Embark by Adirondack Daily Enterprise

Ski ing the blues away

Mount Van Hoevenberg Nordic center general manager Kris Cheney-Seymour, left, instructs Griﬃn Kelly during a beginner’s cross-country ski lesson.

By GRIFFIN KELLY

’ve never cross-country skied. OK, that’s a lie. I did last year, but I fell most of time, so I don’t really like to count it as an actual outing. Most folks today are aware of the funnily named SAD, which stands for seasonal affective disorder. It’s a form of depression caused by lack of sunlight, cold weather and little motivation to do recreational activities. In a part of the world where winter lasts from November to May, SAD can hit hard. Now, if you grew up in the North Country, you might be well prepared for the mental stresses of the season. You hike with snowshoes, go ice fishing, ride a snowmobile or slip on some skates. I, however, am from the suburbs outside New York City. Instead of spending my winter weekends on a ski mountain, I was cooped up in a humid wrestling room with 20 other boys doing up-downs and what seemed like infinite sprints across the sweatsoaked mats. Those were good days —

tough but good. Depression wasn’t a factor in my life then. But that was high school, seven years ago. Since then, I’ve moved to the Adirondacks, and all of last winter, I really just did not know what to do with my time. Sleep and endless YouTube holes of “Top 100 ‘Oh My God’ moments in WWE history” were less of a cure and more of a painkiller for my situation. And I don’t even watch wrestling, which is the weird part. I didn’t want to repeat the same thing this winter, so I made a promise to myself. I was going to learn to how to ski, cross country, that is. I still have a big fear of anything downhill ever since I went snowboarding at Sterling Forest in the 10th grade and got my face bashed in by another rider. I was on a trail I shouldn’t have been, fell and got steamrolled by a more experienced snowboarder. I was fine, no concussion, but I did black out for a few seconds and had a large yellow bruise on my

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PHOTO BY JESSE ADCOCK

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February-March 2019

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he February-March issue of Embark marks the end of an era as we prepare to launch a new and improved format in the April-MayJune edition of the magazine. We figured there was no better way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the outdoor adventure publication than to give it a facelift. Starting in April, Embark will become a full-color, glossy magazine that will be published four times a year — spring, summer, fall and winter. With your help, we hope to capture the essence of outdoor life and adventure in each of the seasons. The new version of the magazine, which is brought to you by the publishers of the Adirondack Daily Enterprise and Lake Placid News, will include several new features, while at the same time retaining many of the old standbys that readers have come to love over the years. We hope to provide a broad look at all things outdoors, with added focus on topics such as food, shelter and, of course, photography. Embark will remain a free publication, and can be found at several locations throughout the Adirondacks. There is no charge unless you want it hand delivered to your mailbox. Call Embark’s home office at 518-891-2600 for rates and more information. Our goal is to get readers more involved with the new Embark. We know everyone has an extensive archive of photographs they have taken over the years during their travels through the outdoors. This can be the place for you to share them with the world (or at least with readers of Embark). Whether it’s a picture of your kids, your dogs or an igloo you built in the backyard, we’d love to see it. We also want to hear your stories from the field. We’d love to hear about your latest attempt to traverse the Great Range in a day, or about that feisty bass that refused to submit to your best efforts. If epic adventure isn’t your thing, then maybe you have a favorite recipe that never fails to impress your friends around the camp-

View from Dial Mountain fire. We are sure the public is dying to hear about your innovative method for cooking s’mores. We want to hear from you on any topic related to the outdoors. We know you will come up with something interesting and creative. Send your submissions to Justin Levine at jlevine@adirondackdailyenterprise.com or to Morgan Ryan at sports@adirondackdailyenterprise.com. Please try to send us the largest possible

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version of the photos, so we can better display them in the magazine. We are looking at this February-March issue of Embark as a transitional edition. We have mixed a few fresh stories with some oldies-but-goodies. You will find stories by current Embark writers Justin Levine and Spencer Morrissey, as well as a classic Gear Guide put together by Mike Lynch, one of the founding fathers of Em-

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PHOTO BY MORGAN RYAN

EMBARK SHIFTING GEARS FOR ANNIVERSARY

bark. Embark has seen many changes since it was first published in May 2009. Several talented writers have come and gone, but through it all, the award-winning magazine has never strayed from its original intention to inspire people to: Get up, and get out. This is a tradition we hope to continue for many years to come.

— MORGAN RYAN, Embark editor

February-March 2019

Winter sports

FoRe SeaSoN By JUSTIN A. LEVINE

s anyone who lives in the Adirondacks knows, having a variety of pastimes lined up for the winter months is essential. And Paul Smith’s College is offering an outdoor activity that most may not think of. The college’s recently designated north campus, near the Visitor Interpretive Center, is home to an 18-hole disc golf course, and the professor behind the amenity says winter is a great time to play, especially since it’s free and open to the public, and can easily be done on snowshoes or cross-country skis. “For one, I’ve been passionate about disc golf myself for probably 20 years,” Ross Conover said of his motivation for building the course. “For another, our students are really outdoor oriented, like most everybody in the Adirondacks, so I thought it would be something that would really catch on here. “There aren’t many students who have played disc golf at Paul Smith’s, so I thought it would be something that would really catch on and it has. There’s at least 30 students that I know that come out here regularly.” There is a sign-in sheet at the tee for the first hole, and Conover leafed through finding people from all over the state, as well as Pennsylvania, Ottawa, Connecticut and New Hampshire. Conover said the PSC course is the only 18-hole course within the Blue Line, but said there are some holes at Saranac Lake High School, at Whiteface Mountain, in Cadyville and at AuSable Chasm. He added that the course was also

built with the local community in mind. “Paul Smith’s is always interested in creating any kind of additional activity up here that can be used both by the students and the community to keep connections between the community and the college,” he said. “So this is low impact to the environment; offers year round outdoor recreation; (and) you can cross-country ski it or snowshoe it in the winter time (or) walk it in the summer. “It’s free, it’s open to the public, it’s on a beautiful plot of 50 acres, it’s lakeside to Osgood Pond.” The Jackrabbit Ski Trail, which begins at the VIC, passes through part of the course, offering a little more skiing if one were so inclined. The course was built on old silviculture plots that past students have managed, and Conover said many of the fairways were already in place in the form of old roads. He said the course, which has several holes along the pond, is also heavily wooded in between holes, which he said is safer for players and better for the environment. “There was an alum who said he worked out here in the ‘50s or ‘60s, so it’s got a history of management,” Conover said. “But it hasn’t been quite as active lately in that regard. So to that extent it had been sitting idle. “This particular site — there’s no hunting here, it’s close to the VIC — can tie into Osgood Farm as we try to increase the activities here. So everything just perfectly fell into place.” Conover and a couple of locals — specifically Eric Moreira — designed and built the course over the last three years, and the college paid for the holes to be purchased.

