Where the heck is Matt?

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The plan [...]]]> It was cold, about 19 degrees, as four of us-Jim Muller, Mark Hay, Jay Katonica and Scott Handy set out on a slippery, snow-covered bushwhack up Warren County’s Mount Blue.  Our canine escort, Maddux, a German shepherd/husky cross, bounded ahead with enviable ease as the rest of us struggled on the slick footing.

The plan was to drop our packs along the trail to Lizard pond, bushwhack up Mount Blue, then return to our packs and hike along the shore of the Lizard pond to the lean-to sited on the western shore of the pond. The mile-long trail to Lizard pond begins on the southwest shore of Garnet Lake, where there is a campsite and a trail sign at the foot of the valley between Mount Blue and Gillingham Knoll.

Donning snowshoes it was easy and straight forward crossing over Garnett Lake.  then we followed the mile-long trail leading to Lizard Pond on the southwest shore.

According to Bill Ingersoll “long ago, some unknown surveyor recorded the name of this small pond as “Lixard Pond,” probably in error. This simple misspelling shaped the topographic maps of the next century, for the name “Lixard” appeared on the U.S. Geological Society maps for decades to come. The metric USGS maps currently available label it as Lizard Pond, but this restoration of proper spelling has gone largely unnoticed. People still refer to it as Lixard Pond as though it is the actual name – or else they just haven’t updated their maps”.

But as soon as we hit the shore line Mark pulled out the trail guide. Now I am all in favor of excessive planning but it is with some trepidation that we watched Mark consult the trail guide. Although Mark had been on many winter camping trips he was not known for organizing and planning any trips. His previous attempt at organizing resulted in the “The Much Anticipated Never Accomplished Rainbow Falls Trip“.

OK, at least Mark is sure where we came from…  While Mark shed his Beyond Fleece Steel Windshirt and consulted the trail guide Scott hydrated and kept an eye on Maddux. Jay decided to surreptitiously check his GPS Unit. Not that Jay would betray a trust in Mark, but hey it never hurts to measure twice.

We left the Lizard Pond trail where the swamps in the pond’s valley first become visible, and headed up the mountain.
Mount Blue, which rises from a solid ledge deep in Garnet Lake to a height of 2,940 feet with an elevation gain of ~1500′ from the lake.  Mount Blue is part of the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest, a popular winter recreation area in the southeastern corner of the Adirondack Park.

 
Although Mark, who had planned the trip, touted the hike as “relatively easy,” we found out later that DEC’s Wilcox Lake Wild Forest Draft Unit Management Plan characterizes it as offering “moderately difficult bushwhacking opportunities to adventuresome hikers and snowshoers.” This proved an apt description. Fortunately, Jay had packed trekking poles, which he graciously loaned Jim for the bush whack up and down Mount Blue. Needless to say, they were a great advantage and a set of trekking poles where purchased after the trip.

Treeless patches on the southeastern side of the mountain-the result of a 1908 fire-affording us splendid vistas. Taking advantage of these open areas, ledges and false summits, one can enjoy 270 degree perspectives of Crane Mountain, Lizard Pond, Bearpen Peak, Baldhead Mountain and Moose Mountain. To the west are Georgia Mountain, Harrington Mountain, New Lake Mountain and Wilcox Mountain. With these glimpses of the impressive panorama providing inspiration, we scrambled onward and upward.

As we climbed up Mount Blue there were several ledges and false summits offering views of Garnet Lake and Lizard Pond.

At the peak, we posed for the requisite group photograph and enjoyed a quick snack while the wind blew in increasingly dark cloud cover.

It was steep and slippery climbing up, but nothing like the journey downslope when each of us experienced a ‘Jay-nami’.
Then it was time to head back down Mount Blue. If the way up was steep and slippery, the way down was steeper and slipperier.

Fortunately, no one got hurt as we tumbled and slid our way down the mountain and soon we re-joined our backpacks and made our way to the lean-to along Lizard Pond. We hiked the remainder of the trail along Lizard Pond to spend the night at the lean-to on the western shore.

