Monday, May 25, 2015

Cranberry Lake 50 Trip Report – May 14, 2015 – May 17, 2015

Thursday May 14th

We started the Cranberry Lake 50 on Thursday. After taking a ½ day from work, we left Syracuse and arrived at the Clifton Community Center on a beautiful, sunny 70 degree day. I was hiking with Jared, who as a co-op from RIT came to Syracuse partially to be closer to the Adirondacks. He is from Connecticut and his family often spent a week during the summer in Lake George while he was growing up. He is fairly new to backpacking, but several weeks ago when I had mentioned some of my Adirondack treks and my intention on doing the Cranberry Lake 50 he was intrigued and I invited him along. We’d spent the last few weeks making plans and gearing up, and he proved to be a capable hiking partner and I’m glad that he accompanied me on the trip.

There had been fairly significant rain in the weekend forecasts, but with my summer and fall trips already planned this was likely the only opportunity to get in the 50 this year so we prepared for the worst. Despite the forecasts there wasn’t a cloud in the sky and with a slight breeze the weather was nearly perfect for hiking. Excitement was high and we took our first steps east on Rt. 3 heading for the Burntbridge Pond trailhead at 2:30 p.m.

First CL 50 Trail Marker
Before long we arrived at the Burntbridge Pond trailhead. As we had been preparing for the worst in terms of weather, trail conditions, and bugs, we were rather excited to begin our woods walk with perfect weather, a dry trail, and not a sign of blackflies anywhere. A dry spring really benefitted us in this particular weekend. The trail was relatively easy through this stretch, and we made good time with fresh legs and sub-30 lb. packs. We did stop frequently at the outset to take some photos and there were some moderate ascents and descents, but it was relatively easy woods walking at the onset.

We eventually reached Brandy Brook Flow and saw a couple tents set up at the first campsite. There was no sign of anyone around the camp, so we quickly and quietly walked by in case they had been resting in the tents. Just past the flow the terrain started to get a little more uneven and an uphill trend began to develop, but it was still very manageable and the views of the woods and lake were excellent.
Approaching Brandy Brook Flow
                                                      

Before long we approached the 1st campsite on East Inlet which had a nice “beach” situated on the shore. It was a very nice spot, and as desirable as the campsite was we knew there were others further on and decided to press on and gain a little more ground for the day.                                                                       
Beach at 1st East Inlet Campsite
1st East Inlet Campsite
                                           



We arrived at the 2nd campsite at about 6:30, which was perfectly situated next to the lake with a level grassy site. We decided to make this our home for the evening and after looking around a little we went about leisurely setting up our tents, blowing up pads, and unrolling our sleeping bags. We explored the immediate area a bit more, and couldn’t resist jumping into the lake even though it was incredibly cold.

After drying off and changing into camp clothes it started to cool down as the sky got darker. We got a campfire going as there was plenty of wood a previous camper had left, and I got out my Solo stove and got a fire going in it to boil some water for dinner. I typically use an alcohol stove, but found that this is also an easy enough system but it did require constant attention to keep it going. I had a dehydrated meal (cheddar and bacon mashed potatoes) and a cup of tea after dinner. We stayed by the campfire for a while as nighttime fell, as with the clear sky we were expecting a lot of star visibility. Between 10:30 – 11:00 we were in our tents and I left the rain fly off the tent to get an unobstructed view. Only feet away from the water with a brilliant nighttime sky, it was a great end to day one.
East Inlet
2nd East Inlet Campsite





Friday May 15th

We awoke in the morning to chilly, overcast conditions. The temperature had gotten down into the mid-30’s overnight, though I was relatively comfortable sleeping in my 40 degree down bag and polyester fleece/merino wool base-layers.  I collected water and got a fire going in the Solo stove. I boiled enough water for a breakfast of instant oatmeal and coffee. Packing up camp was a leisurely affair and by 9:00 the sun was out and it warmed up into the 60’s. There were more clouds than the day before but they didn’t look ominous and it appeared that it was going to be another day of optimal hiking conditions.

