Hiking - Andy Arthur.org

Five Major Trips I Hope to Take in 2012

Andy | August 2, 2014

Salmon River Reservior.

I am hoping to take a weekend trip up to Salmon River Reservior in Oswego County, kayak out to an island on the reservior, and spend a night. Possibly explore Winona State Forest, and then maybe visit Rome Sand Plains on the way back home. This might be a long-weekend trip.

Sand Plains of Western Adirondacks.

I am hoping to spend some more time exploring the Sand Plains of Adirondacks, particularly in the Western Adirondacks and Tug Hill Plateau, around the Black River Valley. The Otter Creek-area, while confusing to the new visitor, is a fascinating mix of sand plains, pine trees, and other open areas. Probably take this trip during the mid-summer.

North Country Trip.

I am hoping to take a North Country trip, visiting Deer River State Forest, Deer River Flow, Brasher Falls State Forest, Lake Bonaparte, and possibly other destinations in the Western Adirondacks such as the afformentioned Sand Plains. I would probably do this mid-summer, possibly part of the Adirondack Sand Plains trip.

Twin Tiers Trip.

I am hoping to take a trip back to the Twin Tiers. Some of the places I would like to visit include the Zoar Valley, East Otto State Forest (for camping), Allgeheny National Forest and Pine Creek Gorge. I might overnight one night at Sugar Hill State Forest. Possibly do this trip in early November, weather depending.

Horseshoe and Lows Lake.

I am hoping to get up to Horseshoe Lake again this year. Things didn’t work out so well last year, and it owuld be nice to explore of the Lows Lake, possibly canoe camping one night there, and spending another night roadside camping at Horseshoe Lake.

Green Mountains.

I am hoping to get back to Green Mountains, hike up Stratton Mountain and spend more time exploring the area around Kelly Stand and the Somerset Reservior. This probably would be just a weekend trip.

The Evening Walk

Andy | March 2, 2010

One of my favorite activities is the evening walk. I go out almost every night for a 2.5 mile walk, to spend about 45 minutes clearing my mind, looking at the stars, and just observing nature. It’s a chance for my legs to get out and stretch, and to enjoy some fresh air after a day stuck in a stuffy office.

I go out nearly every night regardless of the weather. Sometimes it’s hot out. Other times it’s frigid and the cold winds are blowing snow in my face. Sometimes it’s raining. Other nights, it’s totally pleasant, and I see half a dozen different people walking dogs or going down to the local convenience mart.

I really dislike missing my evening walk. I’ve been doing it for almost 6-years every night, and when I miss it I feel as though I am missing something important. My legs don’t feel right just heading home. I think something important is missing in my day if I miss the evening walk.

Have I Ever Gotten Lost?

Andy | August 17, 2009

Notes on the Re-Run for Saturday, March 10th.

— Andy

I’m not sure if I have ever gotten lost before in the woods. There has been times when I’ve taken a trail to a surprise result. I don’t always have a perfect map in my head of every area I’ve been to, and sometimes when visiting a new area, I will loop back upon on a trail and be quite surpised at that fact.

Sometimes I will run into something unexpected in the woods that makes it impossible to reach my destination the way I originally expected. The cliff might drop off steeply, their might be a pond in the ways, the trail might be really muddy and mucky, or their might be a hunter up ahead. I usually find my way back to the trail without a problem.

There have been times when I’ve had difficulty locating one point or another. I almost always find it, after a little searching, if it’s nearby. Sometimes I will give up and go back, especially if my map’s quality is poor or if it’s not readily apparent where it should be.

I guess some day I will get truly lost.