Once we settled in at the lean-to, we boiled water for hot drinks and wolfed down reconstituted freeze-dried meals. In other situations, what passes for food in these highly processed packages would be turned back to the kitchen. However, the salty, hot food tasted great to four tired, wet and cold winter campers.

but for Maddux was dried dog food.

Afterward we sat around a fire and talked until bedtime as flurries floated down. This is one of the best parts of winter camping. Since it is dark early, there is lots of time to chat, laugh and discuss future trips. Not only does a campfire help pass the time during the long nights, but the sense of camaraderie is enhanced as the night deepens around a campfire circle. As our fire dwindled, we settled into warm sleeping bags and took advantage of the extra darkness to log a solid night’s sleep.

We settled into warm sleeping bags. This was possibly the maiden voyage for my Western Mountaineering winter sleeping bag – an extra long, over stuffed, over engineered Puma.

In the morning, we awoke to the sun illuminating the back side of Mount Blue across Lizard Pond. Mark was the first to arise while the rest of us lingered in our warm sleeping bags and offered breakfast ideas. Despite our imaginative suggestions, Mark gave us hot water, which we used to make a simple breakfast of hot oatmeal washed down by coffee and hot chocolate.

Following this quick breakfast, we snowshoed out the Lizard Pond trail to our cars and searched for a convenient diner for a well-earned second breakfast.

In both classes the participants were required to teach some of the concepts. What struck [...]]]> I have attended two Leave No Trace training classes: a weekend Leave No Trace trainer taught through the Green Mountain Club and a week long Master Educator class taught by the Appalachian Mountain Club through the Adirondack Mountain Club.

In both classes the participants were required to teach some of the concepts. What struck me was the wide variety of teaching techniques – games, skits, exercises, plays, and lectures. When everything was said and done the method of teaching had the biggest impact on my retention of the material.

There have been attempts to capture the varied lessons as best practices. LNT offered free swag for sample lessons and tried to compile a LNT Cookbook.

Leave No Trace 101: 101 Ways to Teach Leave No Trace offers a variety of techniques for teaching the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Each technique is described by presenting an objective, the necessary materials, a target age and group size audience, directions and duration.  Some of these exercises are a lot of fun.  I hope to pack my book on our next winter camping trip for some fun!

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There are benefits to winter camping in a lean-to.  Foremost, is that you don’t have to carry your shelter with you.  Lean-tos are spacious; although each lean-to can be different typically [...]]]> “Decided to sleep in lean-to, floor like C-ment. To those who come behind us, bring a mattress. – Griffin Rapids.”

There are benefits to winter camping in a lean-to.  Foremost, is that you don’t have to carry your shelter with you.  Lean-tos are spacious; although each lean-to can be different typically there is adequate room for 5 campers.  The lean-to provides a level, dry platform for changing clothes, setting up a stove, mixing food, or just plain sitting.  On the other hand, lean-to’s aren’t particularly warm in cold weather – even if you close off the open side with a tarp as we did. They are usually situated in high-use areas. They can house rodents and the sleeping arrangements can leave you lying wide awake between two prodigious snorers.

There are over 200 lean-tos in the Adirondacks and we have all read the lean-to registers.  Stuart Mesinger took several years and read hundreds of registers to compile his book; No Place I’d Rather Be: Wit and Wisdom from Adirondack Lean-tos.

Stuart received permission (and sponsorship) from the ADK to go through the register archives. Stuart flagged the interesting entries, had a High School student type them up and then organized the book into themes: love stories, tall tales, partying, complainers, weather, critters, bugs, food, the privy, the campfire, the long walk, adventures, culture clashes, hunting and fishing, companions, religion and solitude.

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Tirrell Pond is reached by [...]]]>

With participants coming from many distances and directions it was decided to meet at a diner.  In this case, we chose the diner in Indian Lake at the intersections of Routes 30 and 28 for a 10am rendezvous.  We ate a big breakfast and drove to the trail head.

