The Hoffman Notch Wilderness fills most of the space between Hoffman Road in Schroon Lake and Boreas Road, which connects North Hudson to Newcomb. There's miles of hiking along the marked trails and many more for brave bushwhackers. A treasure of the Hoffman Notch Wilderness can be found after just a short hike and an easy bushwhack, however, and it's a wonderful sight for children and adults alike.

In the spring, herons nest in Big Pond. The trail to the pond starts on Hoffman Road, two miles west of Route 9 in Schroon Lake. The sign marking the start of the trail is at the back of the parking area and almost impossible to see from the road, so look for the teal-blue trailer home on the right and pull into the parking area just beyond it.

We hiked in on a mid-April morning. There was still plenty of snow on the trail. Rain the evening before had made the snow icy and very slippery in spots. This is not a place to go without boots during mud season.

We hiked less than a mile and found ourselves on a wooden bridge over the outlet of Big Pond. Actually, it's not Big Pond. Big Pond is further northwest and what we could see was a wide part of Rogers Brook which flows out of Big Pond and eventually ends in Schroon Lake. It's the right place to be, though.

Going over the bridge and hiking a bit further up the trail brought us to the large boulder we were looking for. From the boulder, we headed due west and picked our way through the small trees and brush, After a short distance we topped a ridge and the pond was in front of us.

There were geese on the pond, but they weren't what we were looking for. Following the shore to the north gave us a better view of the dead trees in the middle of the pond and the herons.

The herons nest in a group and each tree held multiple nests. Some herons were sitting on their nests while others perched on branches or, for a real treat to see, circled overhead. We moved further north for a closer view, but a boat would be needed for a really good look. I'm not sure how the herons feel about intruders, so perhaps it's better to stay on the shore.

We watched the herons for awhile, then returned to the trail. Before heading out we followed the trail deeper into Hoffman Notch for about a mile. The ice-covered snow made the going difficult at times, but also preserved deer tracks for us to see and follow. The storm had littered the snow with twigs, pine needles, leaves and pine cones like a natural mosaic. It was very cool deeper in the woods and we were glad we were wearing our winter coats.

To find the pond from the boulder, Tristan and I practiced our compass skills. A compass is an inexpensive and lightweight tool that can keep kids amused while they learn to navigate in the woods. We have been turned around a few times out there and the compass we always carry has helped us.

Daily storage of your winter gear

Throughout the winter season your gear gets wet then dry, wet then dry, and this process happens over and over again all season long – this can be tough on gear. The more
active your season the more important it is to take care of your gear, which in turn takes care of you. While I don’t have all the answers to extend the life of your gear, I would like to get you started in the habit. Be sure to join in if you have some tricks of the trade and share them so everyone can see. Also this blog is not for off-season storage, care, and repair, that will come closer to the spring storage season, this blog is intended to help you get through the season while your gear is in consistent use.

Snowshoe Care

There isn’t too much to do to your snowshoes during the season. The best thing you can do is bring them inside to melt away any snow or ice build-up. Before each use it is wise to also look for any possible damage from the previous outing that could cause a complete breakdown of the equipment and your mental state when you are in the field. Crampons can be sharpened using a flat file, but do not sharpen to a point - these are not weapons, they just need to be sharp enough to do the job.

Crampon Care

As with snowshoes, it is important to get crampons dry after each use and check for any damage before each new outing. Use steel wool to clean off any surface rust that shows up throughout the season and don’t be afraid to add a light coating of 4-in-1 oil. Crampons can be sharpened using a flat file as well, but not to a deadly point. Sharp points can break down the hardening of the metals and can be more prone to breaking. Crampons are best stored and carried in a crampon pouch or bag. This bag doesn’t protect the crampons, but it does keep the gear around the crampons from getting damaged.

Microspike Care

The same as with snowshoes and crampons, it is important to get your microspikes dry after each use and check before each outing for damage. Microspikes are best stored and carried in a pouch or bag to protect the gear around them from getting damaged and wet. Be sure to check the rubber near the grommets to locate any tearing that could have occurred. While this is very uncommon, it does happen and should be replaced.

