Tag Archives: Adirondack park

May 12, 2026

Another Spectacle

This was our second hike to the pond, and it was a first long-ish (3.5 miles) hike of 2026 in the Pharaoh Wilderness. We had a delayed start this time leaving at noon instead of our usual time: first thing in the morning after breakfast.

Dressed in layers we set out armed with our bug-netting bucket hats and light weight gloves. I am so skittish about bug bites on my fingers (…I know it sounds crazy but this is one of those old adage “ounce of prevention is better than pound of cure” situations!) Surprisingly the bugs were minimal and only swarmed when we slowed down or stopped. There was a steady cool breeze which is most likely the reason they bugs stayed at bay.

The trail is clearly marked and has been maintained well. It was a difficult winter here in north country and fallen trees have been cleared from the footpath and in some cases cut into chunks to open the path adding to the wilderness look and appeal of this trail.

Spectacle Lake trail has become one of out “go to” hikes due to the fact that it is a serene and calming path. No scrambling, minimal “twist your ankle” foot holds, and the end of the trail is so worth the trek.

1 Comment

Filed under Hiking

Public Land, Private Land and trust

IMG_5158

We are all so fortunate to have National Parks and Forest Preserves. In NY particularly Adirondack Park Reserve, and Catskill Forest preserve. 3million acres of land have been put aside and is maintained by Forest Rangers, and Environmental specialists. Citizens can play a part in the future of these natural resources as well.

When we hike these lands we are visitors. The forests are enjoyed by all. As we were hiking today we came across a sign that said “private land” and I thought to myself how generous the landowner was (or maybe there simply was no choice when the land was purchased?) to let total strangers hike across their land. Such trust that the signs that say “stay on trail” are followed!

Just saying as side thought, this sounds like the concept of a Library!  Tax dollars pay for books, media, resources. Accessible to all and based on a trust that there will respect shown to not only the material, but to the other people who use the material.

Random connections of things you think about when in total natural wild beauty…

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Adirondack Club, ADK, animal tracks, Hiking