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
Jay Mountain Wilderness 2014: Surveying My Campsite on Lot 8
When the results for Proposition 5 came back in November 2013, it became obvious that the New York State voters decided to offer up a portion of the Jay Mountain Wilderness as another sacrificial lamb at the altar of jobs, greed and profitability. Soon, chainsaws, bulldozers and explosives would move in and destroy Lot 8,
Jay Mountain Wilderness 2014: Arriving at Lot 8
No time to lose. By reaching Hale Brook, I caught up to where I originally planned to camp on my first night, it just took me a day and a half to get there. Retreating on the first day due to dwindling daylight, enduring a nighttime bed-wetting accident and ascending Jay Mountain in less than
Jay Mountain Wilderness 2014: Descending to Hale Brook
It is do or die time. After retreating off Jay Mountain the previous day due to dwindling daylight and threatening skies, I find myself back in the position of deciding whether to continue on with my trip or scrapping the whole thing altogether. The prospect of heading home, tail firmly embedded between legs, with the
