Panther and Santanoni for Grace Day (new/old trail closed ?) AND Couchsachraga 8/25

[Rookie]

Little Rickie and I had a good plan for "Grace Day"....a couple nights camping and some moderate days of hiking. Saturday, I would head towards Bradley Pond and then cut up the “new/old” trail to Santanoni and find a place to camp around the 3500’ mark. He would arrive later, a little after dark, and then Sunday, we’d cover our 2 peaks and grab Couchsachraga if there was time. I would hang a lightstick at the trail junction for Little Rickie to see at night to keep things going smooth....uh huh....smooth.

When I signed the trail register at 10AM, there was a note thumb-tacked to the board , and dated August 10th, telling hikers to please stay on the marked trails. It made me start to wonder about the new/old trail being closed down for some reason. It was hot, humid and calm as I started hiking about 10:45.
When I got to the junction of the new old trail, there was no cairn or rocks that might have been a cairn, and there was brush placed across the opening which someone had purposely done to block it. Between this and the note, I figured the trail was closed. So in a matter of 2 hours into the trip, the plan was “toast”. I wasn’t about to ignore the apparent closure even though I had not heard through the forums about any such change.

So, I proceeded to the usual path up to Times Square marking the junction at the boulder (near the meadow)with a glow stick.
I climbed to the camping area up the trail past the cliffs and left my big pack with the camping stuff. I separated the bear canister from everything else and wrapped a tarp around my camping gear.There was no sign of anyone else camping there.
With my little “hydration pack” and some food , I headed for Times Square hoping I could catch Little Rickie on the cell phone and explain what happened. If I couldn’t get him, I had left a walkie-talkie at my car so that we could establish contact on his way into the woods.

There is a good area to get water about 10 minutes uphill from the camping area. The water is moving nicely and there’s lots of room to sit down and work. Even though I knew there would be more access points uphill, I picked this spot to treat 3 quarts for carrying (steri-pen) and drink part of another one. I’m sure when it isn’t so dry, there would be good access points up to another half hour up the mountain.

At Herald Square, there was a small cairn on the right marking the trail towards Panther. I went left and in about three minutes was in Times Square. It was 3PM and I pulled out my cell phone and successfully contacted Little Rickie. OK ! a new plan was in place and we would talk again as he got into the woods later with the walkie-talkies. As I hung up with Rickie, members of a party of 9 started filtering in to Times Square from Couchsachraga (hereafter Couchie)-my next destination. I figured I had the time and I might as well get it while I had the chance.
The sun was gone, there was some wind and cooler temps, I fueled up and GLEEFULLY headed towards Couchie. I was finally gonna get Couchie !!! Little old me was going to get "the couchster", "couchie-mama" ,"couchie-smoochie" or whatever you want to call it.... would be mine on this day !!!
And I had lots of time to work with, plenty of food, water, and I took comfort in knowing a party of 9 had just done the route so I couldn’t get lost…plus they cleared the cobwebs and knocked all the loose stuff off the branches I’d be rubbing against so I could skip the gaitors…plus it was dry and there wouldn’t be much mud….can you see why I used the word GLEEFULLY ?
Could it ever be better than this ? Anyway, I was so thankful when I returned to Times Square 3 hours later with pictures of the Couchie summit signs and some stunning hazy views of the Sewards.
I headed back down to the camping spot and at one spot the views opened up and my instinct was to grab for the camera. I fought back the urge knowing it would be clear on Sunday for lots of picture taking. Grace would insure that and Willie had filed a motion for it !
As I got closer to the camping area I started to smell campfire. Wow, my nose must be really sensitive since I quit smoking to smell a campfire all the way from the Bradley Pond L/T !… so I thought.
Anyway, there were 2 other parties camping in the same place I was and one had a fire ! Always comforting to a bear-chicken like me. I spead out my gear , found a nicely contoured spot on the ground to place my tarp, pad and bag. I bungie-corded another tarp over the spot and arranged my stuff underneath it. My home for the night. As it got dark I stared trying to establish radio contact with Little Rickie…I tried, waited, tried, waited,,,etc, etc…zzzzzzzzz ……
CLAY...... CLAY….huh, wuh….Rickie ?....it was after midnight and there he was !