By 9:30 we were on the trail and saying good-bye to East Inlet as the trail heads SE away from the lake toward Dog Pond. I had hoped for an earlier start as we had a near 20 mile day ahead of us, but so far things had gone great and mainly we were thrilled that weather, trail and bug conditions were yet to be a problem. Along the Dog Pond Loop the trail passed a number of impressive and scenic beaver ponds and streams. Curtis Pond was beautiful and there was a nice looking campsite that we had considered staying out during our initial planning. The section of trail from East Inlet to Dog Pond was among the more difficult terrain, although manageable. The trail does ascend and descend frequently and we were grateful to not be carrying 50 lbs. on our backs. After spending a few minutes at Dog Pond looking around and filtering some water, we were heading SE a little further before heading W on the Otter Brook Trail. The trail was relatively easy and flat for the initial part before getting a little more rugged with some ascents and descents as we approached Chair Rock Flow.

                                         


Upon reaching Chair Rock Flow we were happy to drop packs and refresh. While still overcast and humid, the threat of rain didn’t appear too imminent despite the last weather forecasts we had received. The flow was very scenic and made an excellent spot to rest, filter water, and have a snack. 
Dam Along Curtis Pond



After 45 mins – 1 hr we were back on the trail and making our way SW toward Olmstead Pond. During this portion of the trail the going was a little more difficult due to ascents and descents, some rugged portions, and mainly the long miles we had already put in. We arrived at Olmstead Pond Lean-to mid-afternoon and dropped packs to rest up a bit. After a few minutes we heard human voices from afar, and before long a young couple came around the lean-to.  The woman immediately asked if we were staying at the lean-to, and I could tell that they had been hoping to find it unoccupied. I could see their relief when I indicated that we were just stopping to rest and would be heading out in a few minutes. They were also CL50 thru-hikers from Buffalo. They had started at 6:00 that morning at the Burntbridge Pond trailhead and had traveled west from there to get the Route 3 portion out of the way first. That would put them at just over 30 miles to get to Olmstead Pond. They were equipped extremely light and looked as though they only intended to rest for a few hours before moving on. We packed up, bid them good luck, and a few minutes later we were back on the trail and really feeling the effects of a long day of hiking.

 The final 3 or so miles to the Cowhorn Pond lean-to, our destination for the day, was a quiet and weary trudge. The final push to Cowhorn Pond involved a gradual ascent up and along a ridge, which was surprising as the contours on the map made this appear to be a relatively flat and easy portion of trail. We arrived at the junction for the Cowhorn Pond lean-to, a .2 mile detour from the main trail. The lean-to itself is ideally situated in a nice clearing of pines and is about 20 yards from the shore of the pond. The sun was just beginning to set as we dropped packs in the lean-to, and after filtering some water we laid on our backs for nearly ½ hr before beginning to prepare the evening meal.  After a quick dinner we strung lines to hang clothes, got into camp clothes, and stashed the food bag and canister.  Soon thereafter we were in our bags for the night, very tired after a long day of backpacking.

Cowhorn Pond Lean-To

Cowhorn Pond


                                                 

Pictures of my Solo Stove, New Gear for this Trip


Saturday May 16th

We awoke after a full night’s sleep. Being tired from the long day before, I don’t recall waking or stirring once during the night. I was relieved that I felt as well as I did, a little soreness but nothing unbearable. This was my first hike of the season and I had done far less preparation this winter than in years past. The morning light revealed another chilly and slightly overcast day, but altogether another day of prime hiking conditions. I got the stove going and boiled water for another breakfast of coffee and oatmeal. We packed up camp and it was back on the trail a little after 9:00. Cowhorn Pond turned out to be a great place to camp for the night, and I thought the pond itself and the lean-to were really nice.