Cross-Country Ski Care

As for your skis, bring them in at night for best protection or at least every few days to dry out the bindings and remove any ice build-up. To remove any light surface rust on the metal edges you can use a piece of steel wool. If you want your skis tuned before or during the season I recommend bringing them to a reputable place to get them serviced.

In the field you could always use a bit of F4, blue glide wax, to aid with better glide and this will also reduce wet snow from building up under the kick zone of your skis. F4 works under a wide range of temperatures, it is also inexpensive and easy to apply. Don’t leave them on top of your car all season, the metal edges will surely rust and possibly parts of your binding as well.

Pole Care

There is a simple process for maintenance of poles. If you have a one-piece pole, there really is no maintenance, just check for damage. If you have a 2 or 3 section pole simply take them apart to dry and keep them in a warm area whenever possible. If there is any dirt between the sections wipe them free before you put them back together. Periodic care is all that is necessary.

Tent Care

A four-season tent is the best way to go for winter camping for many reasons but the care for it should be the same as for any other season. When you first get your tent you should seam seal the top of the tub, which is essentially the top of the floor, typically located about 4-inches from the bottom. Also, check to make sure there are no factory defects and that all the pieces are in the bag.

When you come back from camping your tent will be wet, and in many cases frozen solid, in your pack. If you have the space, you should set the tent up inside to let it dry. If space is at a premium you should at least hang it up. Use the curtain bar in your shower and flip the tent around a couple of times to be sure it all gets completely dry before storage. If you store it wet for too long it will begin to grow mold and mildew, this can break down the tent over time, and if nothing else make it smell terrible.

Sleeping Bag Care

Down sleeping bags are the same as down outerwear and should be treated with care. Down should only be washed with a down wash which is free of heavy perfumes and harsh chemicals. It can then be placed in the dryer to fluff up the down balls that are created by water. Use low heat and throw in a tennis ball or two to help break up the down balls in the sleeping bags baffles. Down should only be washed in a front load washing machine to avoid water loading and abrupt movements.

Synthetic sleeping bags are much easier to clean. They should also be put in a front load washer only. Synthetic fillers can also bunch up when washed and should be dried in the same manner as a down sleeping bag.

Storage is important and should not be overlooked. All bags should be hung and/or stored flat if you have the room. I realize this is not an option for many people. You can also store your bags in a large storage sack or laundry bag. The important thing is to not store them compressed for a long period of time. Extended periods of compression can mat the fillers and over time they'll lose some of the loft and warmth ratings. Also, rodents love sleeping bags, so keep your bags in a bin if you can - especially if you are storing them in a basement or an out building.

Backpack Care

These are simple to care for, but often get overlooked. If the inside of your pack stays dry you don’t need to do too much other than hang it up. If the inside of the pack gets wet all you can really do is empty it and hang it upside down to drain and drip dry. If you feel the sudden urge to wash your pack, it is best to just hand wash with a cloth and light detergent as needed. Dirt adds character, don’t fuss over it.

Outerwear Care

Base-layer: Cold water is best to clean your base-layers. You can by a wool wash specifically for the wool, or a base wash for both wool and synthetic materials. You can also put them in your regular wash although the perfumes in the detergent are said to breakdown the fibers quicker, I have not found this to be the case. The base wash is a bit of a different compound and is typically used for base layers with a lingering odor. Oh, DO NOT PUT IN THE DRYER, they will shrink. If you do try the dryer, use a delicate cycle and even then there's the potential of shrinkage - just hang it, they dry very fast.

Fleece: This should be done to the instructions on the garment. Many brands of fleece like to pill when washed with other materials, especially if the other materials have
excessive buttons, velcro closures, and buckles. Velcro is not a fleece’s best friend and can do more damage to your jacket than a spruce tree. Fleece is best washed in a
separate load or with other like materials.

