Seymour

It was time to get out hiking in the Adirondacks again. The weather is warm, the snow almost completely gone and the bugs well yes they decided it was time to get out too. To continue the assault on the 46 (46 peaks over 4000ft in the Adirondacks), Ken and I settled on Seymour mountain in the Sewards. One of the advantages to hiking the Sewards is that they are the closest to Ottawa at just about 2 1/2 hours drive. This means a little more beauty sleep before driving down for the day. We left at 6 and were at the trailhead at the end of Corey's road at about 8:30, checking packs and applying bug juice etc. We signed in at the trailhead and there were only two other parties with Seymour as their destination. And as it turned out we only saw two other groups all day.

This hike involves a long flat walk 0f about 5 miles through the woods: across a few brooks, past two lean-tos and past more than 50 signs advertising the bordering Ampersand Club property (and that one should not trespass there). We finished this section of the hike in about 2 hours and that was where the fun began. The rest of the trail to the summit was a herd path which is an unmarked path through the woods. Most of the herd paths in the Adirondacks are maintained by the 46ers and are an absolute pleasure to walk on. This one was no different. The first part of it was at a steady grade through the forest and soft under foot. After about a mile or so it started a very steep climb up wet and muddy rocks slabs. When we reached the top it was well worth it as there were stellar views of the Seward range from a small ledge where we ate lunch as well as a great view of the Santanoni range from just past the summit. It was a tricky descent and then a long trudge out to the car. All told a great hike.