Tirrell Pond is reached by using a portion of Northville-Placid Trail which heads north from Route 30 near Lake Durant.  From the trail register on the north side of Route 30 the trail extends 3.5 miles to the south end of Tirrell Pond. It is a roller coaster of a trail which begins on state land and passes through primarily hardwood forests.  Shortly after crossing a finger of O’Neill Flow, the trail crosses Finch Pruyn Paper land and then re-enters state land before O’Neill lean to on south end of Tirrell Pond (1,918′ elevation). Since our visit the O’Neil Flow lean-to has been removed, the site of the old lean-to is closed to camping and new lean-to has been constructed nearby.

It took us 1.5 hours to snowshoe into the lean-to.  I was flying along breaking trail for the 1st 45 minutes. During our trail break Mark attributed it to my new dedication to yoga, but I then settled down to occupy a position further back in the line and I was glad to see the lean-to.  Below Mike, Ian, Mark and Skip snowshoe to Tirrell Pond.

Jason and Mark watch the snow blow into our lean-to.  Who knew that Jason  wore the silk shirt under his parka and would later debut slippers?  He would also be borrowing an additional jacket as the wind rose and temperature dropped.

After dropping our packs in the lean-to and changing out of damp clothes we began to gather and cut firewood for our evening fire.

A few of the larger logs were used to create a platform and reflective surface for the fire.

We took pictures of Tirrell Pond and Tirrell Mountain.

And occasionally took pictures of the picture takers.

Mike and Jason did some exploring and continued on the trail along the western side of Tirrell Pond reaching a 2nd lean to at 4.6 miles. Blue Mountain Village can be reached by continuing another 4 miles.

As darkness fell we cooked soup over the fire, roasted hot dogs and had snacks.

Laying our our sleeping pads and bags in the lean-to we realized that six bodies was maximum capacity as we were all laying shoulder to shoulder.  Mike and Jason tried to snooze in their sleeping bags while Mark, Skip, Ian and I played a game of “I Doubt It” (also call bullshit or cheat).  It was cold enough that we hide our bare exposed hands under jackets or in pockets until it was our turn to play.

We turned in a little before 9pm.  With everyone in their sleeping bags I read the perfect winter camping bedtime story – “The Cremation of Sam McGee” by Robert Service using my headlamp for illumination.

It was cold that night.  I had a 0 degree Northface Snowshoe sleeping bag and got a little chilled.  I pulled  my down jacket into the sleeping bag with me for extra insulation.  With the plummeting temperatures everyone began snoring.  While Skip got blamed for being the principle protagonist (“That’s funny, I had a dream that Skip was yelling in my ear all night.”) at one point during the night I woke up and heard two distinct snorers to my right and one to my left.  I can’t claim that I didn’t join the chorus at some point.

We were packed into the lean-to so tight that one person couldn’t move without affecting others.  Skip awoke during the night and being unable to roll about he sat up and stared at the darkness for several hours until sleep returned.

In the morning we awoke at 7:30, had breakfast and were on the trail out at 9am.  We were back to our vehicles at 10:30 and I was home by 1pm to put away my winter camping gear.

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This is for people who are buying their first snowshoes or looking to upgrade older models to a modern snowshoe with more performance and practicality.  There are lots of modern snowshoes on the market these days and the variety can be confusing—especially since most look a lot alike. Different shoes with different features [...]]]> From Easternslopes

This is for people who are buying their first snowshoes or looking to upgrade older models to a modern snowshoe with more performance and practicality.  There are lots of modern snowshoes on the market these days and the variety can be confusing—especially since most look a lot alike. Different shoes with different features are better for different jobs, and picking the right ones for you and your needs can be challenging. The way to begin sorting out snowshoes is to imagine what, specifically you are going to do on them and, to some extent, where you are going to do it.  There are two general categories of snowshoes; racing/running, and backcountry/general use.

Read more here.

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Think about when [...]]]>

When planning a winter camping trip, especially if snow camping, remember that travel will be much slower than in the summer. Reduce your mileage goal by 50% to 60%. Daylight hours are fewer in the winter, which will also limit your time. Normal activities around camp take longer in cold weather.

