouillon, crumbled
¼ cup water (possibly more)
1/3 cup instant potatoes
1 teaspoon dried chives

Instructions

Put the bacon in a pan over the fire and cook for 1-2 minutes, the bacon should release some fat.
Add the butter (or oil), shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the shallot begins to soften.
Stir in the chopped clams, bouillon, and water. Cook (at boiling temperature) for 2-3 minutes.
Add the potatoes and cook, while stirring until thickened.
Top with chives and serve.

Optional: Cook Foil Camp Potatoes alongside the chowder and add the cooked potato to each bowl.

Watkins Glen State Park & The Gorge Trail

By Jessica

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Watkins Glen State Park located at the base of Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York is easily one of the most beautiful place I have ever visited. It was definitely a highlight of our trip to the Finger Lakes for our honeymoon.

The park itself is pretty small, though it does still boast camp grounds, a pool and other amenities along with its famous Gorge trail. There are a total of 19 waterfalls and numerous pools of water created over the centuries by the Glen Creek. The Gorge Trail is impeccably maintained trail that includes cement pathways and stairs, stone and timber bridges and informational plaques. The pathway is carved into the side of the massive cavern and in some places right through the stone wall itself. It’s a pretty easy little hike, though be aware there are a number of stairs.

For more info check out the park’s website.

On this little hike we took our time making our way from the main entrance up the Gorge Trail. Enjoying every site and analyzing the different types of rock, how it must have felt to build the stairs, and bridges, as well as the millions of years it took to develop such a beautiful place. On the way back we started on the Indian trail, crossing at the rainbow falls bridge to make our way up the North Country Trail to the Lilly pond and back across the suspension bridge, before heading down to the Gorge Trail again to exit the park. It was a breath taking, easy going hike that I’m glad we were able to do.

Hike: Snowy Mountain

By Jessica

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An overview of a day trip to hike Snowy Mountain in the southern Adirondacks.

I think I’ve mentioned a time or two (ok maybe I’ve said it a lot) but things have been hectic cray-cray since we closed on the house. I’m happy to report that a slower pace has finally started to creep its way into our lives and I’m welcoming it with open arms. I’ve got a to do list that’s a mile long, but every little thing that gets checked off helps in such a big way.

I mean really who knew how good it would feel to come home and see that Chuck put the cast iron hooks in the wall? Seriously 4 little hooks meant the world to me.

I think we might even be able to start inviting people over for dinner parties soon. Eeep!

I’m getting off topic here. I meant to write this post about the day hike that Carrie, Brody, Baxter and I went on yesterday. Carving out time to be outdoors has been tough this year and I’m so thankful that I’m finally able to do it.

Snowy Mountain is located just south of Indian Lake, NY. It is about 3.8 miles one way, or 7.6 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of over 2000FT. While there are some difficult parts for the novice hiker, it’s a genuinely nice hike with lots of great views, even before reaching the fire tower on top.

One thing I can say about this hike is that it has shown me just how out of shape I actually am. I need to get into the woods more, and start running again. Despite lots of sweat and a few troubled parts we all made it up intact for views that were well worth it. I would defiantly do this one again.

Once we got home I talked Chuck into making sun dried tomato cream sauce over penne while Brody and I lay on the couch. I was far too tired to cook and he’s awful sweet. We were all promptly in bed by 8 since Chuck had to be up early for work and Brody and I were snoozing on the couch shortly after dinner.

Meal Plan 8.2.15 – A Camping Meal Plan

By Jessica

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This week I am doing something a little different with our meal plan and making it camping focused. Every year around this time we go on a kind of backpacking trip and it’s something that Chuck, Brody and I really enjoy and look forward to. I thought it would be fun to show you how I plan for a week of camping, and some of the awesome food that we eat along the way.

If you are looking for a normal meal plan go here. We will be back to our normal schedule for next week.

With camping I have to be more involved with the meal plans and include lunch and breakfast as well as dinner so this meal plan will encompass all of that as well.

Breakfasts: