Silver Lake & Rock Lake

SILVER LAKE WILDERNESS

AN ADIRONDACK ADVENTURE

"GUIDED BY THE GUIDES FOR THE GUIDES"

KIM'S JOURNAL

9/13/04

"Planned last week to do a relaxing trek since no trips were going out and no guests were coming in. Bryan & Beth were coming to stay from 9/10-9/13 for Beth's birthday celebration. The plan was to depart after their departure back to North Syracuse, NY on 9/13.

For the last couple of days we hemmed & hawed about the backpacking destination. We had several areas in mind: Silver Lake Wilderness, Ferris Lake Wilderness, Powley-Piseco Road, and Siamese Ponds. We must of changed our mind ten times over, but finally settled on the Silver Lake Wilderness yet again.

The plan was NO plan for a change! Backpack when we want, see what we wanted to, and stop when we wanted. NO BEATING FEET THIS TRIP!

Bryan & Beth departed around 12:30 and we hit the Upper Benson trailhead at 1:00. Pop of course was ready prior; he had seen the packs and waited patiently in the Jeep for about an hour and a half. For some reason he always thinks he's going to be left behind, but never is.

We dropped Valerie & Gerard less then two days ago in Upper Benson for a thru-hike and hope their doing well. We did hear from Redhawk this morning prior to our departure, to let us know that Val & Gerard arrived safety in Whitehouse.

Anyway we did live around 1:00 packing heavy yet again (55 lbs for Kim). Eventhough it was just us and Pop, we somehow still managed to pack for the group. But to be honest instead of strictly MRE's we decided on a full chicken dinner and 12-pack.

I do have to admit the Silver Lake Wilderness looks different in every season. Been here in the Fall 2002 for the thru-hike, March 2004 for a winter backpacking excursion, and now late Summer for a kick back.

The access road in was muddy, but not a bad trek. We viewed a couple campsites in the area along the creek for some possible short excursions with the kids. The kids are upgrading gradually, but still have quite sometime until we can safety pack them through this area, if that be their desire? Mine & our desires might not be the same, which is all good, but only time will tell?

We decided on Rock Lake tonight for several reasons; a late start, feeling our oats due to weight, an area I (Kim) haven't had the pleasure of seeing before, and the entrance log stated that several were already camped out at Silver Lake Lean-To.

Granted, Kim, of course wanted to push to Silver Lake Lean-To instead of the tenting thing, but it was a comfortable night and the tent flap could easily remain open with no bugs. Kim does have an issue with the closed tent. Ask the S.O. about the winter backpacking trip; wasn't too pleased with the snow in the tent.

We arrived at Rock Lake at 5:00. We found a camping spot and did notice another tent in the distance on a small knoll. We went over to meet the new neighbor - Bob from Glenville.

Bob was an older gentleman out to complete the NLP in sections and had decided on a trek from Whitehouse to Upper Benson. Eventhough he said he moved on because of too many people at Silver Lake lean-to (also why we stopped), we do think he was more comfortable with someone nearby. Bob said his favorite section of the trail so far was Long Lake, we ourselves question this. WHY? More people, lower terrain, or a knowledge of the territory.

We decided to set up camp in the hardwoods and MRE's for dinner, the chicken wasn't yet thawed, but did manage to keep the beer cold nicely.

Chicken Teriyaki was the preference for the evening and wood for the fire was next along with hanging the bear bag. Followed by bath time and into the fuzzes for the evening.

The dose of Motrin isn't helping the back and hips tonight. Maybe beginning to show the age of wear & tear. We have put the body through a great deal.

I did notice that Pop seems a little weary of the fire today. Maybe what his back end got into this weekend at home, but the good thing is it is starting to heal.

The lake is wonderful and very beautiful. The colors are starting to present themselves in the reflection of the lake; and a nice reminder of why Fall is my favorite packing season, eventhough the roots and rocks are harder to distinguish and require more precise footing it is worth the additional effort.