Think about when to take your winter camping trip:

• November Moderate temperatures, possible rain, thin snow cover
• December Short days and long nights, thin snow cover
• January Good snow cover, long nights, extreme temperatures
• February Good snow cover, long nights, extreme temperatures
• March Longer days, milder temperatures, adequate snow
• April Spotty snow cover, warm temperatures, longer days

Plan Ahead and Prepare

Poor planning often results in miserable campers and damage to natural and cultural resources. Trip planning is important as it:

• It helps ensure the safety of groups and individuals.
• It prepares you to Leave No Trace and minimizes resource damage.
• It contributes to accomplishing trip goals safely and enjoyably.
• It increases self-confidence and opportunities for learning more about nature.

Elements to consider when planning a trip

• Identify and record the goals (expectations) of your trip. Is this a ‘jamboree’ or are members of the group trying to accomplish specific goals.
• Identify the skill and ability of trip participants. Are there members of the group that are winter camping novices and if so, how will they be mentored?
• Select appropriate destinations that match your goals, skills, and abilities and plan trip activities to match your goals, skills, and abilities.
• Gain knowledge of the area you plan to visit from land managers, maps, and literature. Use trail guides and the internet to perform as much research as possible prior to the trip.
• Choose your equipment and clothing for comfort, safety, and Leave No Trace qualities.
• Evaluate your trip upon return to note changes you will make next time.
• Know the weather forecast in advance
• Understand the terrain you will be traveling. Bring maps and photos along to help locate your journey on the terrain.
• Understand any regulations/restrictions that may apply, including parking.
• Understand and respect private land boundaries
• Anticipate the average hiking speed of group and anticipated food consumption
• Plan to accommodate the group size. Does it meet regulations and trip purpose?

You can prepare by:

• Educating yourself on the area you plan to visit. Learn about winter regulations, closures, and weather hazards. In upstate New York, where I live, the DEC Regulations, (http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/regulations.html) specifically the DEC State Land Use Regulations, regulate where to camp on State Land. Tents may be set up at designated sites. Designated sites have yellow “Camp Here” discs with a black tipi, and your tent must be within 15 feet of this disc. Outside of designated sites, tents must be 150 feet from any trails or water. Lean-tos do not count as designated sites, so tents must be 150 feet from any lean-tos or trails leading to lean-tos as well. Designated sites will have a disc, so even if there is a fire ring but not a disc, the campsite is not a legal one unless it follows the 150 foot rule.
• Last but not least, obviously, you can’t camp at any site that has a “No Camping” disc.
• Taking a winter back country course to gain experience.
• Expect extreme weather and gear up for it.
• In mountainous country carry an avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel.
• Plan a route appropriate for the experience level, size, and goals of your group. In the Adirondack Park one can contact the NYS DEC at (518) 897-1200 to determine trail conditions in the area you plan to visit. Adirondack Trail Information can also be found on the DEC web site at: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html. The web pages provide general information and seasonal conditions, specific notices on closures and other situations involving trails, roads, foot bridges, etc., and links to rules & regulations, hiker and camper safety, low impact recreation, weather and more.
• Leave your excursion plans with two people, including your expected return time. They can begin a rescue if you do not return in reasonable time.
• Trail markings may be hidden in snow. Use a map and compass for navigation. Batteries in GPS units may not work in cold temperatures.
• Anticipate changing weather that may obscure or cover trail markings, tents, and gear. Make sure you know where you are and where your gear is at all times.
• Night falls early. You will have much less time to travel and set up camp, so plan accordingly and understand that everything takes longer in cold weather.
• Ensure you have appropriate gear for the worst-case environment. Use layering of clothes to keep warm and prevent overheating followed by freezing.

Weather Planning

NOAA’s National Operational Hydrological Remote Sensing Center has an Interactive Snow Information Map for the US. It is a great mapping tool for analyzing snow cover. The map is highly configurable. You can re-center the map anywhere in the US. One can map Hourly Snow Analysis, Driving Conditions, and Daily Snow Analysis. You can look at historical data. One can select overlays to be plotted such as Hydrologic, Political, Point or Transportation features for reference purposes.

Group Size

Winter camping is more fun and a lot safer in group. Choose group members that will be compatible with one another. Group members should have similar expectations and goals.

Never explore alone, but keep groups small to minimize impact and keep the group operating efficiently.