After leaving Cowhorn Pond, the trail continues along the Cowhorn Junction trail where the side-trip to Cat Mtn. is located. Coming off of a near 20 mile day and with another long hike ahead of us, we elected not to take the side trip. I intend to get back in the area and hike it at some point, but we were getting a later start than we intended and wanted to stop for lunch and a possible swim at High Falls later that day. Shortly after passing Glasby Pond, the trail ties in to the High Falls Loop and passes through an area known as “The Plains”. The Plains was relatively flat hiking, passing a number of beaver ponds and the like. We were presented with a number of challenging stream crossings. At one point before the High Falls junction we had to cross a stream tributary on a log that was narrow and the center 6’ or so was actually submerged about 2” underwater. The water was black and fairly deep on either side, but fortunately we were both able to make it across and remain dry.

We arrived at High Falls just behind another group of 4 hikers and a dog. They were doing an overnight hike of the High Falls Loop and had hiked the CL50 the prior year. High Falls was terrific and made for the perfect spot to lunch and rest. I shed some gear and had a quick swim in the river above the falls before taking some time to explore the area a little. After lunch the sun was out and it was very relaxing lying on the rocks while hiking clothes were spread out to dry. After spending over an hour at High Falls, we were packed up and back on the trail. Our original plan was to make it to the Inlet Flow Lean-to for the night, and we had hoped to make it to Wanakena before the General Store closed at 5:00.
Top of High Falls, Great Swimming Location




We made good time through this stretch of the High Falls Loop, although there were several challenges along the way with muddy areas and crossing on beaver dams. If the spring hadn’t been so dry, I could see many portions of the trail being difficult to traverse. A couple hours later and immediately after some very wet portions of trail we arrived at Wanakena. We crossed the car bridge into the once mighty mill town at 5:15, just missing the General Store which was open until 5:00. Although a cold beverage and a quick snack would have been nice, we didn’t really need anything from the store and had been hoping to just experience it. As we approached the gazebo in the park across from the store looking forward to dropping our packs, a woman came out of the store and climbed into a pick-up truck. After she saw us and noticing our packs, she asked if we were just coming off of the trails. She asked if we had been hoping to find the store open, and we indicated that we had but got delayed and knew that it had closed at 5:00. She said, “Well I’m still here, you’re welcome to go in if you need anything.” It was very kind of her, and we went in and quickly picked out a couple of items. I ended up getting a Gatorade, a Pepsi, and a bag of cheese curds while Jared got some drinks and a CL50 bandana. We thanked her for her hospitality and went over to the gazebo to enjoy the purchases.

View From Wanakena Bridge

Dropping Gear at the Wanakena Gazebo

Wanakena General Store

Park in Wanakena with Gazebo, Spigot, and Restroom

Dropping the packs, taking off boots and sitting comfortably on a seat were wonderful sensations, and the ice cold Pepsi was simply divine after a long day on the trail. We hung some clothes to dry, used the very nice public restroom, and were pleased to see the public spigot through which there was icy cold, clear water that we didn’t have to filter. Another luxury that a few days prior wouldn’t have seemed that meaningful in the scheme of things. I ate ½ a bag of cheese curds as our shirts dried, then relaxed a while longer before pressing onward. It was now about 6:00, and we had only an easy road walk and a little more than a mile on the Peavine Swamp Trail to reach our destination for the evening, the Inlet Flow Lean-to. 
After a brief discussion, we decided that we would stop into the Pinecone Grill as we passed. We had already planned on stopping in the event that we didn’t reach the General Store in time, and now the thought of a meal was too entrenched in our minds. We each ordered the ½ lb. Black Angus burger, which mine I ordered with sautéed mushrooms and American cheese. I’ve never been so possessed by a meal once it came, and I also managed to down 3 glasses of ice water. The other patrons were friendly and several inquired about the packs we had set down behind the table. Most knew of the CL50 and had assumed that was what we were up to, all they all seemed genuinely glad that we were there.

It was just starting to hit dusk as we left the Pinecone, and I felt renewed and barely felt the ill effects of the roughly 38 miles we had covered over the past two days. The same could not be said for Jared, who with blistered feet and severe chafing issues was hobbling slowly and painfully along Ranger School Road. Fortunately, we made it onto the Peavine Swamp Trail and a mile later we came upon the well situated Inlet Flow lean-to. Having already had dinner and with weariness and fatigue starting to catch up, we set up camp, milled about the site for a little while and were both in our bags for the night just as it got dark.