He will tell his story, but after an hour or so I think I was back to sleep in my very enjoyable little nook.
At 6:30 am Sunday, I was up and tinkering with my gear. We had decide to skip a re-do of Couchie due to time restraints and just do Santanoni 1st (by noon) and then scamper back to Panther (before 1PM). We had also decided to leave the camping gear at the site, covered with a tarp, and pick it up on the way down. The group covering Couchie for Grace Day would carry all their stuff up to Times Square , do Couchie, and exit over Santanoni and the new/old trail. We already knew our times for getting back to the Garce Day celebration in Lake Placid would be later than anticipated but what the heck.
I shook Rickies hammock about 7:30 and I think we had our gear consolidated and covered by 8:30 when we headed up. We stopped in 10 minutes to get water and chat with the “Couchie Group”. They disappeared ahead of us on the way up and were coming back from Panther as we arrived in Herald Square. We saw many other hikers on this day. 8 or 9 other parties ! I was amazed. We even met PIN-PIN on the way to Santanoni. I knew I’d run into him someday !
My son , who is captivated by the name Pin-Pin, always asks me after a hike: did you meet Pin-Pin yet Dad ? So I got to say yes finally !
After the 3 (?) false summits and seeing the junction of the new/old trail, we hit the peak of Santanoni. It was rainy, cold and wet and it was 11:45 when we took our summit pictures. We Immediately headed for Panther since we were moving a little slower than anticipated due to conditions. We “ plodded” right past our packs at Times Square and made it to the peak of Panther by a little after 1 PM . No views, with wind and rain, but we took our pictures and headed back to Times Square for a break. On this busy day, Times Square seemed to be appropriately named ! There was always someone, or some gear , there.
We were back to our camp site, rested, changed, packed and fueled up by exactly 4 PM.
Then, down and out to the trailhead by 7:30. We changed into dry clothes and had 2 ice cold beers while we talked to 46er #623 , a 71 year old lady who had hiked Panther and Santanoni that day ! She knew Grace, had some of her letters and commented about Grace and her green typewriter ribbon. That was so cool !
Anyway, by the time we left it was 8:30, and after missing Whispering Pines several times and even pulling in and not finding the tent area 2x, I parked well after 10PM. I was exhausted as I set up my tent and lamented the fact that I’d missed the gathering at the Pub in Lake placid and a good meal…BUT THEN THE NIGHT BRIGHTENED… Rickie pulled out his “back up” food and cooks sausage, peppers, and onions , BUBBA dropped off some brownies…..AHHHH…..
Gobble, Gobble…ZZZZZZ (see Ampersand Trip Report for next day)

[1ADAM12]

YOU DA MAN!!!!! It was nice seeing you guys again. Way to tackle the Sants :tup:

[Mavs00]

NICE.............. :tup:

Seeing that you spied Sponge Bob and the Couchie crew headed in (and no choopers to carry em' out later in the day :eek:

I think we can safely close out the Santanoni Range. By the way, was the note at the trailhead, signed by anyone. I'm curious, as I've not heard that it's been closed, or that it can be. AND I'm pretty certain I would have.

[Little Rickie]

Why would they close a herd path? :?:

I'm guessing the sale isn't final and there are still some legel &or insurance issues to be settled yet.

[Mavs00]

Why would they close a herd path? :?:

I'm guessing the sale isn't final and there are still some legel &or insurance issues to be settled yet.

Nope the sale is final.

[Rookie]

The note was not signed but it was written on an envelope that had a DEC return address printed on it.

It might have been signed "ranger" but no name.

Then there was a map showing the private property which is where the new/old trail is.

When we came out on Sunday night, the brush had been removed and a small cairn constructed.....we guessed one of the several parties who came "out" by via the new/old trail must've done that.