Waterproof/Breathable: It is best to wash these pieces with a detergent designed for this type of clothing. Using regular detergent tends to not rinse off well enough and over time will clog the pores of the jacket making it less breathable. Wash with like garments and no more than 4-pieces at a time. For heavily soiled pieces, be sure to rinse off all excess dirt before putting in your washing machine.

Drying can be done on low temperature if needed, but not typically necessary because they tend to dry quickly. Drying on a low temperature can also take back some of the waterproofing that was manufactured into the material.

Putting waterproofing back into a material can be done with a spray on or wash in waterproofing substance. Use the spray on for outerwear that is lined or insulated. Using wash-in waterproofing is perfect for shell jackets or pants. Using wash-in waterproofing on insulated pieces can cause the pores to get clogged and in turn lose some of the
breathability.

Gaiters: Brush off any excess dirt, mud, or debris. You can throw gaiters in the washing machine but be very careful about what materials you put in with them, the velcro can make a mess out of other gear. They are best hand washed in a laundry sink or bathtub then hung to dry. To keep their shape, it's best to store as flat as possible or to hang with the velcro sides mated.

Hats, Balaclavas, and Gloves: Depending on the material, washing is typically very easy and can be mixed in with your regular laundry. Best if mixed in with similar outerwear—fleece with fleece---waterproof/breathable with waterproof/breathable and so forth. Hang dry to avoid shrinking and use cold water as well. Warm water will be OK, but hot water should be avoided. Presoak and hand scrub heavily soiled gloves and then wash in cold water.

Down Clothing: See above down sleeping bag care and follow the same procedure.

Boot Care

Boots can be washed best by brushing off excess dirt as needed and often, and then hand washed. To dry your boots you need to be a bit more careful. Excessive heat is bad for glued seams and leather. Excessive heat, such as placing them on or near a heater will dry out the glues which can cause a shoe to break down much quicker. High heat also dries out leather which also causes sewed seams to break down and the body to crack. Do not place in dryer it’s not good for the boots or your dryer.

It is best to remove the foot bed before you start to dry them to allow for adequate air flow. Then you have the option to leave them alone in a dry, warm environment, if you are not in a hurry. If you are in a rush you can stuff them with newspaper to soak up the excess moisture. You can also purchase boot stacks that simply move air into and around the inside of the boots, these work like a charm.

Electronics Care

So you think your GPS or camera didn’t get wet, think again. Whether in your pocket or in a carry case moisture gets in, especially once they hit warm air. Ever see someone wearing glasses walk into a shop and their glasses instantly fog up, this happens with your electronics, too. When you get home take your electronics apart to air dry. Take out the batteries, take off the lens cap, open up the compartments, extend the lens to zoom, and set them all someplace safe. Wipe any excess moisture off the lens and body with a soft cloth or lens cloth.

Still have questions, give me a shout right here. You can also stop into a local outfitter for details, and while you’re there be sure to see what they have for the care products you need. Looking to hit the trails so you can try out these handy tips - check out these great snowshoe and cross-country skiing options!

Schroon Lake in summer is all about sunshine, sparkling days at the beach or on the boat, ice cream, and the sweet sounds of world-class music. Schroon Lake is home to Seagle Festival, formerly known as Seagle Music Colony. While the Seagle name may be changing, its outstanding program of music will stay the same, and for 2021, it will be more accessible than ever.

What is Seagle?

Seagle began in 1915 as a music training program for which thirty-two college age singers are selected each year. Considered by many to be among the finest, if not the finest, summer vocal training program in the nation, the Seagle Music Colony was founded by Oscar Seagle, a world famous and popular baritone. Seagle's first studio was on Lake George, but after only a few years he purchased property in Schroon Lake. The theater that productions are staged in was Seagle's original studio and retains many of the picturesque original features, while also serving as a modern space for professional productions. With a view of the lake below, Seagle's location is an idyllic spot for performers to learn and grow.

