Nun-da-ga-o (8/11/07)

Dick · 08-12-2007, 07:25 PM

It was probably a great day for a hike just about anywhere in the Adirondacks! Forecast was for "mostly sunny" and in the low '80s for Keene, though some serious looking clouds did roll in during the afternoon. Having spent most of our time in recent months hiking in the Catskills, this change of pace was nice. The plan was to hike the Nun-da-ga-o ridge and the Crows. Regarding this name, I've seen references to the phrase “O-nun-da-gao-no” that is apparently translated “people of the hills” (Onondaga Nation). Does anyone know if this is correct?

On our drive up the Northway, we stopped at the rest area just before Exit 30 and happened to run into forum member adkjeff and his wife (a one-week-old 46R!), on their way to hike Giant. After a nice chat, we drove up to Keene and caught up to our hiking party: Peak_bagr, (Spence), peakbagr (Alan), bushwhacker (Brian), and Barbara. After a final drive to the trailhead off of Hurricane Rd, we spotted a car for the return and began our hike.

Shortly after some near level hiking we passed the first lean-to, started our ascent, and made our way quickly to Lost Pond. After stopping briefly for pictures of our four-legged companions Sonny and Bookah romping in the pond, we followed the trail around the pond to the second lean-to. At this spot the guidebook and trail signs indicate that we were now entering an area that was “unmarked and unmaintained.” For an unmarked and unmaintained trail, there was clear evidence of trailwork (blowdown cutting/clearing, side cutting), and even more trail markers and cairns than one might find on some “maintained” trails. It was obvious that someone is maintaining this so-called "sparsely used" trail, which clearly gets a lot of use. CAUTION: given the terrain, I can only imagine that it would still be a VERY difficult path to follow in winter (Joe Cedar?). In any case, it was very easy to follow at this time of year. We made our way up to Weston Mt., the highest point on the ridge, which had phenomenal views! This made for a fine lunch stop. I think Spence stopped counting after naming 21 of the high peaks that were clearly visible that day!

The remainder of the hike consisted of LOTS of in and out of woods, up and down hiking, with periodic viewpoints at ledges, always easy to follow, but somewhat more difficult than the short overall distance and modest elevation gain might suggest. Still, overall it was a moderate hike. We did part company at one point, when Spence and Brian decided to bushwhack off the path and climb “Coal Hill” (exact name?). We all met up again at one of the ledges, and Spence proudly displayed a foot he had found along the way, and in spite of its weight, carried it home with him (!!). Soon afterwards, we ran into a hiking family that had started from the opposite direction. After introductions, we realized that we realized that we had struck up a conversation with Phil Brown, editor of Adirondack Explorer (‘adkeditor’ on this forum). After a chat, we pressed on, though it was clear that Spence and Brian were in overdrive and that the rest of us were in a somewhat lower gear. We thought we had lost them for good, but ran into them again at the junction for the Crows trail (they had waited there for the rest of us oldsters for some time!). Spencer’s annual barbeque was awaiting, and we had to move on, so we decided to bypass the Crows loop and made our way back to the car.

A BIG thanks to Spence and Maddy for hosting the gathering! Though we couldn’t stay late, we had a nice time visiting with a very nice group of people!

Joanne’s pics will follow soon.

Dick

mastergrasshopper · 08-12-2007, 07:59 PM

Great TR and what a fun trail and very kid/family freindly.Did this hike this spring as research for my grandson and daughter and son inlaw.

MG

Mavs00 · 08-13-2007, 07:40 AM

I enjoy this loop as well. Personally, I like it from the other direction (the one Phil came in from). But really, it doesn't make a dif.

Looking forward to the pictures.

1ADAM12 · 08-13-2007, 07:40 AM

A "foot" ? Care to explain this one

Edelweiss · 08-13-2007, 12:17 PM

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...e&conn_speed=1

Here they are .......