PHOTOS BY JUSTIN A. LEVINE

GolFiNG

Paul Smith’s College professor Ross Conover plays a few holes of disc golf on the school’s campus.

“The entire college was very supportive of the effort, but Jim Tucker, Matt Dougherty, Andy Johnstone, Shannon Oborne and Nicholas Hunt-Bull were also important in offering assistance in a variety of ways,” Conover said. “Andy Testo has also been very supportive from the VIC perspective and our facilities department, particularly John Carver and Chris Moore, have also been supportive via winter plowing.” He added that GIS professor Mel Johnson built the course map. Unlike “ball golf,” as Conover calls it, disc golf holes are actually

baskets that stand about three to four feet above the ground. A hole consists of a fairway, or long, wide-open area, and golfers then must get a disc into the hole to finish. The PSC course’s holes are each rated for par, and par for the course is a 65. Also similar to traditional golf, the course is laid out in such a way as to make it easy to play the front nine, and then be close to the parking area. Although the layout is similar to a golf course, disc golf holes are considerably shorter. Traditional golf holes are measured in hundreds of yards, whereas the PSC course holes are measured

in hundreds of feet. And while there is a whole industry that has developed around disc golf — Conover has a special disc bag with “drivers” and “putters” — all that’s really needed is a flying disc and the desire to play. The PSC course is carry-in, carry-out and Conover said students and the public have been really good about cleaning up after themselves. If the parking lot is not plowed, parking is available at the VIC and the course can be accessed via a short walk. For more information, including rules of play, go to www.paulsmiths.edu/barkeater-dgc.

EM BA R K Brought to you by the publishers of the

THE LAKE PLACID NEWS and

Publisher: Catherine Moore Managing Editor: Peter Crowley Editor: Morgan Ryan Designer: Morgan Ryan Email Justin Levine: jlevine@adirondackdailyenterprise.com Produced by Adirondack Publishing, P.O. Box 318, 54 Broadway, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 Cover photo: Neilson Snye skis along Connery Pond. Photo by Justin A. Levine Although Embark is free, some of you may want to get a subscription if you live outside the circulation area or just want to guarantee yourself a copy. To have a subscription mailed to your home or business, mail a $10 check to Embark, c/o Adirondack Daily Enterprise, P.O. Box 318, Saranac Lake, N.Y. 12983.

February-March 2019

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On the trail This story originally appeared in the February-March 2017 issue of embark.

Mount Arab

ACTIVITY: Hiking/snowshoeing DISTANCE: Mount Arab, 2 miles round trip; Coney Mountain, 2.2 miles RT; Goodman Mountain, 3.4 miles RT DIFFICULTY: Beginner to easy LOCATION: There are three mountains that make up the Tupper Triad. Goodman and Coney mountains are on state Route 30, about 7 miles south of Tupper Lake. Mount Arab is on the west side of Tupper Lake, off of state Route 3 heading toward Cranberry Lake.

By JUSTIN A. LEVINE

e had snowshoes in the car, but after pulling into the parking lot of the Goodman Mountain trailhead outside of Tupper Lake, it looked like we wouldn’t need them. And we didn’t, not for the entire day. My friend and colleague, Tony, and I had decided to use some vacation time to head to Tupper Lake and do the winter Tupper Triad, a series of three mountains around the village that makes for an easy day with highly rewarding views, just before the new year. We met in Saranac Lake and got an early start since neither of us had done the Triad during the winter. I had completed the Triad over the summer and knew it wasn’t much of a killer, but in winter, everything could be much, much harder. Luckily for us, the small mountains proved to be well traveled, and our microspikes and a little dedication were all we needed to reach the summits. We decided to start with the longest of the three hikes, Goodman Mountain. Goodman is a relatively new trail, approved and constructed in 2014. The trail starts off up a steady, gentle grade that follows an old road. In the summer, there are bits of asphalt peaking through the accumulated forest detritus, but this is no walk along a sidewalk. The mountain used to be called Litchfield Mountain, like the nearby Litchfield Park. But in 2002, the mountain was renamed after Andrew Goodman, a civil rights activist who was murdered in 1964. The Goodman family has long ties to Tupper Lake, having purchased a summer home there in late 1930s. Andrew was raised in New York City, but his family were frequent visitors to the Tri-Lakes area. Goodman was on a mission in Mississippi to help black people register to vote. He and two others, James Chaney and Michael Schwerner, had gone to the south during the height of the civil rights movement. They disappeared on their first day there. The mens’ station wagon, which they had been traveling in, was found burned-out on the side of a road in July of that year. A few weeks later, the three men’s bodies were found buried near a dam southwest of Philadelphia, Mississippi. The FBI investigated the murders, and accused 21 men of being involved. Seven were convicted and served sentences of less than six years. In 2005, another man, Edgar Ray Killen, was sentenced to three consecutive 20-year terms for his role in the murders. Killen’s convictions were the only action taken by the state of Mississippi. In August of 2014, the state Department of Environmental Conservation dedicated the new trail up the mountain. There is a

Winter Triad tryst large parking area, complete with a kiosk that highlights Goodman’s saga. Once we had reached the partially open summit of Goodman, Tony and I took in the view of our next target: Coney Mountain. Coney also sports a new parking area, albeit much smaller than the Goodman parking area. However, in the summer, there are frequently cars parked along both shoulders of state Route 30, indicating the popularity of the hike. When I climbed Goodman over the summer, the summit was over-run with ripe blueberries and kids with gallon baggies running around collecting the sweet fruit. Although it was a busy summit, the sound of laughter emanating from the kids was far from unpleasant. This winter, Tony and I had the summit to ourselves, although the trail was just as broken out as Goodman’s had been and our snowshoes were again left in the car. Coney offers a wide-open view of the surrounding area, and my GPS told me there was a geocache near the summit. The wind had picked up and snow was blowing as we let our beards get iced up. The clouds had descended a little bit while we were hiking, so we got no real views, although on a clear day one can see the village of Tupper Lake and the surrounding lakes and mountains easily.