Along Ranger School Road

At the shore at Inlet Flow Lean-To

View From Inlet Flow Lean-To

Inlet Flow Lean-To


Sunday May 17th

Having crashed early the night before, we awoke a little after 5:00 and were treated to a nice morning sunrise from the Inlet Flow lean-to. We took our time with breakfast and packing up camp, and I was surprised at how good I felt all things considered. Jared was dealing with a lot of foot-related issues and it was a good thing that the day’s itinerary was much shorter than the previous few days.

Our day would consist of finishing the Peavine Swamp Trail and the road walk along Rt. 3 back to the car. Despite the early morning, it was after 8:00 by time we took our first steps back toward the Peavine trail. Hiking in general was a painful proposition for Jared, and I was really in no hurry to leave the woods so we moved slowly along at a barely 1 mph pace. I was still surprised by the pleasant weather we had received, and the trail was really in pretty good shape. After a pleasant but uneventful 4 mile woods walk, we emerged at the trailhead parking off Rt. 3. We rested for a few minutes before stashing our packs in the woods and changing into camp shoes to make the road walk a friendlier affair. Before long we were again headed east on Rt. 3 with only those few miles remaining in our CL50 quest. We had set our goal to walk every inch of the designated route, and this last portion was bittersweet. Completing all 50 miles and getting home to a shower and unfiltered water was appealing, though for the most part my mind was still stuck on the streams, ponds, and forests we had called home over the previous few days.

                                                 



It was around 12:30 when we reached the car at the Clifton Community Center and thus completed our Cranberry Lake 50 experience. We drove down Tooley Pond Road and visited Copper Rock Falls for a while before making the 2 ½ hour drive back home. Jared was having a difficult time getting around, but thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was already talking about returning to the area in the near future. Although I was a little smelly, grimy, tired, and sore, all things considered I was none the worse for wear and we both enjoyed the ride home with feelings of contentment as the newest CL50 thru-hikers. 


                            

My Gear List for Trip(Only Items with Weight in Far Right Column were Brought):

Gear Item
Weight (lbs)
        Add Each Item
Backpacks

↓↓

Kelty Lakota
3.7

3.7

Coleman Elate
5.1



Northface Recon
2.65



Sleep System



Kelty Weekender
3

3

Aerobed Pakmat
4.4



Coleman  Bag
3



Kelty Down 40˚ Bag
1.8

1.8

EMS Drool Pillow
0.5

0.5

Shelter



Eureka Solitaire
2.7

2.7

Outdoor Tube Tent
1.5



Cooking



Solo Wood Stove
0.55

0.55

Solo Pot 900
0.5

0.5

Solo Alcohol Burner
0.33

0.33

Pop Can Alcohol Stove
0.12



Fuel
0.5

0.25

Stanley Cookpot
0.45



Insulated Mug
0.15

0.15

Insulated Bowl
0.15

0.15

Utensils
0.1

0.1

Food System
↓Days/Trip↓


Backpacker's Cache
2.7
3
2.7

"FOOD" (lbs./days)
2
6

Water System



Contigo 32 oz. Bottle
0.25

0.25

Sawyer System
0.15

0.15

1 L Platypus
0.1

0.1

Tools/Misc



SOG FastHawk TT
1.3

1.3

Toilet Paper
0.1

0.1

Camp Soap
0.1

0.1

Moist Towelettes
0.1

0.1

Micro Towel
0.1

0.1

Dry Bag
0.25

0.25

First Aid Kit
0.1

0.1

SOL Kit
0.3

0.3

Flashlight
0.1

0.1

Paracord
0.1

0.1

Insect Repellent
0.1

0.1

Guides/Maps
0.25

0.25

Clothing System



Trekking Pants
1



Wool Socks
0.33

0.33

Shorts
0.5



Underwear
0.33

0.33

Merino Wool Shirt
0.5

0.5

Rain Shell
0.4

0.4

Boots
1.25



Camp/Ford Shoes
0.75

0.75



Total Lbs.
28.1


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