[1ADAM12]

I am guessing someone is upset with the travel this trail is getting.

[Mavs00]

The note was not signed but it was written on an envelope that had a DEC return address printed on it.

It might have been signed "ranger" but no name.

Then there was a map showing the private property which is where the new/old trail is.

When we came out on Sunday night, the brush had been removed and a small cairn constructed.....we guessed one of the several parties who came "out" by via the new/old trail must've done that.

I am guessing someone is upset with the travel this trail is getting.

The map's been there since the begining, and if you looked real close, you'd realize it was Neil's map :eek: They actually adopted it as the thier in-house map.

Methinks Adam is onto something ;)

It ain't the Rangers jurisdiction at this point, they have enough worries with stuff that is to worry about what isn't. I think I know what's going on. :rolleyes:

[Neil]

What I have heard is that the trail has been illegally maintained over the years by a group of people, each person being responsible for a section. It was obscure at each end in order to keep its existence unknown.

Now I'm guessing that the powers that be are scratching their heads wondering what to do about it on account of the prior illegal activities.

I would believe that is is no more illegal to walk upon that trail now than it would be to bushwhack alongside of it but I'm not a legal eagle.

Heavy traffic and rain may erode it to a muddy mess. What to do? Maybe cut a better trail that switches back and forth.

[Mavs00]

What I have heard is that the trail has been illegally maintained over the years by a group of people, each person being responsible for a section. It was obscure at each end in order to keep its existence unknown.

Now I'm guessing that the powers that be are scratching their heads wondering what to do about it on account of the prior illegal activities.

I would believe that is is no more illegal to walk upon that trail now than it would be to bushwhack alongside of it but I'm not a legal eagle.

Heavy traffic and rain may erode it to a muddy mess. What to do? Maybe cut a better trail that switches back and forth.

Bottom line, unless it was signed "Open Space Conservancy" (the land owners), it don't mean squat. Unless they were specifically speaking about land leased to the clubs (clearly delineated on the map).

[Skyclimber]

"I imagine you are practically all packed up for that fourteen mile hike into the Hermit of Cold River's former dwelling was. It's a pleasant walk - some by an old fire truck tote road and when you come to Mountain Pond you only have about four more miles to hike, if I remember correctly. I always enjoyed those last four miles on the wood's trail.

I don't imagine you'll find much left at that site but if you look carefully you just might see some of the flowers he planted still coming up. They were just outside his entrance and they were very welcoming indeed.

Maybe you can cross the river there and climb over the hill to where the swamp is that we used to have to get across in order to climb Couchsachraga. I don't imagine that it's dried up yet but it goes back a long time.

I'll look for your letter telling me about what's left, if anything of the buildings left behind."

and from another letter:

Well "The Weekend" to be remembered is coming up and I wish you all the best as you hike the fourteen miles into that pleasant spot on the Cold River where Noah John Rondeau lived for so many years and where he befriended the hikers who stopped by his hermitage. He was a delightful gentleman.

You'll have a great time hiking into Cold River where the Hermit used to live. Not much is left today of his Hermitage but a few tumble down boards and possibly a flower that reseeds itself as a reminder when he kept a lovely flower garden. Perhaps your father will take you across the dam there, if you get over it and you can walk into the swamp where the Hermit used to show us how to get across when we climbed Couchsachraga. Very few walk there these years.

[Mavs00]

"I imagine you are practically all packed up for that fourteen mile hike into the Hermit of Cold River's former dwelling was. It's a pleasant walk - some by an old fire truck tote road and when you come to Mountain Pond you only have about four more miles to hike, if I remember correctly. I always enjoyed those last four miles on the wood's trail.

I don't imagine you'll find much left at that site but if you look carefully you just might see some of the flowers he planted still coming up. They were just outside his entrance and they were very welcoming indeed.

Maybe you can cross the river there and climb over the hill to where the swamp is that we used to have to get across in order to climb Couchsachraga. I don't imagine that it's dried up yet but it goes back a long time.

I'll look for your letter telling me about what's left, if anything of the buildings left behind."