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We quickly made our way down the short mountain and back to the car. We then drove back through Tupper Lake, heading toward Cranberry Lake before turning off the main road toward our final stop: Mount Arab. Although Mount Arab is the shortest of the three hikes, it is also the steepest and in many ways the most rewarding. The Arab trail was wet during the summer, and we found more of the same this winter, despite the falling snow and blowing wind. Tony and I climbed again just using microspikes. All three of these trails are quite popular and even with the lack of sign-ins at the trailhead, it was obvious that we were not the first to hike the peak this particular day. We set out and within a half-hour, the old ranger cabin and fire tower were peeking out of the flat gray light. Although the Goodman and Coney trails sport new parking areas, Arab is the most “developed” of the three peaks. The summit sports a wooden viewing bench at the top of a rock outcrop, as well as the cabin and tower. The fire tower was built in 1918 by the state as a fire watcher’s post. The foundation of the original observer’s cabin is still there, but was buried under snow. The treed summit still offers plenty of views, and climbing the

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Coney Mountain

PHOTOS BY JUSTIN A. LEVINE

Tupper Triad

restored tower offers a 360-degree lookout. The current cabin was built in the late 1940s, before the state switched to using airplanes to keep an eye on fire danger. A non-profit group called Friends of Mount Arab formed to restore the tower and provide historical displays at the top of the mountain. In the summer, the cabin is usually staffed and someone is on hand to offer interpretation and talk to the public. Tony and I climbed the ice-covered stairs to the cabin of the tower, where the strong winds were making it snow inside. The windows were iced over limiting our views, but from the stairs just below the cabin, the sights were limited only by the low-hanging clouds. We sat on the covered porch of the cabin and had a quick snack before beginning our decent. We made our way back into Tupper Lake in time for lunch at Raquette River Brewing and congratulated ourselves on successfully completing all three climbs in one day. The Tupper Triad, even in winter, is a family-friendly outing that is within reach of even the most novice of hikers. Including breaks and driving between mountains, Tony and I completed the Triad in under five hours. There is no requirement to complete it all one day either, so you can still earn the patch if you split the hikes up over a few days. For more information on the Triad, including the registration form (for $5 you can get a patch and sticker), visit www.tupperlake.com/recreation/tupper-lake-triad.

February-March 2019 2017

AN UNEXPECTED ICE WALK This story originally appeared in the December 2014 issue of embark.

PHOTOS BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

The fire tower on top of Blue Mountain offers a nice vantage point. Pictured above is the ice-covered trail to the summit.

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

ou would expect that in December there would be plenty of snow on a 3,700-foot peak to accommodate a snowshoe trek, but due to a change in the weather — or as I like to refer it: a misdiagnosis of Mother Nature — we ended up with a mixed bag over the three days prior. Other than that, it was almost the perfect day for a snowshoe. It would have been even better if the skies were blue and the views endless. OK, so the weather wasn’t cooperating, but a bad day in the woods is better than a good day at ... you fill in the blank. The temperatures were in the mid 20s and there wasn’t a lick of wind. We had that going for us, and mid 20s is almost perfect in the winter for snowshoeing, hiking or cross-country skiing. Blue Mountain, in my opinion, is one of the finest fire tower peaks in the Adirondack Park, with its unique trail and sweet views. I was guiding on this day for the Town of Long Lake on one of their free hike offerings that they have all summer long and into the winter. This year, they went even further into the fall season and offered a hike up Blue Mountain to see if anyone would bite. I met my hiking crew at the trailhead at around 9 a.m. on a Friday, with a nice little chill in the air, the kind where if you thought about the dampness you would instantly shiver. One gentleman brought his snowshoes, as I did, and a couple extra pairs to share. We left them in the car. A couple days prior, there was plenty of snow to use them on, but, as I mentioned, that warm spell followed by a deep freeze turned everything into a skating rink. I made the decision early on to bring extra microspikes just in case some needed them. Luckily I did, because that was all we used. We put them on at the trailhead before we even started out. It was hard enough standing upright in the icy parking lot, much less how it would be on the steeper sections of trail. The mi-

February-March 2019 December 2014-January 2015

Blue Mountain ACTIVITY: Hiking/snowshoeing DISTANCE: 4.2 miles round-trip DIFFICULTY: Moderate ELEVATION: 3,750 feet ELEVATION GAIN: 1,559 TRAILHEAD: The Blue Mountain trail is located one-tenth of a mile north of the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake. The parking area is on the east side of state Route 30/28N.

crospikes would help us move about freely on the trail and make the walking a bit more efficient, not to mention much safer. The trail unfolded in front us rather quickly as we made our way up the old woods road to where the actual foot trail begins. Then there was a long stretch where we took off the traction — for some reason that half mile of trail didn’t get the memo to wear its ice overcoat. We were walking with little to no snow under our feet, but the ice soon became plentiful again. The tough part was knowing where the ice was since it was covered in a dusting. Partway along the hike we topped off on a height of land that I call flat rock. Flat rock is a decent-sized, flat-topped boulder on the side of the trail, a great place to take a small break — so we did. Throwing on an overlayer to fight the light breeze that had come up, we sipped some tea and grabbed a quick granola bar before we advanced further into the wild forest. Soon we descended the slight hill to the small valley below, which has an attractive stream running through it. A slight adjustment to a couple twisting Microspikes, and we were on our way. After the brook crossing is where the ice really began to ramp up, as well as the overgrade of the trail. From this point, we would fight the steeper slopes on a constant slope

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of solid ice. Some of the ice was so hard even the microspikes had trouble gripping in spots. We looked for wet spots on the ice and walked there when we could, knowing the grip would be much better. At other times we had to resort to pulling ourselves up along the trees or hiking in the trees where the ice wasn’t. We managed but the pace was a crawl and the trees very accommodating. Once the grade eased up a bit, we enjoyed a much mellower hike through the balsam and spruce. Before we knew it we were hiking along the moderate ridge with a narrow trail of evergreens lining the sides. Looking upward for the fire tower every few seconds, we could finally see it above us.