A group of four allows one to stay with an injured person and two to go for help. A small group allows for specialties to emerge. One person might set the tent while others cut fireword wood, make a warm drink, or begin cooking.

The 10 Essentials

Before you take your trip there are essential items that should be included in your pack to ensure your comfort and survival – the famous 10 Essentials.

In the 1930s, the Mountaineers, a Seattle-based hiking, climbing, and conservation organization, came up with a list of 10 essential items that no climber should be without. Many outdoor training schools make use of the 10 essentials to teach outdoor skills and good practices. Since then the 10 essentials have been published by various groups to suit particular outdoor situations.

1. Map – A map tells you a ridiculous amount of information that can be used in the back country. It tells you were you are, how far you have to go, time to get there, amount you have to climb, where to park your car, campsites, water sites, and an emergency route in an accident. We are positive that we left out 50 other things but you get the idea. If travelling on foot in the back country 7.5 minute USGS quads or 15 minute maps will give you the detail that you are starving for. Oh, you better know how to read it!
2. Compass – Carry a compass at all times. Learn to use this tool, and its cousin the topo map, and you are on your way to finding that never done route to the never visited part of the forest. You can do all this in zero visibility of course since the compass doesn’t lie when the visibility goes to zilch. For all you GPS carriers out there, don’t even think a GPS is a replacement. Don’t trust anything with a battery in the backcountry.
3. Flashlight Or Headlamp – A flashlight or headlamp should be carried at all times. You may need to walk in to your camp in the dark. Flashlights can also be used to signal for help from anybody that may be looking for you in a critical situation.
4. Extra Food – Whenever you are outside have extra food in case you are delayed by bad weather, injuries, getting lost, or getting exhausted. The mountaineers of the 1930’s suggest a one-day supply of extra food. Extra food can boost morale, ward off hypothermia, and when things are bad give you that needed energy. Leave the low carb food at home, that’s for sissies.
5. 5) Rain Gear And Extra Clothes – You need to have extra cloths and rain gear to deal with almost anything you can think of. Remember in the backcountry cotton kills. In addition to non cotton layers you would normally take while outside bring extra clothes. These extra clothes are critical when the conditions get real bad or you have to spend an extra night on the mountain. Remember that a good hat is the best weight per warmth ratio item in your backpack.
6. Sunglasses And Sun Screen – Ever have snow blindness and sunburn at the same time? This becomes even more pronounced at higher elevations since the intensity of ultraviolet rays becomes more of a problem.
7. First Aid Kit – Prepackaged first aid kits designed just for hikers are a great item to have. These packages contain band-aids, bandages, basic medicines, and many other items. Of course this is like the compass. If you don’t know how to use it, it won’t be of much use.
8. Pocket Knife Or Multi Purpose Tool – A knife will allow you to perform various tasks in the back country. A few of them include lifesaving procedures such as cutting bandages, removing splinters, punching holes in tarps, cutting rope, making kindling, and putting a hole in your friends thermarest in the middle of the night.
9. Fire starter And Matches – Fire is warmth and warmth is good when you are cold. Fire also serves as a good signal to others when you are lost. A basic fire starter is useful for starting a fire in emergency situations and for getting wet wood blazing. A fire starter can consist of a chemically-treated fire stick, candles, melted paraffin and newspaper, waxed cardboard, dryer lint, wood shavings, or hundreds of other materials. Clean out that belly button and save that lint! In addition to the fire starter carry waterproof and windproof matches. These will be essential in starting your fire starter when things go south.
10. Water And A Way To Purify It – Without water your body will weaken and your muscles and organs just won’t be able to function. Water also fends off hypothermia and altitude sickness. Having a water purifier such as a commercial water filter or iodine tablets in addition to a good stove to melt or boil water can solve the problem.

Wired magazine published their list of 10 Essential Outdoor Survival Items. The table below depicts the difference between Wired’s list and WinterCampers.com. The Wired list does not place a premium on navigation as they do not include a map or compass on their list. I suppose the trash bag could double as rain gear.

Another take on the 10 essentials is listed at Gotta Go – It Snows: Daypack List.

Backpacker Magazine has a short video called “Pack Like a Pro” where Jonathon Dorn describes items he packs on for day hikes.

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