We are now sitting amidst a small campfire awaiting hot water for the evening meal. Dinner tonight is consisting of Chicken Teriyaki MRE's and oodles of noodles. I didn't end up eating much this evening, think I was too tired; however, Popcorn didn't mind the leftovers. Time to clean up and turn in for the evening.

9/14/03

We arose to a brilliant day with bright blue skies. Rock Lake had a slight mist which accented the newly fallen foliage by graciously lying it colors upon the top of the lake. A light mixture of red and yellows to add to this breathtaking day.

We did take time this morning to sit at lakeside and watch the mist dissipate, and the wildlife come alive. The first critter of the morning was the busy beaver taking down a tree from his local habitat for his days work.

After the morning coffee it was time to break down camp and head to Silver Lake. The pack as usual never rides the same as the day before. I determined that yesterday had been a good packing day, and rated today as fair. The pack was riding high today, probably because of that wonderful collapsible water container that you can never seem to return to its original size and shape after your initial opening.

We headed out and a short time later arrived at one of the crossings of the West Branch of the Sacandaga. It did have quite a flow, but we were able to cross safety. After a climb of about 100 feet in elevation, we arrived at Meco Lake and decided on a short break with gorp to take in the views.

Following break, it didn't take us long to arrive at Silver Lake. My favorite destination along the NLP. A sparkling lake with breathtaking views complete with a tint of fall foliage. IT JUST DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!

The lean-to was completely empty and our bonus was extra Mountain Paper. We set-up camp and headed down to the lake for a combination refreshing bath and nude dip. We had the lake to ourselves.

The diamond-needles were out in full force and drove me nuts. Don't like these prehistoric little creatures landing on me. They seem to sneak up on you quickly, but didn't seem to be bothering anyone but me.

Less than an hour later, Pop, started with this sutule woof. Someone or something had arrived at the lean-to heading in from the North. We headed up from the lake and were greeted by a father and son who introduced themselves as Jim & Dave from Rochester.

Jim and Dave were out doing the NLP trail in sections, and this trip were working on Piseco to Upper Benson. We discussed the normal: where are you coming from, where are you heading, where do you originate from, gear, and what was your normal daily routine when in civilization.

Jim & Dave did find it quite humorous that we decided to pack in a whole chicken dinner 7.4 miles to roast on the open fire. We did explain that this was usually not the case, but felt like a good outdoor meal this trip instead of MRE's time after time. After all we were only going 7.4 miles this trip and their was no one to cater to this time except for ourselves. WE WERE GOING TO GO FOR IT, and besides the frozen chicken did keep the beer cold. We proceeded to keep repeating "chicken & beer" all the way up the trail.

We laughed that we should add "one frozen chicken" to our gear packing requirements when we returned home.

As Jim and Dave unpacked, and we collected more firewood for the evening feast, two more hikers arrived into camp. This time heading up from the South. We were surprised with all the activity on a Tuesday afternoon, but were very pleased with the groups we were camping with for the evening. All very nice people that were out for the same reasons we were; not out to raise Cain or be destructive, but to appreciate.

The two new arrivals, we learned were Mike and Bruce from Bolton Landing, NY. Their plan was Upper Benson to Whitehouse. They were out to do something that they hadn't done in many years and seemed pleased with their decision to do so.

Mike & Bruce decided on a tenting area a little Southwest from the lean-to. As Mike & Bruce set-up camp for the evening. Jim, and Dave headed back down to the lake to finish their evening wash, as I started the evening campfire for "CHICKEN".

Jim returned a short time later, saying that Dave had taken a swim, but he wasn't going to give it a whirl - to cool this evening. As Jim changed, I headed down to the lake to retrieve a cold one from the shoreline. Dave was heading back up to camp to change and then him and his father were going on the next firewood hunt.

Back at the lean-to, it was time to prepare dinner. We washed down and seasoned the chicken, and placed him atop the campfire. We feed the fire slowly as not to damage the long awaited gourmet meal.

