Dacy Clearing parking lot has been closed all season due to the lovely government of NYS, so our trek started out a mile longer than usual. It's a pretty flat, access road to Dacy Clearing but the fact that we walked on a road, that was in pretty good shape, is just frustrating when you could drive. Anyhoo... We reached the head of the trail and had a celebratory slug of Jameson. Until this point we hadn't seen anyone. While enjoying the flask a man and woman came in. They would be hiking Sleeping Beauty and ask which trail was better, the steep on in front of them or the other, easier, trail to the right. Obviously, unanimously, we all told them the steep one is more rewarding. There are a few overlooks of the area on the way. And the steepness just pushes you to go to the gym more each week.
We followed the same trail as the man and women. It was like a tag team race. We would get up to a spot and take a rest, like I said it was getting steep, and then they would pass us. Once we got going again we would pass them, we are younger and a little more nimble. So on and so forth. The man was originally from the area but now him and her live in WI (I think). They come back once or twice a year to enjoy Lake George and the Adirondacks. They seemed like very nice people, and the only people we saw until way later on the day.
Continuing our climb, which I thought was going to be the death of me before we started, we goofed around, complained about the uncomfortableness of our packs, and shared stories and memories. Some times its the little moments in life when you are just shooting the shit with someone that means the most.
So the trail its self is in great condition. It is very rocky, so the climb is more like the stair climber from hell. In my personal opinion I don't get as tired from that, as I do from climbing up a mountain that is all dirt and compounded earth. Also, the rocks add a bit of visual interest while you are look at where your feet should land.
After a few pit stops to water up, rest, and share the flask, we ascended the last of the hard spots. I was truly afraid to try this hike with a 30lb pack on but I was quite proud of myself. I made it through the tough spots stronger than I anticipated and had a huge smile on my face. A smile goes a long way. Everyone else had completed this hike before and kept saying, "wow, it's never like this," the entire way. We had a dry summer and the water spots were typically fuller and the streams would create major puddles along the way. There are strategically placed boulders and rocks so when the water is up high, you still have a place to stand. We passed a tent but didn't notice any people. The roots around were very cool. They were like huge ropes coming out the earth. They were water soaked and holding up these old beautiful trees.
We rounded a corner, and Bryan, being the guy he is, tried to tell me that we were at Fishbrook Pond. It was the nasty looking swamp of a thing. There was no way I was going to swim in there, let alone catch any thing I was going to eat for dinner in there. We rounded the next bend to find the first of two lean-tos. It had a great view overlooking the pond and a nice place to swim. Across the pond there is another one. That's where we headed. Down a small twisted path, over a foot bridge, and through the woods, we made it to our new home away from home. It came complete with 3 sides, a floor, roof, fire place, and cooking utensils, and a picnic table that comfortably could seat 6. We were spoiled! Goldie Locks should have gone to Fishbrook, not to visit the Three Bears.
We started to unwind and noticed that it wasn't nearly as warm as the weather predicted and the sun was starting to be covered by bountiful amounts of clouds. Sweatshirts and sweatpants in August? Yup. Not the most pleasant weather but we still made the most of it. We had come all that way, so of course we would stay.
Refueling with our rations and goofing around some more made the day go by way too fast. Fishing was attempted and failed but being on the water was great. We saw some frogs and some of those funny swimming newt things. While the boys attempted fish a second time, the girls went on a mission to find some fire wood before it got too dark. Jenn is the best firewood hunter out there. When she is on a mission, she is on a mission. Dragging small trees behind her, she made it through the woods and back to the campsite. We even started to chop it up ourselves. Oh, yeah, we are those kind of girls that don't need men to do the dirty things, we like to throw ourselves right it in. Isn't everything more rewarding that way? I'm so glad I was a tomboy when I was a kid; my life would be so different if I was a prissy princess.
The men returned without fish, so we cooked up our canned goods. Dinner consisted of soups, Dinty Moore, fire roasted peppers, peanut butter filled pretzels, Twizzlers, granola bars, and other miscellaneous items. This was also our dessert. The night began to come to an end. Drinking, chatting, and hanging from the rafters made me a tired girl. I think I was the first one to pass out (not hard to believe).
The lean-to was pretty hard. I didn't pack a sleeping pad, and don't know if it would have really made a huge difference any way. I slept like a rock for most of the night until I heard the sounds of Wil and Bryan snoring (I was probably leading the choir until I woke up). I looked up at the rain had moved in. The sound of the woods in the rain is so soothing. The crackle of the trees dripping, the absence of animal noises, and the soft hum of the mountains. Nature is one of the most amazing places, even in the rain. Thankfully there wasn't any lightning or thunder but that would have been amazing to watch. There have been many nights where I would lay awake in my bed listening to the thunder, waiting for the crack, and anticipating the lightning.
We awoke the following morning to a consistent spit of rain. It wasn't pouring, but it was more than sprinkling. It was that annoying rain when you wish it would just pour and get it out of its system. We packed up our gear and started the trek back. The hike was actually dryer that I thought it would be. The trees created a canopy for most of the trail. The trek out wasn't as enjoyable since the rain dampened our spirits. We were all a little tired and in dire need of coffee.
We passed a group that looked like they were from Camp Chingchagook that were heading out for an overnight. Not the greatest of days to be doing an over night, but at least they had one lean-to to stay in.
Overall my first backpacking trip was fun. I knew I could handle it and was quite proud of myself, all things considered. After using a pack that didnt' fit, practically in any way shape or form, I knew what to look for when I went to buy one. I have since bought one, and got a great deal on it. Thank you EMS! I'm slowly gathering everything I need to become a serious hiker. I have to return my hiking boots for the right ones, and need other minor equipment. But I am feeling so good about all of this and the choices I have made. Most of all, I have enjoyed making wonderful memories with even more wonderful friends. Love you all!
(Pictures will be added later)
