The Birdathon starts with a whimper. Regardless, I am up around midnight to see it in, hoping that a barred owl sounds off to start my list. Some rain fell earlier in the evening, but it never really amounted to much – just enough to make everything wet for my hike this morning. While waiting
Birdathon 2015: Discovering Illegal Trail System West of Raven Lake
After walking up Raven Lake Road from the trailhead at the end of Necessary Dam Road, the easy part of my trip is over, with the bushwhacking portion set to begin. The Shallow Pond Canoe Carry acts as my starting point, but it will not be long before striking out on my own and entering
Birdathon 2015: Hiking Up Raven Lake Road
It is May once again, and that means many things in the Adirondacks, including black flies, bushwhacking and the Birdathon. The Birdathon is my traditional first bushwhacking adventure of the season, and it mixes two of my favorite things, birding and bushwhacking. What better way to get back into the bushwhacking groove than an all-day
Jay Mountain Wilderness 2014: Exiting by Way of Thick Forest, Blowdown and Rocky Cliffs
My last day within the Jay Mountain Wilderness begins at the serene Merriam Swamp but takes an ugly turn while bushwhacking back to the marked trail. Dense vegetation, ancient blowdowns, panicking ruffed grouse and rock cliffs are just a few of the obstacles overcome. It is not all bad though, as I find the perfect resting rock and briefly step out of the forest for a gorgeous view of the surrounding area. The trail not only provides a swift exit from the area, but provides my first interactions with actual people after six days of solitude. A great ending to a fabulous trip, even if the eventual fate of Lot 8 is never far from my mind.
Jay Mountain Wilderness 2014: Paper Birch Blowdown on Way to Merriam Swamp
A mature paper birch blowndown is all that exists between me and my final destination of Merriam Swamp on day five in the Jay Mountain Wilderness. The blowdown combined with a steady slope and a constant horde of black flies makes the last leg of my day memorial. After reaching Merriam Swamp, I am captivated by the view of the Jay Mountain ridge dominating the view. Entertainment in the backcountry after the bushwhacking is complete includes watching a lone hiker make progress on his/her journey on the ridge after climbing Jay Mountain.
Jay Mountain Wilderness 2014: Over the Ridge, Through the Forest, In Search of a Stream We Go
My last full day in the Jay Mountain Wilderness Area welcomes me with some arduous and undulating ridge bushwhacking before finding the drainage that leads down to Merriam Swamp. Although the drainage provides some much needed water, it also contains thick vegetation and a good deal of blowdown, with the worst being yet to come.
Jay Mountain Wilderness 2014: Climbing McDonough (nee Slip) Mountain
My climb up McDonough (nee Slip) Mountain starts with a bushwhack from the beaver swill along Derby Brook up a herd path to a col along the ridge connecting McDonough and Saddleback Mountains. An arduous hike east along the ridge pays off with beautiful views to the south from McDonough’s summit before retracing my way back west to set myself up for the journey down to Merriam Swamp the following day.
Jay Mountain Wilderness 2014: Following Along Derby Brook
Having explored Lot 8 before it was turned into another open pit mind, my bushwhacking adventure through the Jay Mountain Wilderness Area continues as I head west back toward my vehicle. From my second Lot 8 campsite, I follow the rocky Derby Brook westward to its headwaters before deciding whether or not to climb McDonough Mountain or head straight for Merriam Swamp.
Jay Mountain Wilderness 2014: Conifers, Paper Birches and a Goshawk on Lot 8
Now with both a quick survey and a jaunt along the NYCO Minerals mine under my belt, it is time for a more extensive exploration of Lot 8’s interior within the Jay Mountain Wilderness Area. Since this property will end up sharing the same fate as that of the forest that grew on top of
Jay Mountain Wilderness 2014: The Difference Between a Forest and a Hole in the Ground
With the plant and animal survey around my campsite producing diminishing returns, it is time to turn my attention to the entirety of Lot 8 in the Jay Mountain Wilderness Area. Although my gear remains damp from the first two days of wetness despite hanging it out dry, it is finally time to see the