Today, young singers audition each year to join the colony, still tucked away in the dense woods of Charley Hill, just minutes from downtown Schroon Lake. These emerging artists live and study at Seagle for the summer, performing in concerts and professional stage productions. They receive private voice lessons, and participate in acting classes and coaching from world-class faculty. Alumni of Seagle go on to perform across the globe, from the nearby Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown to as far off as the German Opera in Berlin, as well as on Broadway.

A changing name

In early 2021, with Seagle entering its 106th season, came big news. Tony Kostecki, Seagle's General Director announced that Seagle Music Colony would be changing its name to Seagle Festival. The reason, Kostecki shared, was that this change "better reflects what we do, and we look forward to continuing our work as the premiere opera and musical theater company in our region, a world-class training program for young singers, and a place where new works of music theater are developed."

The season will feature two four-week sessions of Seagle Festival Emerging Artists and because of the residential nature of the program, performers and faculty can create a safe “bubble” in which to live and work for the sessions. In order to keep everyone safe, including the audience, Seagle's 2021 season will be live-streamed, meaning that audiences around the country — and beyond — can enjoy the magic of Seagle’s high quality programming from the comfort of their porch, fireside sofa, or even their backyard.

In order to help make the 2021 season of live-streamed performances truly exceptional, Seagle supporters have provided financial support for the purchase of high-tech equipment and dedicated tech staff. Audiences watching from home will be rewarded with high-tech audio and visuals, perfect for enjoying the impressive talents of the performers.

The 2021 Seagle season

The upcoming season will feature a dynamic array of performances featuring Seagle's focus on classical opera and musical theatre, as well as the world premiere of a new opera written by critically acclaimed Adirondack author Russell Banks.

Kostecki noted that "while the planned 2021 program is not back to our typical pre-pandemic level or schedule, we are proud to be able to offer these training and performance opportunities for the selected 2021 Seagle Festival emerging artist, and a full series of live-streamed performances for our beloved audiences."

Audiences can enjoy the classic musical The Fantasticks, which made history as the longest-running musical in Broadway history. The Fantasicks features a fun, lovely romance in which two fathers trick their son and daughter into falling in love, plus memorable songs. The season will end with "Broadway Revue," a delightful selection of Broadway favorites sung by Seagle's emerging artists.

Opera fans have plenty to love about the 2021 season, as well, with performances of Puccini's beloved look at a group of bohemian Parisian friends La Bohème, Jules Massenet's family-friendly Cinderella, and "Opera Scenes," a selection of duets and ensembles from a variety of operatic works.

Seagle will be performing the world premiere of Harmony, an opera with a score by American composer Robert Carl and libretto by author Russell Banks. Harmony is a fictionalized story about the American composer Charles Ives, who spent time in the Adirondacks, the woman he loved, and friend Mark Twain.

For music lovers, the 2021 season of the Seagle Festival, presented online through new technology, is sure to be one to delight in and remember. For more information about the season, as well as ticket information, please visit the Seagle website.

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Whether you're a longtime visitor to Schroon Lake and the rest of the Adirondack Hub, or you're thinking about making your first visit, you'll find restaurants to nourish you and outdoor adventures to thrill you.

There is an official scent for autumn and despite what your local coffee shop tells you, it is not pumpkin spice. I'll tell you what is: the earthy, damply peaty scent of fallen leaves, mixed with pine. You'll find it in the woods as leaves crunch underfoot, and as you drive through the Adirondacks on a sunny day with the windows open. I'm a big fan of road trips of all kinds — cross-country, local, short, exceedingly long — and they are one of my favorite ways to explore and see new places. I recently crafted a loop through the Adirondack Hub, and it was a day full of delightful natural beauty, fun, food, and yes, the magical scent of fall.

Breakfast of champion road trippers

I started in Schroon Lake at Pitkin's Restaurant on Main Street. Pitkin's has been in business since 1907, and the menu and walls of the restaurant are decorated with vintage black and white photos of the restaurant and downtown Schroon Lake. It's a sunny, friendly spot to fuel up before hitting the road.