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Unfortunately, Blue Mountain doesn’t offer great views from ground level, unless you poke around a bit. Even if it did, on this day, we were out of luck. What you really need to do is climb the fire tower and get into the cab to reach the potential of this mountain. We suited up in preparation for the windy winter conditions that were apparent from the howl of the wind through the frame. Even with no views, the wind and cold conditions did not disappoint us. It was exhilarating for everyone, especially those who had never summited a peak in winter. This gave them the true feeling they were looking for. After a few quick pictures of the area, which turned out to be focused on one another rather than the perfectly good views of the gray clouds, we got back down into the protection of the trees. Almost feeling the need to huddle together now, we opted for another warm drink and a rapid descent. Now we had to descend this ice-covered mountain, and with our forward momentum it could be very dangerous and unpredictable. We stuck to the snow-covered edges near the trees as needed, but more often than not, we followed a very narrow opening in the trees. Even in the trees, we had to rely on our rear-end for support. After a couple sections of crab-walking and a few short glissades in the dust we were finally making the final step onto normal earth. We made it down off the ice much faster than anticipated, with no real issues and, most importantly, no accidents. Our hike was done in just over four hours, even with some extra time on the summit and a relaxed pace throughout. The Town of Long Lake offers free hikes all summer long and into the fall. They range from easy strolls to backcountry ponds to more aggressive climbs like Indian Pass and Mount Adams. Interested in seeing what’s on the menu for next year? Visit www.mylonglake.com or call 518-6243077.

GEAR GUIDE: Climbing helmet

Designed to withstand a certain amount of impact to your head due to falling debris.

Liner cap A thin, lightweight liner hat fits nicely under a helmet.

Goggles (not shown) For eye protection. Sunglasses can also be used to prevent sun glare.

Backpack To carry extra gloves, hat, jacket, thermos, food and other emergency supplies

ce climbing season is in full swing in the Adirondack High Peaks region. Routes have opened on Chapel Pond, Pitchoff and other favorite haunts. Here, Nick Gully, climbing buyer for the Mountaineer gear store in Keene Valley, displays some of the essential equipment for any aspiring ice climber looking to get vertical during the winter months.

Soft-shell jacket

This story originally appeared in the January-February 2011 issue of embark.

For warmth and mobility (waterproof jacket in pack)

Ice tool Two tools are usually needed in order for the climber (supported by cramponed feet) to use each tool in turn to maintain balance with the body's center of mass nearly straight above the toes.

Slings To connect rope and climber to protection

Climbing ropes Dry treated, about 10 mm x 60 m

Harness In general, use a climbing harness for ice climbing that allows for a proper fit over your winter layers without compromising the secure fit.

Ice screamers Shock absorbing sling designed to reduce loads in case of a fall

Ice screws Gloves

A threaded steel tube designed to bore into ice to act as a protective anchor.

Lightly-insulated durable gloves with thin liner optional

Belay device Leash

With a locking carabiner, this device is used by a belayer and threaded with the climbing rope to act as a brake on the rope in the event of a partner falling.

To connect to ice tools during the climb

Soft shell pants Often these comfortable and very breathable pants are sufficient on their own as an outer layers, but hard shell should be carried in your pack.

Base layer

PHOTO BY MIKE LYNCH

Midweight wool- or polyester-based top and bottom (dependent on temperature)

Boots Boots designed for ice climbing provide walking comfort and a moderate level of insulation. Generally lined with Primaloft or Thinsulate, they are not only lightweight but fully crampon compatible.

Crampons (not shown) Ice climbing crampons have more aggressive front points and more tailored spikes for greater vertical traction.

6January-February 2011

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February-March 20199

ice ﬁshing

Ice fishing

SHELTER FROM THE WIND AND COLD W

By JUSTIN A. LEVINE

These stories originally appeared in the February-March 2016 issue of embark.

Jason Hages, of Fort Ann, shows off his portable ice shanty during a fishing trip in January.

PHOTO BY JOE HACKETT

are, you can drill a hole in the ice and then pop up the shelter portion of the shanty. The shelter is typically made of heavy duty nylon which blocks the wind, and there may be clear plastic windows to allow natural light in. Often the ceiling of the shanty will be a thicker material, allowing body heat to become trapped to make the shelter warmer. Depending on the size of the shanty, there will be one or two seats in the sled. They will be at a comfortable height for sitting, and will keep your butt dry and warm. The tent extends out past one side of the sled to enclose both the sled and the hole drilled in the ice so that the fisher can be totally enclosed and out of the elements while still sitting comfortably close to the jigging hole. Obviously, there are benefits to each kind of shanty, and some fishermen may have more than one for different uses. The smaller shanties are easy to move, so they can come off the ice each day or be moved around to find fish. They can be put in the back of a truck or large car, so there’s no need for a trailer or to drive out on the ice. A larger ice shanty can be a comfortable getaway if you have a more permanent spot to set it up, just be prepared for a little more work moving it around.

PHOTOS BY JUSTIN A. LEVINE

hen thinking of ice fishing, the classic sight of someone hunched over a hole in the ice, jigging rod in hand, perched on a cooler is most likely what comes to mind. Of course, some fishermen want to get a little more protection from the elements than just their jacket can provide. Hence, the ice shanty. Once the ice gets to be thick enough, it’s common to see little houses pop up in the middle of a lake. Sometimes they even sport a little curl of smoke from a small wood stove. But the classic ice shanty is now being joined by smaller, more agile shelters. An ice shanty, by definition, is any sort of shelter that is taken out onto the ice so that fishermen have a shelter to fish from. It provides protection from the wind and blowing snow, as well as bitterly cold temperatures. Classic ice shanties are typically built just like a house, with seats, windows, walls and a roof. The floor opens up so that fishing can still be accomplished in the relative warmth of the shanty. Typically, the shanty will have enough room for two or more people, and depending on the owner, may have heat, TV, radio or any other number of modern conveniences. However, the welcoming warmth of the large shanty comes with a trade-off. They are quite heavy, so the ice has to be thick before bringing them out. And unless the owner lives on a water-front property, the shanty will need to be transported to a boat launch. A truck, four-wheeler or large snowmobile is needed to get the shanty out on the ice as well, and of course the whole process will have to be reversed in the spring when the shanty comes off the ice. There are also several regulations regarding ice shanties. If being left on the ice, the owner’s name and address must be marked in letters at least three inches high, and ice shanties must be taken off the ice by March 15 to prevent them from falling through the ice. There are some other options for those wishing to be out of the elements or have a little more protection when on the ice. Manufacturers have developed much smaller, more portable oneand two-person shanties that can be dragged out on the ice by hand every time you want to go fishing. Essentially, these shanties are tents built onto a sled. They are collapsible but when assembled will stand up to pretty strong winds. Obviously, they won’t have as many amenities as the larger shanties, but can be much more comfortable than sitting out exposed to the elements. The portable shanties are built with a high-sided sled as the base, which makes them easy to drag, even over rough surfaces, while keeping snow out of the shanty itself. When you get to where the fish

Portable ice shanties are essentially tents built onto a sled and can be dragged on and off the ice without much trouble.