Noah......

[billandjudy]

What I have heard is that the trail has been illegally maintained over the years by a group of people, each person being responsible for a section. It was obscure at each end in order to keep its existence unknown.


It was very apparent that maintenence has been ongoing for quite some time, including very recent cutting .We remarked to each other several times how clear it was once you got through the thick stuff at the top.

[Neil]

It was very apparent that maintenence has been ongoing for quite some time, including very recent cutting .We remarked to each other several times how clear it was once you got through the thick stuff at the top.I had mixed feelings when I took that that trail. On the one hand I had become educated about and respectful of private property, which is a much more important issue south of the border. I have gone out of my way and planned hikes accordingly on more than one occasion in order to respect PP.

On the other hand I used this great trail that has been clandestinely and illegally maintained and used over the years on what was PP. Confusing.

I'm not judging those who maintained the trail, I would probably have done the same thing up here in Kanada. I'm just wondering why there is so much fuss to respect PP when this trail exists.

[Mavs00]

Removed a few posts that deviated too far afield from the initial purpose of the thread. Which was too


HONOR GRACE'S MEMORY




go HERE (http://adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4234&page=2) to continue that discussion if you like.

[Little Rickie]

[QUOTE=Rookie;44313]Little Rickie and I had a good plan for "Grace Day"....a couple nights camping and some moderate days of hiking. Saturday, I would head towards Bradley Pond and then cut up the “new/old” trail to Santanoni and find a place to camp around the 3500’ mark. He would arrive later, a little after dark, and then Sunday, we’d cover our 2 peaks and grab Couchsachraga if there was time. I would hang a lightstick at the trail junction for Little Rickie to see at night to keep things going smooth....uh huh....smooth.

Now for my perspective.

This was a terrible climb. Too many things went wrong. Bad timing, equipment problems, physical, mental, emotional stress, cold, wet and uncomfortable and worse of all I missed the parties!

I had a great time!

First let me say Rookie is a great guy to climb with. This is our 3rd climb together and I don't believe it. It seems like we have been hiking together for years. He doesn't complain because I hike slower than him. He lets me rest every 30 min when I know he just wants to charge on up the mountain. He let me sleep in. If he could only cook he would be perfect!

This trip presented a lot of challanges. I couldn't find my water filter, 2nd hiking pole, whistle & compass and my boxer shorts. They all had to be purchase enroute.

On Saturday my wife and I dropped of our son to colege at Edenburo in Pa and them went on to the trail head, a total of 8 hours. My wife drove 3 of those hours. I arrived at the trail head around 6:45PM. Rookie called me from Times Square while I was on the road to inform me of our change of plans. O well what's the big deal, just a few more miles in the dark, with a full pack, on a trail I only hiked in the winter covered in snow. Can't be that bad.

Rookie hid a 2 way radio in his driver side rear tire well, I couldn't find it. I searches his other wheels. I searched all the other cars in the full parking area. I went back and checked Rookie's car again. I am such a dumbass... sometimes? I mssed the phone by a fraction of a inch.

I gotta go, it's getting late and dark. 7:30PM, I'm on the road, it's cloudy & sprinkling lightly, no big deal. I feel good and resist the urge to go faster, I have a long heavy way to go and I want to pace myself. I stop every 25 min to catch my breath. As it got darker I decide not to use my head lights and let my eyes develope night vision. It's almost a full moon and it would be neat to hike by moonlight. Not.

When I got off the road and onto the trail it got very dark quickly between the overcast & the canopy. I put on two head lamps, one to shine where I will step and one to shine ahead. They worked well except for the moths flying in my face. I turned the lights off to discourage them.

It's real dark in those woods! Pitch black. Have I told you yet this is my first solo back pack in in the dark?