After breakfast, stroll the shops of Main Street, where you'll find freshly baked bread, unique gifts, apparel, and souvenirs.

Over the hills and far away

My next stop was Minerva, and there are a few ways to get there, including via Interstate 87 and Route 9, but I chose Route 24, which some locals call "the back way" and which I cannot say enough good things about. Route 24 in the fall is stunningly scenic and truly delightful, winding through quiet, fragrant woods. The road has many curves and gentle rises; at each curve I thought, "this is the prettiest spot!" only to be met with another, even prettier view of fall foliage around the next bend. As it was a reasonably warm day, I rolled down the windows and enjoyed the cool breeze and scent of the woods all around.

Minerva is a small but pretty town noted for its history — the American painter Winslow Homer vacationed here; it's also the birthplace of free-born former slave Solomon Northrup — and is full of classic Adirondack hospitality. I stopped in at Betty's Funny Farm, which features a sweet, antique-filled bed and breakfast, farmyard, and a charming shop. Betty herself is welcoming, cheerful, and full of infectious energy. She loves to make people feel at home, whether it is introducing her animals, including Dominic the donkey, doling out jam and jelly, or chatting about the wonderful handcrafted items she sells in her shop.

Betty's specialty is her homemade jams and jellies, in flavors ranging from classic blueberry to sour cherry. She sells to local shops and restaurants, but always has a good supply on hand. She learned by watching her aunt make jam when she was young and when she talks about it, her eyes light up. Giving is in her heart, as she notes, "I love to give hospitality. That's what life is all about."

Betty guided me up the road to Maple Knoll Farm, a maple sugar operation run by her son-in-law. Inside the handsome sugar shack, sample bottles full of syrup gleamed in the windows alongside rows of bottled syrup and Betty's maple jelly. She also helps make maple cream, one of the best things you could ever eat in your lifetime. Trust me.

After leaving Betty's, I stopped at the Minerva Town Beach to take in the view of bright foliage reflected on Minerva Lake. It's a pretty place for a picnic or letting the kids burn off some energy on the playground. It's also a popular spot in summer, with swimming, tennis, and camping.

After all the fun at Betty's Funny Farm — she truly is funny and fun to spend time with — I eagerly set off on Route 28N, bound for the town of Newcomb and the Adirondack Interpretive Center. Formerly run by the state of New York, the AIC is now operated by the State University of New York's College of Environmental Science and Forestry. The main building features exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Adirondacks, and staff naturalists are keen to share their knowledge with visitors. For many, the highlight of the AIC is the trail system and I was quick to set out on foot to explore the 236-acre property and its 3.6 miles of interpretive trails on the shore of Rich and Belden lakes. The woods here are a rich mixture, brimming with birch, cedar, maples, and spruce. The Rich Lake Trail, which leads to the Peninsula Trail, features a wooden boardwalk over a cedar swamp along the lakeshore.

The trails here are wide, even, and easy to walk. Although the longest measures just over one mile in a loop, the trails are so full of life of all shapes and sizes you'll enjoy lingering and taking your time. There is a magnificently huge glacial erratic on the Rich Lake Trail that's covered in moss, ferns, and a small tree growing on the top. The rock was left in this spot about 13,000 years ago, when it was deposited by a moving glacier. Several types of mosses grow here in the cool, damp shade, as well as brightly colored fungi on tree trunks.

From the AIC, it's time to return to Schroon Lake, but there is one more delight on the way. Leaving the AIC, turn left and travel just over 6 miles on Route 28 to the left-hand turn onto Blue Ridge Road. After about 16.2 miles on Blue Ridge, crossing a number of streams, the Boreas River, and passing scenic ponds, start looking for a pull-off on the right. This is the parking and viewing area for Blue Ridge Falls, a lively series of falls on the waterway known simply as The Branch. The view is postcard-perfect and a lovely way to finish up your road trip.

For a quiet, vibrantly-hued Adirondack adventure, enjoy a road trip through the Adirondack Hub, where there are charming inns and bed and breakfasts, restaurants, and colorful events. I hope to see you on the road.

