A Green Heron on Kayuta Lake

What a treat it was to see this green heron while canoeing on Kayuta Lake.  This small, stocky wading bird is commonly seen in swamps and marshes, along creeks and streams, lake edges and pastures.  It did not seem perturbed by our presence as it nonchalantly went about foraging for its food.

We have hummingbirds, finally

After last year's unsuccessful attempt to attract hummingbirds, we decided to change tactics.

First, we got a new feeder which we hang away from the first one.  Lo and behold, the following day, we had hummingbirds.

Next, we moved our original hummingbird feeder, a pretty glass one, next to the new feeder.  And indeed, after a day, a hummingbird was seen feeding from it.  But the next day, we saw the hummingbird spitting out the sugar solution and never came back to use the glass feeder.  For some reason, the solution must have gotten rancid which supposedly can happen more quickly with glass feeders which get hotter under the sun than a plastic one.



So, we just moved the plastic feeder to the original spot where we can easily view the hummingbirds whenever they come.  And what a joy they have been since then.

Moss Lake

July 25, 2010

After our hike to the Bald Mountain Fire Tower, we headed for the town of Inlet where we had our picnic lunch overlooking the public beach on Arrowhead Park. It was a little chilly by the water but we still could not forego of the mandatory homemade gelato treat from Northern Lights Ice Cream, negating all the caloric expenditure from the earlier hike.

Back on Route 28, we turned on Big Moose Road by Eagle Bay hoping to explore the area of Big Moose Lake. Unable to find a good vantage point to the lake, we turned around and were drawn to the trailhead for Moss Lake where some people were unloading their kayaks from their cars.

An easy 0.1 mile walk gave us a good view of this serene lake. We quickly lost site of the couple carrying their kayaks just ahead of us. The easy portage is likely one of the reasons this is a popular destination for canoers and kayakers.




We decided to do the 2.5 mile loop around the 115 acre lake. Not only hikers and bikers are allowed here but horses as well, so we had to watch out for the occasional droppings. This path, originally built in 1924, was after all, the bridle path of the Moss Lake Camp for Girls which operated between 1923-1972.

Later, the camp was briefly occupied by the Ganienkeh people, of the Mohawk nation (1974-1978). Ever since the remaining buildings were razed in 1979,  no new development has been built around the lake and is now a recreation site managed by the NY State DEC. There are 8 campsites scattered around the lake. Permits are only required if camping for more than 3 days and for groups of more than 10.

We checked out one of the 8 campsites, each apparently with its own privy.  This one has its own trail to the lake but is not one of the 3 sites with direct boat access. 

The trail mostly goes through the forest and only touches the lake at the southwest corner. We saw our kayakers here which they claimed is their favorite swimming spot.

Near this spot, one can turn towards Bibb Lake and Sis Lake which for us would have to wait another time.  The trail remained relatively flat and easy and we quickly made it back to our starting point.  We missed the
observation deck where nesting ospreys and loons are frequently spotted.

Moss Lake will certainly will be in our list of future kayak destinations.

A Snake Encounter on Kayuta Lake

Poisonous snakes are present in New York state. Although there are many biting snakes, only 3 of the 16 native species carry venom that pose a danger to human life. We nevertheless were a little wary when we saw this little creature slithering about our deck.

Is it poisonous? Supposedly, poisonous snakes have vertical pupils which this did not have. Actually, it was only a common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis). Characteristically docile, its bite could nonetheless cause swelling and rash in humans, a reason to stay clear of its way.


Ref: Snakes of New York State

Bald Mountain Fire Tower

July 25, 2010

 

Bald Mountain, also known as Rondaxe Mountain has one of the most popular Adirondack fire towers. The first tower, a wooden one, was erected in the summit in 1912 and replaced with the present steel tower in 1917. The tower closed in 1990 and reopened on June 18, 2005.

From Kayuta Lake, we drove on Rt 28 up to Old Forge. About 4.5 miles past the Tourist Information Center, we turned left at Rondaxe Road,  clearly marked with a NYS DEC sign.  The trailhead is about 0.2 mile farther on the left side. We arrived there close to noon on a Sunday and the parking lot was packed.

The trail (about 1 mile long) is fairly level at the start and then rapidly ascends, a large part of which is through bedrock.  Exposed roots of tall spruces and firs clinging to the rock make the trail quite interesting. Fine views of 2nd, 3rd and 4th Lakes can be seen along the way but the panoramic view from the razor-edged cliff at the 2350 ft summit is a lot more spectacular.

Click the picture above and below to see the full panorama.

We climbed up the tower where we got a 360 degree view of the area.

   Composite of views from 3 sides of the tower

Inspired by views like these, people have joined the Fire Tower Challenge sponsored by the Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK). The towers are described in Views from on High: Fire Tower Trails in the Adirondacks and Catskills. Click here for the application. One does not have to be a member of the ADK to register.

A Bike Ride on the Black River Feeder Canal Trail - Part 3

 Boonville to Hawkensville Road
July 22, 2010



This time, we headed to Boonville, the end of the feeder trail.

At Erwin Park, a covered bridge crosses the canal close to the start of the trail.

The trail surface here appeared more even, making it easier to ride compared to  the 2 previous segments.  It's a popular walking and jogging path for residents nearby.

Although there were still some forested sections, plentiful wildflowers, birds, and butterflies (one of which seemed to follow me through the whole course), it was even less remote than the segment  from Edmonds Rd to Hawkensville. Some roads were visible beside the trail and there were no meadows to behold. The  trail was broken by several roads which we had to cross. 

It was a treat to see these kayakers who gave us a demonstration on how to cross under this low bridge on Sargent Road.


During our previous rides from Forestport and Edmonds Road, the feeder canal had been closely following the route of the Black River.  At about the Moose River Road crossover, the canal diverged from the river, going southward to Boonville while the Black River continued northward to Lake Ontario. This information I gathered looking at Mapquest's aerial map.

Three miles later, we reached our goal - the completion of the feeder canal bike trail.  It took us 3 days to ride the whole trail but hey, this was my first foray (not my husband's) into distance biking.

Next time, I hope to make this in one trip.