Lions & tigers & bears! OOOO my!!!!!!!!

to be continued

[Little Rickie]

I'm not as physicall fit as many climbers so the physical challange is more of a drain on my emotional & mental reserves than most. In fact 2 months ago I bailed out on two climbs because I couldn't peak. I didn't want this to happen this time I busted my butt getting ready for the last four weeks. This isn't a complaint. I put myself in these situations and so I can strive to overcome all these challanges. When I do prevail I gain a lot of personal satisfaction, mental strength and confidence for having done so. I feel tough. I know it sounds nuts...so be it.

So now a little reality sets in I'm in the dark on a well worn trail. I just have to follow it to Bradley pond and turn left. My first and only hike on this trail was in the winter and it was covered with snow. Now, typically, it's rocks & muck. I just have to work my way around that stuff and plow ahead. Slow going, aggravating slow. Could be worse. I'm not going to get lost, it's a comfortable night, I just have to keep moving and not trip, fall, bash my head and die in the middle of the night on a trail deep in the woods. I'm having fun.

After god knows how long I spot Rookies glow stick hanging at the enterence of the Bradley Pond marsh I have to cross. It was a great help, even more so in the next few min. It's late, well past my bedtime, so I stop to eat supper. I'm getting tired and I don't remember how far uphill I have to climb yet to find Rookie at his campsite. I know it's just past the cliffs. I rember the cliffs.

I could stay at the lean-to but Rookie would not know where I was and I don't want him to worry, worse yet start looking for me in the dark. Dam I wish I fould that radio. Anyhow I'm doing good, only scratches and muck up to my knees. My energy is fine, I'm pacing well.

After a brief supper I feel real good and ready to go on. I enter the meadow/marsh and start to follow a trail I think. I enter the woods and...it dead ends. ******************** I'm off trail. I retrace my steps, walk a little, nope not that way either, one more time, nope. This really is starting to piss me off. I'm in the middle of an open marsh and I don't know which way is up. It's black out & can only see shadows around the edge of the clearing. A clearing I remember to be huge and wide open. I could have been sitting in a closet for all I knew. Now I got to circle the entire marsh to find the start of the herd path, But wait, what's that....

To be continued...

[billandjudy]

Cmon Rickie!!! I'm dyin' here:D :D

[Rookie]

He writes like he hikes....steady and with purpose.

[Rusty and the Maniac]

The note is on a DEC envelope and no, it isn't signed by anyone... If it was a ranger, or even an assistant ranger, they would have signed it. Not signing it is indicative of someone just trying to scare folks off from using what is a really nice trail, probably trying to keep it really nice. (there's even grass growing in one spot!) It's a much better trail to descend than ascend.:cool:

[Little Rickie]

I see Rookie's glow stick. In spite of my perception of being in a huge open space it's 20-30 yards away. Funny how the dark can play tricks on you perceptions. I stopped, pulled out my map (duh) & compass lined up east/west from the glow stick and what do you know it pointed to the trail opening. So simple.

I'm trainable, it just takes a lot of repitition.

I enter the trees onto the heard path. Crap! I can't see the heard path easily. I'm getting off trail too easy. It seems like every clearing in between the trees is a path. It's late and I'm irritated. I'm going slow by my standards and that is slow. The good part is I'm not aerobically challanged and my pack weight is reasonable this time so it's not a distraction, my energy is good. I am determined to find Rookie. Even with two headlamps it's hard to follow the trail. Humm. I wonder if I took out my compass at the confusing points and just headed west if this would work out. East will take me back to the lean-to and if I get lost in the dark I'll set up my hamock and go to sleep. What the hell, besides I see some small stumps, hash marks, muddy rocks and slick spots here and there. It can't be that hard.

It was just slow. I hit some blow down, scramble some rocks and steep sections. Some with some steep drop offs. (if I fall off will they find my body?) I wish it was cooler, I'm dripping with sweat, my knee is bleeding and now I got to craw on my hands & knees. Man this is fun. I can't wait to tell Rookie all about this.

The cliffs! Now it's just a matter of time and not falling off the mountain. I was whistlling hoping Rookie was just around the next bend just out of sight and would yell out Rickie I'm over here! I cleared a corner and there he was, asleep, not up all night worrying about me. I was soooo glad to see him. I yelled out his name, blew my whistle and began, yelling, swearing and cursing about hiking this GD trail to the dark and what a pain in the ass it was.

