Second Pond Hike

It was such a nice day Saturday (11/25) that I had to get out on a hike. I chose the Second Pond Trail cause it's only 2.7 miles each way. The trail is in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area, off of Rt 8 up toward North Creek. You have to turn off Rt8 onto a dirt road called Chatiemac Rd and go about 2 miles. The trailhead is unmarked but the trail is marked with yellow disks. Anyway, the trail skirts the Height of Land Mountain, isn't too steep and this time of year, most of the mud holes were frozen. It only took an hour and a half to hike in. I spent about 1/2 an hour eating lunch at Second Pond. It had a skim of ice over the whole surface. The area was so quiet that my ears were ringing. On the way back, I was having so much fun I realized I was chuckling to myself as I rock hopped across a very wide muddy area. I haven't been that delighted since my last cruise when I was snorkling thru a big school of yellow fish, so close I could touch them. I laughed then too, a big mistake in a snorkle mask. Anyway, only an hour and a half out to my car. A great day.

By the way, I have decided not to hike the Appalachian Trail this year. Other experienced hikers have suggested that a little more time on long distance hikes to hone my camping out skills would be very helpful. So, next spring, as soon as possible, the rest of the Northville - Lake Placid trail will be completed. I'll also try to do the Long Trail, which covers Vermont and Massachussetts. Maybe even some of the Adirondack 46 highest mountains, to prepare for some of the 6000 footers along the Appalachian trail.