Back down at the lake, Jim & Dave prepared their evening dinner of Rice with seasonings. We couldn't quite figure out why they were preparing rice when their was a whole chicken simmering on the grill. We let them know several times that they were more than welcome to join us for the evening feast, but Dave kept insisting that if we packed it in it was ours. Jim however did decide on a cold one and some chicken that evening.

As the chicken continued to roast, I headed back down to the lake to sit with Dan. He was still perched on the rock with the fishing pole, but no bites yet. Mike and Bruce had also found a rock to enjoy. The three were discussing hiking, guiding, hunting, and the terrain.

After everyone had broken out the maps. We all determined that the mountain to the Northwest was Moose Mt and the mountains to the North were Three Sisters. They were easily viewed in the distance on this brilliant blue sky day.

Jim and Dave tending to the fire as we filtered water needed for the noodles and while we patiently waited decided to hang the bear bag for the evening. Now it was time! Chicken Dinner!

The meal tasted wonderful and not a drop of anything was left. All gone in a matter of minutes.

After dinner, Mike & Bruce, headed up to the lean-to to relax by the fire. Everyone had a wonderful conversation and day, but everyone was exhausted from the days events.

We all learned a lot about each other, and that we were all different, but yet had all come together for the same reason - the outdoors. Totally diverse but yet totally the same - fascinating!

Mike & Bruce headed back to camp for the night. Jim decided on bed, Dave decided on more campfire time, and I decided on a little writing before turning in.

I awoke later that evening to find one lying upside down in the lean-to, guess he couldn't take the me snoring on one side and Jim snoring on the other side.

I arose about an hour later. All I knew when I woke up was that Pop was not there! I proceed to go looking, first searched the lake and then headed up toward camp. I could hear Mike and Bruce in the distance so I figured he went down to harass them.

I lowered the bear bag and prepared the fixings for the morning coffee. I then turned to see Popcorn emerging from beneath the lean-to. He was safe, just doing his own thing today.

Within a few minutes Jim and Dave arose. The skies were overcast today and the temperature warmer then the previous.

Everyone proceeded with their morning itinerary:

Jim and Dave were headed to Rock Lake for lunch and then out to Upper Benson.

Mike and Bruce were headed to Whitehouse.

We were to stay put for another evening.

We decided on coffee at the shoreline. Mike and Bruce appeared stating they were packing up and heading out.

The two mountains we view the previous evening had disappeared from the low cloud cover. Three sisters and Moose Mt did not even exist at this point. The skies were beginning to clear and the blue skies were apparent in the distance.

We returned to camp. Mike and Bruce arrived a few minutes later to say their goodbyes. We wished them a safe journey and they were off.

By now Jim and Dave had packed up and were also ready for their departure South.

Last minute pictures for everyone and they were also on their way.

We decided on another pot of coffee. STOVE ISSUES! We had packed in two stoves neither which wanted to work, and spent about two hours getting them back in working condition from clogs.

As we sipped our coffee at the lake, the clouds began rolling in. This wasn't the burn off from this morning. The clouds were building quickly. We decided at this point that we had done are share of rain walking on previous trips and decided to pack out today instead of tomorrow. We weren't going to take the chance with Hurricane Ivan's remains.

We packed up camp, cleaned out the lean-to, put out the fire and headed South with eyes to the skies.

We did stop to enjoy a few minutes of Meco Lake and Rock Lake on the way out. The trash of others we had collected at Rock Lake was still waiting for us upon our return trip through. We stopped and bungeed the garbage to the packs for the trip out. Our last break was at West Stony Creek and then we were out.

We had escaped any rain and had arrived safety in Upper Benson. We took a moment to sign out of the trail register and noticed one gentlemen had signed in without a destination (not a wise choice with poor weather on the way).

We proceeded to the local store for supplies and headed Back To Basics.