 

If you missed part 1 read it here.

Our Story Continues, Part 2:

Rise and shine; the breakfast bell just went off, offering us up some gluten free French toast, bacon, fresh fruit, and most importantly – coffee. Luckily Elk Lake Lodge had a bag lunch waiting for us because day two was to be a full day as we planned to climb Sunrise, Grandpa Pete, and Clear Pond Mountains. After breakfast we took a few minutes to pack up our belongings, giving ourselves a bit of time to let our larger than expected breakfast reach our hollow leg.

Sunrise Mountain here we come!

Then we were off and hitting the trail to Sunrise Mountain, another of the Adirondack 100-highest peaks located on the property. We started by following the East Shore Trail from near the lodge. This trail was yet another delight under our feet. It wasn’t too long before we crossed the Dix Trail and started up the Sunrise Trail. We passed by a couple other small intersections along the way; one in particular was Cadillac Drive and the Clear Pond Trail. From this major intersection we were truly on the Sunrise Trail, with no other option than to go up. The trail follows an old abandoned woods road, which is a pleasure to walk on, so soft and colorful, we enjoyed every minute of it. Once the trail tightened a bit into more of a foot trail, the tread also became narrow, as it was lined with green moss on either side. The terrain began a gentle climb as it inched ever closer to the summit. We soon reached Little Sally Brook on our left; the waters flowed with a soothing sound only we could hear.

The trail steepened a bit more, as some famous Adirondack mud began to appear in front of us and beneath us. We rock hopped what we could, wallowing in the rest. It’s kind of like jumping in the lake, you know it’s going to be cold but once you’re in it isn’t too bad. With mud, you know it’s going to be messy, but once you’re in, who cares?

Viewing areas complete with wildlife

Soon we found ourselves at the first viewing area. This steeply banked rock surface afforded us outstanding views of the Elk Lake Region. A bit slippery from the night’s rain, we carefully made our way to the trail in the trees. The terrain steepened more and at one point got very steep, as we continued to climb toward the top of the false summit. Just prior to the false summit we stood atop the second viewing area - almost twin to the first but just slightly higher. Just as we were to crest the false summit Corenne noticed something dead in the trail. We looked down and it wasn’t dead at all, it was a baby bunny, warming up in the morning sun. Not moving, we managed to snap a few pictures of the killer fur ball before it did decide to hop off under a tree root.

A short descent would bring us to a high col, just below the summit of Sunrise. The climb was steady, steep in a few spots, but overall very moderate. The top had a nice rocky lip awaiting us with some outstanding views. Below us we had Elk Lake. To our left we had Clear Pond, Boreas Mountain, and the Hoffman Mountain Wilderness. To our right we could look up the long spine of the Dix Range, with Macomb right in front. Behind us we had trees, lovely trees mind you.

Arrival at the Summit

A 15-minute summit stop was all we could do; we were chilled to the bone. The wind was blasting us, our shirts were wet, and the combination of the two was very uncomfortable. Putting on our packs seemed like a block of ice against our wet shirts. It was a bit slippery on the steep slopes, and we managed to survive passing by the bunny for a second time. We passed over the 1^st view and quickly found ourselves back onto moderate ground, except now there were fresh moose tracks. They weren’t there on the way in, and they were heading in the same direction as us. The odds that it passed us while we were taking pictures of the rabbit were slim, but we must have walked pretty close by it on the way up.

We never did see the moose, we did follow the tracks until they must have passed into the forest; they were just no longer there. We opted for a bit of change in scenery so we followed Cadillac Drive back to the Elk Lake Road where we would proceed back to the car, which wasn’t all that far away.

Our trip continues...

Our plan was to now head over and climb Clear Pond Mountain and Grandpa Pete Mountain while looping around Clear Pond. But you will have to come back next week to read about that part of our trip. In the meantime take a gander at what else Schroon Lake has to offer for hiking.

Read part 3 of our Elk Lake adventure.