OOOOOPPPPS There a half dozen tents near by. :oops:

We said our hellos, I cangratulated him on Couch and begain setting up my hammock & tarp. He was kind enough to hang my bear bag. I was beat. It took a while to relax and settle in so I could fall asleep but when I did it was solid. It was around 1:30AM. The stiff wind that came through the campsite ocassionally felt fantastic. I needed my sleep and we decided I wouldn't try for Couch. I'd just bag Santanoni (my 15) and Panther for Grace.

The next day went pretty much as Rookie writes it. Misty, cool, some drizzle, good hiking, no views. It was a good day, really. We got out of the woods late. The cold beer was excelent!!!! It seemed like a long drive to Wispering Pines. When Rookie drove past I thought he was on his way to the bar. I drove around until I saw Val got out met some folks, had some beer & brandy, shot the ******************** with who ever was around, and set up my tent.

Somewhere around 12:30AM? Val, Rookie & I were starving. I cooked up my sussage, potatoes, peppers & onions, in the trusty old iron skillet, on Vale's stove because I was in no condition to be driving a white gass stove. CUI (Cooking under the Influence). Someone ate with his fingers. :drink: :D

I slept very well. Waking up sore & stiff I think Adam said something about the Santanonies kicking my ass as I crawled out of my tent. Rookie was taking off soon. Folks were talking here and there in the road so I jumped in. I do wish there was more time for this kind of thing. Hanging out with climbing/hiking folks is a reward in itself. People were saying their good bys. Val & I were were some of the last to depart.

All in all a great weekend, too short and messed up, but a great weekend. :)

[billandjudy]

Great TR--I'm still chuckling:D
Judy'd kill me if I ever suggested backpacking in the dark:eek: That's a slippery, rooty, rocky stretch up to the camping area. Good job:tup:

[Neil]

On The Road?
Fear and Loathing in the Santanonis?
A Yaqui Way of Knowledge?

Take your pick.

[Little Rickie]

On The Road?
Fear and Loathing in the Santanonis?
A Yaqui Way of Knowledge?

Take your pick.


What are you talking about? :?: I'm confused.

[Rookie]

Well Done, my friend !

I'm glad I sustained no injuries to my fingers while eating ! It could've happened.

I should have the pictures in a few days and will attempt to get them on line somehow.

[Neil]

What are you talking about? :?: I'm confused.

Those are book titles. They came to mind as I read your racombolesque post.

Hey! It's a good thing you didn't deliberately set your pack on fire! :D

[Little Rickie]

Those are book titles. They came to mind as I read your racombolesque post.

Hey! It's a good thing you didn't deliberately set your pack on fire! :D

racombolesque

You know if I could find a dictionary in this trailer park I might understand what you just said.

"Ma, did you see what that man said about me?"

"Shut up kid and go get me some cigaretts & beer.

You know that cheap stuff from Kanadah."

Love ya.

[Neil]

Whoops! I misspelled it. It's rocambolesque. Sorry.

[Little Rickie]

Whoops! I misspelled it. It's rocambolesque. Sorry.


"Ma Ma he did it again"

"Shut up you annoying stain and get me a jug of that there Apple Jack."

[Little Rickie]

Well Done, my friend !

I'm glad I sustained no injuries to my fingers while eating ! It could've happened.

I should have the pictures in a few days and will attempt to get them on line somehow.


It was a good time by candle lantern. O yah, I found a plastic spoon in my glove box on the way home. :)

[Rookie]

Pictures


http://www.adkforum.com/photos/v/Rookie/?g2_fromNavId=x09874772

[1ADAM12]

Nice pics! Nice weather the day everyone left for home:eek: I wish that was the day previous :D

[Little Rickie]

Pictures


http://www.adkforum.com/photos/v/Rookie/?g2_fromNavId=x09874772

Thanks.

The camp site looks a little more cramped than I remeber.