Always play it safe when traveling on the ice

Ice picks February-March 2019 8

By JUSTIN A. LEVINE

ce fishing, and indeed any activity that requires ice travel, should only be undertaken with safety first and foremost in your mind. Whether ice skating, fishing, skiing or anything else, going onto the ice requires preparation and vigilance. You should always have some sort of foot traction and ice safety picks, but more importantly you need to check the ice carefully. As a rule of thumb, you should never go onto ice that is less than three inches thick. Keep in mind that even ice this thick could break apart or have open holes. At previous ice fishing holes or in areas where there is a current or spring,

the ice can be much less stable. Early ice and spring ice need to be treated with extra caution too. But before you even start drilling test holes to see the thickness of the ice, you should be sporting traction on your feet and ice picks around your neck. Head injuries are common from falls on ice, regardless of whether you’re walking, skating or getting cross-checked by a Russian hockey player with no front teeth, and a good grip under your feet will greatly reduce your chance of slipping and falling. Emergency ice picks come in lots of colors, shapes and sizes. The picks come in pairs, one for each hand, and are tethered together so they can hang around the neck and be easily accessible

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in case you do fall through the ice. The pick consists of a large handle that is easy to grip, and a sharp metal pick that sticks out of the end. The pick is guarded by a retractable sleeve so that it won’t hurt you or tear your jacket. The idea is that if you go through the ice, climbing back out of the water requires a ton of effort because the ice is slippery. The picks allow you to gain traction on the ice with your hands so that you can pull yourself out of the water. From head injuries to hypothermia, ice travel contains many potential dangers. But with preparation and care, you can avoid most sources of injury though, making whatever activity you are doing much more enjoyable.

7 February-March 2016

Cross-country skiing

Skiing the blues away

it as if you raising and lowering a cup of water, trying your best not to spill any of it.” We stood in place for a few moments, practicing the motion, looking like a couple of lazy dancers who don’t know any other moves — reserved Carlton Bankses. When you start moving, there is a certain rhythm you want to maintain. As your left leg goes forward, so does your right arm — same pattern for your right leg and left arm. It’s a little confusing at first, a body-brain teaser, like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time. But once I stopped

thinking about it so much, the rhythm came naturally. As we headed down the Bobcat trail, a nice and easy route, we were passed by more experienced skiers, young and old. “The oldest known skier that I see here somewhat regularly is 96 years old,” Cheney-Seymour said. “Cross-country skiing is absolutely a sport for all ages. Those who continue to do it are often very young at heart. There’s a sense of adventure and accomplishment. It’s a wonderful physical activity.” That it is. Only a few minutes in did I start to feel not exhausted,

but exerted. Every muscle felt as if it was being worked. Using just the arms as if you are rowing a boat is even harder. It felt similar to an ice-climbing phenomenon known as the “screaming barfies,” which is when you put strain on your arms while lowering your circulation because your arms are generally above you. When the blood starts pumping again, it hurts. You have to swing and rotate your arms regularly to avoid the pain. Aside from the physicality, Cheney-Seymour said the hardest hump for beginners to get over is the right mindset.

“For people who are excited to learn and to be out in the snow and embrace all of the parts of skiing or cross-country skiing, that’s usually one of the biggest first hurdles,” he said. “Next is willingness to learn and to be uncomfortable. Skiing is something that is, for a lot of people, not natural or intuitive, especially if they’re learning it as an adult. You’ve got to be able to listen to and accept guidance.” Despite some physical strain, cross-country skiing was probably one of the most fun activities I’ve ever done. It brought me back to my wrestling days without all the ringworm and weight cutting. It got my heart racing and my mind feeling good. But there was also an enormous sense of calmness. I wasn’t thinking about work, or that I need to do laundry or that I keep buying too much food at the grocery store. I was just skiing in the woods with a friend and a trainer. And it was good. Jesse reacted to it even more so. He ran through the trails, trying to go as fast as possible. He jumped up in the air once or twice, even though that’s not customary in Nordic. Downhill is probably his next adventure. We took a short break at Josie’s, a little cabin in the trail system where you can drink coffee, eat a waffle and listen to a story from 1960 Olympian Joe Pete Wilson. We had taken our skis off, but it didn’t feel that way. “When do the phantom skis stop?” Jesse asked. “That’s just a sign that you’re now hooked,” Kris said, “and they’re never going to go away.”

Top, Jesse adcock picks up speed during his ﬁrst cross-country skiing excursion. Middle, Kris Cheney-Seymour, left, demonstrates how to get up on crosscountry skis after a fall. Below, CheneySeymour describes the Mount Van Hoevenberg trail system to Griﬃn Kelly.

