Looking for snow

We are currently in-between seasons. Fall is almost past and the leaves long since dropped. The days are pretty cold and daylight is too short for any long hikes in the Adirondacks. Although we were teased with some of the white stuff a few weeks ago there is no snow on the ground either. I figured I would head up to the Gatineau Park today for a hike and check if there was any snow hiding at higher elevations. There was none.

I hiked from P7 along Ridge road to the intersection with the Fortune Parkway. The main trail was mostly dry but all the side trails looked pretty wet. It was pretty quiet with the occasional group of hikers and a few mountain bikers. The wind was definitely winter like but not carrying any white flakes. I stopped at Keogan for a while taking photos of blue jays at the bird feeder. That got me thinking that I was kind of hungry so I headed back. Near the top of Suicide corner I saw a ten pointer male white tailed deer. Although he strutted slowly across the trail I was too slow getting my camera out of the bag. It is not uncommon to see females and youngsters but that is the first time I have ever seen a male.  Too bad because that would have made an awesome photo! The forecast for next week does mention some flurries. Let's hope they stick.

Rolling in the Doldrums

The NCC have already closed the parkways that are used as xc ski trails for the winter. As such these roads are now the exclusive domain of roller blades, roller skis and road bikes. I took advantage of a sunny afternoon and came after work to roller blade along a shortish flat section of parkway, called the Doldrums. It is awesome to have the network of roads almost all to yourself. The leaves have mostly all fallen and the color has pretty much gone but I did have fun taking photos as the light was bright and you could see all sorts of reflections in the various ponds. As I returned to my car there was a kids xc ski team heading out for a training session, getting an early start on the xc racing season!

Wolf trail

On sunday I went out for a hike on the Wolf Trail in Gatineau Park. I was hoping it would help me kick the nasty cold I have had for the last two weeks. Also it was a sunny day which is something you have to take advantage of at this time of year! The Wolf trail is always a nice walk heading up from the parking area at the end of Meech Lake to the top of the escarpment with a lookout over the Ottawa river valley and then back. It seems this was a popular hike as the parking lot was almost full and the trails were crowded. The NCC had recently closed all the parkways for the winter (c'mon snow!!) so the trailheads were limited. On the plus side the trails were very muddy which I think discouraged some people and so I had some nice quiet time sitting on the open ridge soaking in the rays and cool breezes. I had a nice chat with a crow that floated up on some thermals. At least I thought it was talking to me but then another crow appeared and they soared off into the distance. It was several weeks too late for the autumn colors but as always a nice hike.

Leaf peeping - Mt Van Hoevenburg

This has not been the best leaf peeping season as it has rained repeatedly since the leaves started changing. So I headed down to get in one more peep before returning to work next week and before the hordes of Columbus Day/Canadian Thanksgiving peepers who will be out in their peeping thousands this weekend. Todays target was Mt Van Hoevenburg. It has all the hallmarks of an excellant leaf peeping peak: short hike, small elevation gain and sweet view across terrian populated with deciduous trees! This is the kind of peak you can carry a picnic lunch to and then after sit and smoke a cigar (if you smokes cigars), all the while taking in the views from Cascade, Big Slide to the MacIntyres and Street and Nye. And I think it also has the most awesome view of Mt Jo.

The leaves were in their orange, yellow and red glory today. Not to be outdone the mud was also outstanding. While the trail to Mt Van Ho is only 2 miles, at least half of it is either mud or wet that looks like mud or at least dark water. At the trailhead I asked a couple who were returning from the hike what footwear to use. They seemed confused but waterproof ankle boots are the only way to go. Sadly the cloud cover was sitting at about 3500 feet so the colors in the valleys was spectacular but many of the peaks were hidden from view.

Definitely a spot worth a return visit when the skies are clearer but don't forget your waterproofs boots and gaitors if you have em!

Leaf peeping

Hiking outdoors produces karma instantly, 'nuff said!!

ps Leaves are peaking and it feels like winter on the summit so bring a toque and gloves!

Jack Pine stroll

I went for an afternoon walk on the Jack Pine trails in the greenbelt. It has been frustrating to see rain, rain and more rain in the forecast for the last few weeks. And now snow has already started accumulating on many of the high peaks. I figured it would be nice to get out to see some colors and Canada Geese activity on these trails that I usually avoid in the summer due to black flies, mosquitos and panhandling chickadees. The ducks in the beaver pond were quite active but there was not a lot of activity in the pond with all the heron nests (sometimes there are hundreds of geese in there). I saw a few deer and was hastled by a chipmunk for some food.

Lets hope we get some indian summer soon so I can get a few leaf peeper hikes in before I have to go back to work.

Fall colors on McKenzie mountain

Bryan, Ken and I headed down to the Adirondacks on saturday for a hike to take in the fall colors. Along the way we debated several options including Whiteface via the Connery Pond/Whiteface Landing trail or McKenzie/Moose mountains. The debate came to a head as we passed through Saranac Lake and we dumped Whiteface in favor of McKenzie. We headed past the McKenzie trailhead on rte 86 and found the closer one on Whiteface Inn road (shaving 3.2 miles round trip the hike). We decided to take the state trail to McKenzie and then to descend via the Shore Owners Association trail. The trail starts out at a reasonable grade after passing a lean to and meeting the rte 86 trail it starts up at a steep grade which does not let up until you are on top of the first false summit.

Near the top of the false summit is the first of several ledges with stunning views east and south of Saranac Lake, the Seward and Santanoni ranges as well as the rest of the High peaks as far as the Great range. We stopped at each of these spots to eat, rest and take lots of photos. We finally reached at small lookout with views of Lake Placid and a somewhat blocked view of Whiteface. As we passed over the summit of McKenzie we were still hoping to find a ledge with clear views of Whiteface and even stopped at a viewpoint marked with a sign that seemingly went nowhere. At the split in the trail we decided against continuing on to Moose mountain and headed down the SOA trail which was very steep to begin with but soft underfoot. We stopped for a nap at Bartlett Pond and then continued back to the car.

All told, it was a great day exploring a great new mountain. I will come back sometime and hike along the lake and then up to Moose for that sweet view of Whiteface. The fall colors are not peak yet but well on their way.