Dick · 08-13-2007, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1ADAM12

A "foot" ? Care to explain this one

Spence found a sizeable rock that remarkably resembled the shape of a foot, and in some detail. We couldn't believe it as he put it in his pack to take home!

Dick

adkdremn · 08-14-2007, 06:32 PM

I've gotta say, this is the first time I've been able to enjoy the entire slideshow of Joannes pics. I've recently upgraded to cable from my archaic dial up. In the past I've only made it through a few pics, but at long last was able to enjoy them all.
Amazing, what a day! I was on Big Crow back in late June and that area is fantastic.
I look forward to hiking with/meeting you guys for the Grace events.

Edelweiss · 08-14-2007, 06:47 PM

Adkdremn-
Glad you were able to see the entire Gallery slideshow. That must have been very frustrating!
We'd like to go back and climb the Crows next time.
Will you be camping at Whispering Pines CG? If so, I hope we'll get a chance to chat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by adkdremn

I've gotta say, this is the first time I've been able to enjoy the entire slideshow of Joannes pics. I've recently upgraded to cable from my archaic dial up. In the past I've only made it through a few pics, but at long last was able to enjoy them all.
Amazing, what a day! I was on Big Crow back in late June and that area is fantastic.
I look forward to hiking with/meeting you guys for the Grace events.

adkdremn · 08-14-2007, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edelweiss

Will you be camping at Whispering Pines CG? If so, I hope we'll get a chance to chat.

Yes, I'll be camping both nights. I'll also be hiking RPR with 1ADAM12 and friends, and if I understood him correctly, we'll be together for part of that hike while you and Dick head to RPR.
I only did Big Crow with my wife and our kids, ages 4 and 7, and two of our friends totally new to the ADK's. What a great peak for a such a small amount of effort!

Jay H · 08-14-2007, 07:14 PM

I think I will name my first born "Nun-da-ga-o". That would just be sooo cool...

Jay

Edelweiss · 08-16-2007, 10:33 AM

Dick just set me straight. Looking forward to hiking with you to Giant

!

Quote:

Originally Posted by adkdremn

Yes, I'll be camping both nights. I'll also be hiking RPR with 1ADAM12 and friends, and if I understood him correctly, we'll be together for part of that hike while you and Dick head to RPR.
I only did Big Crow with my wife and our kids, ages 4 and 7, and two of our friends totally new to the ADK's. What a great peak for a such a small amount of effort!