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PHOTOS BY JESSE ADCOCK

forehead for a few weeks. The forehead, being the thickest part of the skull, is the safest part to take a blow. I called up Kris Cheney-Seymour — he’s the manager at the Mount Van Hoevenberg Nordic center — and asked if he would give me and my co-worker Jesse Adcock a beginner’s lesson. Cheney-Seymour grew up in Saranac Lake and competed nationally. For 20 years he coached everyone from little kids to Olympians such as Lowell Bailey, Billy Demong and Tim Burke. He was more than happy to oblige my request. Cross-country skiing dates back to prehistoric times as a means of transportation while on the hunt for animals like woolly mammoths. Some of the earliest known cross-country skis can be seen in cave paintings in China’s Xinjiang region, which are more than 10,000 years old. Jesse and I didn’t look tough enough to hunt down mammoths, but still. Just putting the skis on is probably the hardest part. You have to line up your boot perfectly with this little notch in the ski, and you can’t have any snow in the way, which is difficult because you’re surrounded by the stuff. Even when I thought I had it right, the ski would go limp and fall from my boot. Jesse was able to do it well enough, but Cheney-Seymour had to help me with mine, which kind of felt like when you’re a kid and the shoe salesperson puts your foot in that funny measuring device. Once they were on the skis felt fine, but Jesse and I were sticking to the snow. Other skiers looked as if they were sailing by, while we had hit a reef. “You probably just need some more wax,” Cheney-Seymour said. Instead of taking off the skis, waxing and then trying to get them back on again, Kris had us do a classic team-building exercise. Jesse lifted his foot and stuck his ski in the snow perpendicular to the ground. He held on to my shoulder while Cheney-Seymour waxed the bottom of the ski. Next it was my turn. A big glob of snow had taken a liking to my left ski and wouldn’t come off without a fight. My leg began to feel heavy. “Oh, I’m falling,” I sort of yelled with my arm wrapped around Jesse. I nearly pulled him to the ground, but he held his stance and saved me. Next, Cheney-Seymour showed us the perfect stance and movement. “You kind of want to look like a hunched-over gorilla,” he said. “Knees slightly bent with your arms just hanging at the side. You never want to be completely straight up; otherwise you risk falling backward. And when you move your arms, you’d want to do

PHOTOS BY GRIFFIN KELLY

Continued from page 1

February-March 2019

Easy excursions

easy excursions

A PLEASANT STROLL WITH A LOT OF WILDLIFE I By JUSTIN A. LEVINE

These stories originally appeared in the February-March 2018 issue of embark.

Mud Pond ACTIVITY: Hike, ski, snowshoe DISTANCE: 3.2 miles, round trip DIFFICULTY: Moderate, only due to lack of trail markers DIRECTIONS: From Kate Mountain Park in Vermontville, take state Route 3 toward Plattsburgh for 11 miles to the small parking area on the left. From Plattsburgh, the trailhead is on the right 1.5 miles from Soucy Rd. in Riverview. The trail is marked by a brown DEC sign on the opposite side of the road from the parking area.

the markers were thin, some kind soul had put up orange or pink flagging to mark the way. The first half (or so) of the trail winds its way up an esker, utilizing a number of switchbacks — a rarity in Adirondack hikes. With an abundance of beech trees and long lines of sight, I figured this would be prime hunting country, and despite the lack of other vehicles in the parking area I donned some blindingly bright orange clothes in my best effort to avoid getting shot. As I wound my way up the esker, small rock outcroppings

gave the land a little character, and I made a quick off-trail run up to the high spot at the 0.86-mile mark. From there, the trail transitions to the classic Adirondack singletrack hiking trail, and within a few minutes glimpses of the pond can be seen through the trees. Less than 40 minutes after setting out, I was on the shore of the pond, standing on the assembled stones of a fire pit, taking photos of the Alder Brook Mountains which loomed over the far side of the pond. I noticed the otters and did a lit-

tle exploring, making my way east toward the outlet of the pond. Across the ice, I could hear some sort of animal splashing and calling from the swampy area on the southeast side of the pond, but despite some patience I never saw what was making the noise. After hanging out at the pond for a little bit, I headed back up the trail. A few minutes later — as I suspected — a hunter came down the trail and surprised me. Luckily, he was just out for a walk with his gun, but due to the camouflage I didn’t see him until he was only

PHOTOS BY JUSTIN A. LEVINE

’d been walking for a while and it seemed like the hike might start to drag on, but I bent down to tie my shoe and noticed the silver slivers of a sundappled pond through the trees, and quickly bound off to reach the shore. As I took in the surprisingly nice view of Mud Pond, I noticed some movement on the thin sheet of ice that was covering most of the 109acre waterbody. Far across the way, past the half moon-shaped open water, what appeared to be a pair of otters were moving across the shiny white surface. I lifted my camera and started snapping pictures. The animals were far away, and I didn’t put a whole lot of stock in the photos I took. But when I looked at the screen on the camera and zoomed in, it was clear through the series of pics that the otters weren’t just running across the ice, they were running and building up speed, only to then belly slide across the ice. Honestly, it looked like a lot of fun. Mud Pond is one of those places that’s easy to get to, but I’d driven past the small trailhead for more than a decade, always saying to myself, “I really need to hike back in there.” So when I had a few hours free and was looking for a hike that would fit into that window, Mud Pond came to mind. The state Department of Environmental Conservation maintains a trail out to the pond that on the website is labeled as one mile and on the trail sign as a 1.4-mile trip. Both of those are wrong, but the pleasant hike doesn’t feel like a whole lot to take on, even as my GPS clocked the distance at 1.56 miles from the trailhead to the pond. The rarely visited trail hadn’t seen a hiker for more than a week when I signed in at the trail register, although the scuffed-up leaves along the trail indicated that either animals or hikers who hadn’t signed in were using the path. For such an under-utilized trail, the path to Mud Pond is surprisingly developed in some ways, and surprisingly undeveloped in others. There are extensive improvements to the trail, including several stone staircases that some ranger or trail crew obviously put a lot of time into long ago. But the red DEC trail markers are few and far between in many places, making the trail difficult to follow sometimes. This shouldn’t be a problem in summer or fall when the path can be pieced together by sight, but following the trail after a snowfall could prove tough. Luckily, where

about a dozen yards away. We talked for a few minutes, and he said he’d been finding wasp nests close to the ground — “Cold winter with no snow,” he said. Following the trail on the way out was easier than on the way in, and I was soon back at my car telling myself to bring friends and family back to Mud Pond for the pleasant and quiet hike. It’s the kind of place where you’d expect to see a moose or a bald eagle, but a pair of otter playing on the ice was more than enough to make a memorable experience.

