Search Results for: West River Road

Decided to take the scenic route back home via NY 79 to NY 206 to NY 10 to South Gilboa Road to NY 990V. First time I had ever taken NY 10 along West Branch Delaware River, very scenic between Walton and Stamford, although there is no shortage of good hills on NY 206 on both sides of Bainbridge.

Decided to take the scenic route back home via NY 79 to NY 206 to NY 10 to South Gilboa Road to NY 990V. First time I had ever taken NY 10 along West Branch Delaware River, very scenic between Walton and Stamford, although there is no shortage of good hills on NY 206 on both sides of Bainbridge. I really should spend more time exploring the Western Catskill Mountains outside of the Blue Line. Actually a few years ago I may have been in Walton when I camped at Bear Spring Campground off season and explored that part of the state during Veterans Day Weekend. Nice country for sure.

Most of my camping gear is unpacked although I decided to leave my normal gear in my truck that I keep in their all summer long because I really don’t drive that much in winter and I’m sure in a few weeks I’ll probably have the itch for another night in wilderness. Christmas and New Years are four day weekends for me, as I took the eves off. Honestly, unpacking after a week camping trip is no more complicated than a single night, mostly the same steps.

Pond

NY 10 Along the West Branch Sacanadaga River

I decided to drive back this way last night. I was thinking this would be a nice bike ride north from Good Luck Lake at some point when I have more time -- there is good shoulder for riding, it's relatively flat and great views along the road.

To the End of Whitehouse Road

Documenting this section of the West River Road in the SIlver Lake Wilderness as you go out to the end of the road in Whitehouse Road. I hope it remains open for future generations to enjoy this scenic drive.

Along the West Branch

Driving along the West Branch of the Sacandaga River on West River Road about halfway between Whitehouse and Wells in the Adirondack Park.

That road back to the Cole Hollow Campsite was rougher then I recalled 🪨

I mean I shouldn’t be surprised but I haven’t driven back here since 2010 before Irene when a big portion washed out and had to be rebuilt. Especially with my big ol truck – last time I drove it was with the much smaller Ford Ranger.

Camped down at Cole Hollow last night. 🏕 I had been thinking for some time of camping here as in theory it’s relatively close to the Schoharie Valley though in truth it’s pretty far west from Bear Ladder Road and the mile of dirt and stone track to get back to Cole Stream is pretty bone jarring and tough on suspension components so I doubt I’ll be back to this site any time soon. 🛻Plus it’s a narrow and tight driveway with mud wallows to navigate and it was buggy last night. 🪰 Probably tonight I’ll try to do off that paved road to Jefferson or Betty Brook or hammock camp.

Yesterday was crazy 🤪 at the office 🏢. Interviews actually just one as the first person canceled. 👥 The robo call 📞system we were testing failed and we had to move it to the legacy system. And the postal rate ✉ update broke that side of the operation. I was so happy to be up to camp no matter how bone 🩻  jarring the road was. Cole Hollow is very serene with that trout stream which runs through it little more than a gentle trickle in the background with birds chirping. 🐦 Fried zucchini 🍆 for dinner, had a nice fire 🔥 though a bit smokey as both the wood 🪵 and burnables were wet, I really should keep separating out the compost as those banana 🍌 peels are wet and don’t burn well. Fell asleep in the hammock listening to a podcast after a quick toke and a beer. 📻. Glad the week was over. No rain ☔ last night.

Eggs 🥚 for breakfast this morning, took down camp 🏕 and headed for the Old Blenheim Bridge. Riding up to Fultonham on my mountain bike 🚲 through the Schoharie Valley. Pretty flat with good road shoulders most of the way. 🌽 I want to stop at Shauls and get produce and maybe ice cream up that way. I was looking at the swimming hole by the Towpath Mountain parking area, 🛟 thinking that would have been perfect for floating at current river levels but I didn’t bring the tube. Swimming 🏊 at Mine Kill Pool this afternoon. Tomorrow swimming and riding but not sure where then out to the parents house. 👪

Driving 🚘 out here I was chewing over the fact I’ll be heading out to the Finger Lakes in two weeks 🏞 God willing! To leave at on Thursday night for Long Pond or just leave very early on Friday morning for the Finger Lakes is the question on my mind. 💭 Long Pond is two hours on the way to the Finger Lakes, but if I’m not camping on Friday morning I could probably get an earlier start plus it’s so much work to move around nine days of camping gear just to do overnight. I guess I could sleep in a hammock ghat one night. I just want to get to the Finger Lakes National Forest as early as possible to maximize my chances of getting the campsite 🏕 I truly want for the next nine nights.

Going to be a fun weekend.

Franklin Falls Pond – Saranac River Campsites

Franklin Falls Pond - Saranac River Campsites

This shows the campsites south-west of the Franklin Falls Pond/Reservoir. The Saranac River at this point is mostly navigable at higher level flows but it is shallow with lots of big boulders and some rapids. You will be hoping in out of your canoe. Most of the campsites can also be accessed by parking on the shoulder of the road and climbing down a steep bank to campsites along the shoreline.