billandjudy · 08-17-2007, 04:25 PM

Nice pics as usual Joanne--

08-12-2007, 07:25 PM	#1
Dick Elder Statesman Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Voorheesville NY Posts: 1,619	Nun-da-ga-o (8/11/07) It was probably a great day for a hike just about anywhere in the Adirondacks! Forecast was for "mostly sunny" and in the low '80s for Keene, though some serious looking clouds did roll in during the afternoon. Having spent most of our time in recent months hiking in the Catskills, this change of pace was nice. The plan was to hike the Nun-da-ga-o ridge and the Crows. Regarding this name, I've seen references to the phrase “O-nun-da-gao-no” that is apparently translated “people of the hills” (Onondaga Nation). Does anyone know if this is correct? On our drive up the Northway, we stopped at the rest area just before Exit 30 and happened to run into forum member adkjeff and his wife (a one-week-old 46R!), on their way to hike Giant. After a nice chat, we drove up to Keene and caught up to our hiking party: Peak_bagr, (Spence), peakbagr (Alan), bushwhacker (Brian), and Barbara. After a final drive to the trailhead off of Hurricane Rd, we spotted a car for the return and began our hike. Shortly after some near level hiking we passed the first lean-to, started our ascent, and made our way quickly to Lost Pond. After stopping briefly for pictures of our four-legged companions Sonny and Bookah romping in the pond, we followed the trail around the pond to the second lean-to. At this spot the guidebook and trail signs indicate that we were now entering an area that was “unmarked and unmaintained.” For an unmarked and unmaintained trail, there was clear evidence of trailwork (blowdown cutting/clearing, side cutting), and even more trail markers and cairns than one might find on some “maintained” trails. It was obvious that someone is maintaining this so-called "sparsely used" trail, which clearly gets a lot of use. CAUTION: given the terrain, I can only imagine that it would still be a VERY difficult path to follow in winter (Joe Cedar?). In any case, it was very easy to follow at this time of year. We made our way up to Weston Mt., the highest point on the ridge, which had phenomenal views! This made for a fine lunch stop. I think Spence stopped counting after naming 21 of the high peaks that were clearly visible that day! The remainder of the hike consisted of LOTS of in and out of woods, up and down hiking, with periodic viewpoints at ledges, always easy to follow, but somewhat more difficult than the short overall distance and modest elevation gain might suggest. Still, overall it was a moderate hike. We did part company at one point, when Spence and Brian decided to bushwhack off the path and climb “Coal Hill” (exact name?). We all met up again at one of the ledges, and Spence proudly displayed a foot he had found along the way, and in spite of its weight, carried it home with him (!!). Soon afterwards, we ran into a hiking family that had started from the opposite direction. After introductions, we realized that we realized that we had struck up a conversation with Phil Brown, editor of Adirondack Explorer (‘adkeditor’ on this forum). After a chat, we pressed on, though it was clear that Spence and Brian were in overdrive and that the rest of us were in a somewhat lower gear. We thought we had lost them for good, but ran into them again at the junction for the Crows trail (they had waited there for the rest of us oldsters for some time!). Spencer’s annual barbeque was awaiting, and we had to move on, so we decided to bypass the Crows loop and made our way back to the car. A BIG thanks to Spence and Maddy for hosting the gathering! Though we couldn’t stay late, we had a nice time visiting with a very nice group of people! Joanne’s pics will follow soon. Dick __________________ "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while care will drop off like autumn leaves." John Muir

08-12-2007, 07:59 PM	#2
mastergrasshopper Commander Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: syracuse ny. Posts: 1,610	Love it Great TR and what a fun trail and very kid/family freindly.Did this hike this spring as research for my grandson and daughter and son inlaw. MG

08-13-2007, 07:40 AM	#3
Mavs00 Viceroy Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: the Dark Side of the Moon Posts: 3,475	I enjoy this loop as well. Personally, I like it from the other direction (the one Phil came in from). But really, it doesn't make a dif. Looking forward to the pictures. __________________ "The forest is the poor man's overcoat. " Old Northeastern Proverb

08-13-2007, 07:40 AM	#4
1ADAM12 Marc Howes kicking me! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: On Allen! Posts: 2,893	A "foot" ? Care to explain this one __________________ OUTDOOR SHOTS More hiking Pictures EASY CHEESE and The Cheez Whiz 43/46 ADK Easy Cheese and Cheez Whiz 43/46 winter EASY CHEESE and The Cheez Whiz 19/35 CATS HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

08-13-2007, 12:17 PM	#5
Edelweiss Consultant Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: High Sierras, CA Posts: 309	Nun-da-ga-o Ridge Hike Pics http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...e&conn_speed=1 Here they are .......

08-14-2007, 06:32 PM	#7
adkdremn Santanoni Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Emmaus, PA Posts: 1,828	I've gotta say, this is the first time I've been able to enjoy the entire slideshow of Joannes pics. I've recently upgraded to cable from my archaic dial up. In the past I've only made it through a few pics, but at long last was able to enjoy them all. Amazing, what a day! I was on Big Crow back in late June and that area is fantastic. I look forward to hiking with/meeting you guys for the Grace events. __________________ Shut your eyes and think of somewhere Somewhere cold and caked in snow.......

08-14-2007, 07:14 PM	#10
Jay H Ice Cream Time Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Pittsfield, MA Posts: 6,793	I think I will name my first born "Nun-da-ga-o". That would just be sooo cool... Jay

08-17-2007, 04:25 PM	#12
billandjudy Jimmy Dolan Notch Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 4,020	Nice pics as usual Joanne--

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