PENINSULA TRAILS OFFER QUICK RESPITE IN LAKE PLACID By JUSTIN A. LEVINE

he parking area already had a couple of cars in it when I pulled in. Then another joined us while I was putting on my skis. There were two more cars when I was done. But the entire time I was on the Brewster Peninsula Trails in Lake Placid were quiet and peaceful. The short trail system, which is nestled on a peninsula that juts into Lake Placid lake, offers a few quick options that are perfect for a lunch hour or afterwork escape. Popular with hikers, bikers, skiers, snowshoers and dog walkers, the three quick loops that can be made on the peninsula also connect to the famed Jackrabbit Ski Trail in case one is looking for a few extra miles. Since I had an hour or so, I decided to do the perimeter loop, consisting of the Boundary, Lakeshore and Ridge trails. Starting out from the gate on Peninsula Way in Lake Placid, I set out down the main trail to the register, where I grabbed a pamphlet put out by the Lake Placid Garden Club. That group, along with Barkeater Trails Alliance and the state Department of Environmental Conservation, maintain the trails.

February-March 2019 4

Peninsula Trails ACTIVITY: Walk, hike, bike, ski, snowshoe DISTANCE: .25 to 2.2 miles DIFFICULTY: Easy TRAILHEAD: From the village of Lake Placid, turn right onto Peninsula Way, a private road at the entrance of the Quality Inn on state Route 86. Go up the hill and continue straight for 0.3 miles to the yellow gate straight ahead.

Shortly past the register, I hung a left on the Boundary Trail and went just a few hundred yards before turning right on the Jackrabbit Trail. I followed the Jackrabbit down to the Lake Placid dam and hung another right to follow the Lakeshore Trail. This part of the system follows the shore of Lake Placid, and skiers could ease their way by venturing out on the ice of the lake if they’re confident its safe. At the end of the Lakeshore trail, skiers could head back to the trailhead on the main trail, or continue on to the Ridge Trail.

At just about three-quarters of a mile, the Ridge Trail is the longest in the system. It takes users up on a small ridge and through some beautiful beech forest. I then rounded out the loop by hanging a right on the Boundary Trail and then taking a left to get back to the car. Due to some heavy rain about a week earlier, the skiing wasn’t that great. There was plenty of snow and just a few roots and rocks poking through, but the surface was icy and crusty and made for slow going on the uphills and fast going on the downhills. The nicest thing about the trail system is that it works if you have anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or two. The self-guided nature trails are good for a quick workout or a lingering walk with kids. None of the hills are killers, and in summer a dip in the lake would be a great way to break up a hike. The perimeter loop I did turned out to be 2.2 enjoyable miles despite the lackluster conditions. There were walkers, skiers and snowshoers on the January day I visited, and everyone was smiling and friendly. How could you not be when out enjoying a little slice of nature right in town?

Outlet Brook Dam

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February-March 2018 9

5 Family-friendly trips near Saranac Lake

By SPENCER MORRISSEY

Moose Pond

PHOTO BY SPENCER MORRISSEY

This story originally appeared in the February-March 2017 issue of embark.

Bloomingdale Bog

Dewey Mountain

McKenzie Pond

Moose Pond

Mount Baker

ACTIVITY: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing DIFFICULTY: Easy DISTANCE: Up to 8 miles, round trip PERKS: This is a stellar location for scenery and is an ideal spot for first time crosscountry skiers. The trail follows an old railroad grade, making it perfect for the entire family. The trail goes from state Route 86 all the way through to Bloomingdale, 4 miles away. Travelers have the option to turn around whenever they wish and still see some excellent portions of the massive bog. This is also a great trail for feeding a gray jay out of your hand. OBSTACLES: The access point is not marked off Route 86, so having a recreational map of the area is extremely helpful. QUOTE: “Bloomingdale Bog has two entrances from which you can start — from the Bloomingdale side and the Saranac Lake side. You can do a two-car hike through as well, if you prefer or have that option. There is very little elevation change on this hike, making it ideal for the entire family. Bloomingdale Bog is one of the largest bogs in the Adirondack Park and home to many species of wild birds; not to mention the possibility of a moose.” — www.lakeplacid.com DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of Main Street and state Route 3 in Saranac Lake, follow Main Street around to Broadway. Continue onto Broadway to the red light and continue straight onto Route 86. Continue on Route 86 for 2.7 miles to a dirt road on the right with a shadow figure on a post. Turn in here to the yellow boundary gate.

ACTIVITY: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate DISTANCE: Varies depending on your preference PERKS: This is a great location for beginner snowshoers as well as cross-country skiing. With many trails to choose from, you may have to come back for more. The recreation center has plenty offer, with programs, rentals, activities and more. Go to www.deweymountain.com for more details. OBSTACLES: Grab a map of the trails to be sure that if you are snowshoeing, you are in fact on a snowshoe trail. A trail map will also assure you that the trail you are skiing on is not beyond your skill level. QUOTE: “The upper trails let you indulge your ‘wild side.’ They feature ungroomed backcountry trails in the beautiful forest. They extend to the very top of the mountain, for 440 feet of vertical drop. There’s 4 kilometers of snowshoe trail. It winds to the top of Dewey for an extravagant view of the Saranac Chain of Lakes, then descends along the west side of the mountain. This trail is laid out for easy climbing, using classic inclined planes at the tougher parts, like the east side of the mountain.” — www.saranaclake.com DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of Main Street and state Route 3 in Saranac Lake, follow Route 3 toward Tupper Lake. Continue for 1.25 miles to the Dewey Mountain Recreation Center on the left.

ACTIVITY: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate DISTANCE: 3.5 miles, round-trip PERKS: Snowshoeing or skiing this trail will offer an easy venture with a few hills to give you a bit of a rush if you are on skis or a bit of a workout if you are trekking them. OBSTACLES: A couple of the hills are a bit steep and fast. If this is your first time on skis they can be difficult, especially in spots where trees line the trail. QUOTE: “McKenzie Pond is nestled in between Baker Mountain to the west and Little McKenzie Mountain to the north. McKenzie Pond is also part of the western border of the 36,200 acre McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area which brings to light some of the most pristine areas of the park.” — www.lakeplacid.com DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of Main Street and state Route 3 in Saranac Lake, follow Route 86 toward Lake Placid. Go straight through the intersection before NBT Bank and continue onto Brandy Brook Avenue. Take a right onto Pine Street after crossing the railroad tracks. This will turn into McKenzie Pond Road. Stay on this road for 1.25 miles to the trailhead for the Jackrabbit Trail on the left.

