The big day has finally arrived; the 2014 Birdathon is finally here. Not a moment too soon either! The excitement is palatable, waking me numerous times during the early morning hours before the sun makes even a faint appearance. Each time I do my best barred owl impression, trying to tempt one to respond. Greeting
Birdathon 2013: Beavers Foil My Birding Plans in the Pepperbox Wilderness
Beavers. They ruined my Birdathon experience this year. Well, ruined may be strong a word, foiled is probably better. Those industrious rodents are either boon or bane while birding (and bushwhacking) within Adirondack forests. Their ponds, created often by damming streams, provide ample habitat for many species of birds. Long after the beavers’ departure and
FBON 2012: Leaving Pelnor Hollow and Revisiting Trout Pond
The final day of FBON 2012 starts early at Pelnor Hollow lean-to in the Cherry Ridge/Campbell Mountain Wild Forest of the Catskill State Park, but thankfully it is a much warmer one than the day before. Unfortunately, the night was no more restful than the first night here, as the Breathe Right strips, generously provided
Isle Royale Trip: Exploring the Minong Mine
The night at McCargoe Cove, Isle Royale is anything but a quiet one. At some point in the night, a light rain falls. Light in the sense than it is not enough to soak the dry ground, but just enough to dampen the foliage and the seats of the picnic table. Unfortunately, it is hard
Oven Lake Trip: Bushwhacking Along the Robinson River
The following is a description of an eight-day bushwhacking adventure into some of the most remote areas within the Five Ponds Wilderness in the northwestern Adirondacks. The trip includes traversing areas of intense blowdown along the oddly-shaped Oven Lake, exploring a cluster of wilderness ponds and following the wild Robinson River. The second part of
Oven Lake Trip: Stealth Camping on Oven Lake
The following is a description of an eight-day bushwhacking adventure into some of the most remote areas within the Five Ponds Wilderness in the northwestern Adirondacks. The trip includes traversing areas of intense blowdown along the oddly-shaped Oven Lake, exploring a cluster of wilderness ponds and following the wild Robinson River. The third part of
Central Pepperbox Wilderness Trip Report: Climbing toward the beaver vly
The following is the first part of a report on the fifth and final day of a bushwhacking trip through the interior of the southern portion of the Pepperbox Wilderness. The majority of the trip follows along streams and beaver vlys with the exit from the area following a marked herd path from the wild
Central Pepperbox Wilderness Trip Report Day Four: Visiting the stygian beaver ponds
The following is the first part of a report on the fourth day of a bushwhacking trip through the interior of the southern portion of the Pepperbox Wilderness. The majority of the trip follows along streams and beaver vlys with the exit from the area following a marked herd path from the wild interior of
Central Pepperbox Wilderness Trip Report Day Two: In Search of Water Access along Threemile Beaver Meadow
The second day of my bushwhacking trip through the interior of the Pepperbox Wilderness finds me following along the northern ponds of the Threemile Beaver Meadow. Along the way, I stop at the beaver dam of the northern-most pond to filter water before heading to Bear Pond.
Central Pepperbox Wilderness Trip Report: Bushwhacking up Threemile Beaver Meadow
The first day of a five-day trip through the central Pepperbox Wilderness of the northwestern Adirondack State Park. The majority of the trip follows along streams and beaver vlys with the exit from the area following a marked herd path from the wild interior of this wilderness area. Highlights of the trip include the Threemile Beaver Meadow, Bear Pond, Moshier Creek and Moshier Reservoir. The first day follows a herd path north along the Threemile Beaver Meadow to the first of three large beaver ponds within this vast series of beaver meadows.
