Our John Muir Trail backpack is a little more than a month away so we decided to test some of our new gear on an overnight backpack into the Siamese Ponds Wilderness, Adirondack Mountains. This is one of several "shake-downs" we plan before the BIG EVENT. With the exception of some pesky mosquitoes and black flies we enjoyed fine hiking conditions and perfect weather. The 6+ mile hike to the pond involved crossing several bridges, one of which was fairly new. The builders took the time to fashion barriers under the rustic railing posts using traditional Adirondack twig construction. Very impressive!
We ate lunch shortly before arriving at the lean-to (junction of the blue and yellow trails). We found a tranquil spot along the shore of the East Branch of the Sacandaga River.
The yellow trail continues across a suspension bridge beyond the lean-to. Thor had no difficulty walking across the bridge. In fact, he led the way, looking back impatiently to see if we were following.
We didn't spend much time as we reached a vly along the yellow trail - too many bugs - but I did manage a photo of Diamond Mt.
We camped on a hill above a larger campsite where the previous campers had left a large bag of food, a bowl, grates, a large piece of plastic, and remnants of aluminum foil in the bushes. We cleaned up the site and carted away most of the trash. The question of course is why would people do this?
I headed down to the pond in the early evening, but the sun was still too high in the sky to allow for photos of any interest.
Thor's owner has provided for his canine companion in every way possible. When it was time to sleep, Thor climbed into his very own sleeping bag. What a contented, pampered pooch!
The bugs were more plentiful next morning when we headed by to the car. I snapped a quick photo of the river as we crossed the suspension bridge near the lean-to - much better light.
A particularly robust field of nettles reminded Dick of a bushwhack he hiked several days earlier. These plants are called "stinging nettles" for a reason!
If the weather holds we will try for another overnight backpack this coming weekend.