ACTIVITY: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing DIFFICULTY: Easy DISTANCE: 3.0 miles, round-trip PERKS: This is a perfect trail for first time cross-county skiers and snowshoeing for all of your family. Ending at a gorgeous backcountry pond, it’s a perfect place to enjoy hot chocolate and have a winter picnic. OBSTACLES: Parking is tough in winter. You will need to park along state Route 3 and use the farm road to find the trailhead. The farm road and trailhead is not marked off Route 3, so a recreation map of the area is best to have on hand. QUOTE: “The snowshoe is through open landscape with fascinating walls of white as the snow coats the trees. The McKenzie Mountain Wilderness stands high above the opposite side of the pond.” — www.lakeplacid.com DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of Main Street and state Route 3 in Saranac Lake, follow the signs for Route 3 West. Continue on Route 3 toward Bloomingdale for 4.25 miles to the farm access road. There is a fence lining the dirt road back to the Saranac River, it will not be plowed. Park roadside in a safe location.

ACTIVITY: Snowshoeing DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate DISTANCE: 1.6 miles, round-trip PERKS: An easy, short snowshoe will get you to stellar views. Big bang for the buck. Baker is considered the easiest of the Saranac Lake 6ers, making it a good starting point if you are interested in joining the club that requires hiking Mount Baker, Ampersand Mountain, St. Regis Mountain, McKenzie Mountain, Haystack Mountain and Scarface Mountain. OBSTACLES: Even though this is a small mountain within the village, it can present quite a challenge. The trail can be icy and is quite steep on the way up and down. It is easy to lose track of the trail once you reach the summit. QUOTE: “The summit of Baker offers great views over the village of Saranac Lake, the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area and toward the High Peaks Region.” — www.lakeplacid.com DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of Main Street and state Route 3 in Saranac Lake, follow Main Street. Continue on Main Street past the library and through a stoplight. At the intersection with Pine Street take a right and go a few hundred feet to Forest Hill Avenue on the left. Follow Forest Hill Avenue around to the trailhead which will be on the left, with Moody Pond on the right.

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February-March 2019 2017

Buyer’s Guide

THE RIGHT PURCHASE FOR BETTER PURCHASE

Yaktrax Run

Microspikes

By JUSTIN A. LEVINE

hether you want to walk on a slippery sidewalk, tread out to your ice shanty, go for a run in February or climb a High Peak, there are no shortage of options when it comes to gaining traction on slick surfaces. There are a few brand names that most of you are probably aware of — like Yaktrax and Microspikes — but the diversity of traction devices for your feet has widened considerably in the past decade or so. Although there is a wide range of devices, it pays to choose ones that will suit your needs. If you’re just going to the mailbox or walking in parking lots, you probably don’t need 12-point crampons, and if you’re climbing Mount Marcy, basic Yaktrax aren’t going to cut it. So, where to start? You will likely be best served by visiting a store like EMS in Lake Placid or The Mountaineer in Keene Valley, both of which stock a selection of traction device for almost any use, from running to ice climbing. There are local gear stores around the Adirondacks that will likely have a selection to choose from since, you know, it’s a long winter in these parts. One of the most basic and earliest mass-marketed devices was Yaktrax, with a rubber booty that slips over the outside of pretty much any shoe and has metal coiled along the sole to help you gain purchase on the ice. Yaktrax are great for not-so-demanding excursions, but are unsuitable for extended hikes of more than a mile or two. Kahtoola, the company behind the famous microspikes, has become synonymous with traction among hikers. Microspikes, whether they’re brand name or not, are practically required equipment for spring, fall and winter hiking. Much like the Yaktrax, microspikes have a rubber part that slips over your boots. The difference is that microspikes are like a crampon-lite, with small chains holding a series of metal spikes in place. Microspikes offer fantastic traction in a wide variety of circumstances, and because the spikes are small, they are comfortable to walk in for extended periods of time. In between microspikes and Yaktrax is another Kahtoola product called Nanospikes. Again, the Nanospikes are probably not suit-

February-March February-March 2019 2017

Stabil Walk

This story originally appeared in the February-March 2017 issue of embark.

able for long hikes, but the small carbide tips protruding from the sole offer exceptional traction on very icy surfaces – like walking out to the ice shanty or taking a stroll around Mirror Lake. Yaktrax has also come out with a product specifically for running, called the Yaktrax Run. The Run offers carbide tips under the ball of the foot and the metal coils under the heel. While obviously designed for runners, this could be an all-around good traction device for areas in the forecountry, but are unlikely to be of much use on any sort of serious slope. Stepping up from the Microspikes are actual crampons. Although crampons are commonly known to be used for ice climbing, many people like to carry the heavier duty crampons on hikes in the High Peaks, on particularly steep trails and when the ice is expected to be thick and hard. There are plenty of options for ice climbing crampons out there, but they probably shouldn’t be used for simple hikes. Many also require specialized boots to be attached to. Luckily for us nonclimbers, several companies have developed trail crampons. While not intended for actual ice climbing, the 10- or 12-point crampons can literally be a lifesaver if conditions get bad enough. Trail crampons have much larger spikes than the microspikes, often three-quarters of an inch to an inch long. The longer, thicker spikes offer better purchase on steep or hard ice, and most models have toe spikes that allow you to dig in while going up steep sections. In addition to the added traction, trail crampons can be used with virtually any boot. While ice climbing crampons require specialized boots, products like the Black Diamond Contact have a strap system that will accommodate anything from a sneaker to a steel-toed work boot. If you shop for traction online, it can easily become overwhelming with the number of options available, so your first stop should be to a store that has knowledgeable folks who can point you in the right direction. Once you’ve figured out where and how vigorously you’ll be using your traction the most, you can narrow it down to a couple of products that will suit your needs, and hopefully your budget.

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Hillsound Trail Crampons Black Diamond Contact

PHOTOS BY JUSTIN A. LEVINE

This story originally appeared in the February-March 2017 issue of embark.

Nanospikes

Microspikes offer fantastic traction in a wide variety of circumstances, and because the spikes are small, they are comfortable to walk in for extended periods of time.

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119

Lost Pond trail

Lake Colby

Otters on Mud Pond

PHOTOS BY JUSTIN A. LEVINE

Bigelow Road

Get Up • Get Out

I Snowshoe trip suggestions

I Hike to Blue Mountain

I Tupper Lake Triad

I Winter disc golfing

I Cross-country ski lesson

Inside

February-March 2019