For my 1000th ADK Forum post, I present the following trip report:
Today, Tredhed and my oldest daughter accompanied me to do a little exploring in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area. We had a couple of goals today; a short hike to Balm of Gilead Mt. and some poking around the old Hooper Garnet Mine. Parking at the Garnet Hill Lodge Ski Shop, we quickly rucked up and headed into the woods on the GHL trails.
Passing the tennis courts, the trail quickly entered the SPWA after a few hundred yards and then hit the Halfway Brook Ski Trail.
A short walk down the trail had us at the bottom of the BoG trail in no time at all.
The short trail to the summit of BoG Mt. was well maintained with no blowdown and only one or two wet spots. The 450' climb went quickly.
In no time at all, we broke out through the spruce on to the ledges of BoG. The view across 13th Lake to the distant peaks was spectacular.
Peaked Mt. stood out as the intermittent sunshine played with the hazy sky.
Many familiar landmarks came into focus as I helped my daughter orient herself to the terrain.
When we were finished exploring the ledges, nooks and crannies of the hill top, we hoofed it back down to the Hooper Mine trail. The trail led us uphill to the old Hooper Garnet Mine, last active in the 1920s.
The bright red rocks looked out of place in the "wilderness" of the SPWA. Truly an industrial site, it's interesting to see nature reclaiming the shot rock and spoil with cedars, scotch pine and white birches.
After satisfying the rock hound in us, we hoofed it back to the parking lot and drove the short distance to the Garnet Hill Lodge for a Switchback.
The lunch wasn't bad either
It was a short time in the woods, but we had a blast today. The view from the mountain, exploring the old mine and having lunch with my daughter (and Tredhed ) was a treat. I definitely need to spend more time in this area.
Thanks to Tredhed for driving today and for providing a couple of the pictures.
Today, Tredhed and my oldest daughter accompanied me to do a little exploring in the Siamese Ponds Wilderness Area. We had a couple of goals today; a short hike to Balm of Gilead Mt. and some poking around the old Hooper Garnet Mine. Parking at the Garnet Hill Lodge Ski Shop, we quickly rucked up and headed into the woods on the GHL trails.
Passing the tennis courts, the trail quickly entered the SPWA after a few hundred yards and then hit the Halfway Brook Ski Trail.
A short walk down the trail had us at the bottom of the BoG trail in no time at all.
The short trail to the summit of BoG Mt. was well maintained with no blowdown and only one or two wet spots. The 450' climb went quickly.
In no time at all, we broke out through the spruce on to the ledges of BoG. The view across 13th Lake to the distant peaks was spectacular.
Peaked Mt. stood out as the intermittent sunshine played with the hazy sky.
Many familiar landmarks came into focus as I helped my daughter orient herself to the terrain.
When we were finished exploring the ledges, nooks and crannies of the hill top, we hoofed it back down to the Hooper Mine trail. The trail led us uphill to the old Hooper Garnet Mine, last active in the 1920s.
The bright red rocks looked out of place in the "wilderness" of the SPWA. Truly an industrial site, it's interesting to see nature reclaiming the shot rock and spoil with cedars, scotch pine and white birches.
After satisfying the rock hound in us, we hoofed it back to the parking lot and drove the short distance to the Garnet Hill Lodge for a Switchback.
The lunch wasn't bad either
It was a short time in the woods, but we had a blast today. The view from the mountain, exploring the old mine and having lunch with my daughter (and Tredhed ) was a treat. I definitely need to spend more time in this area.
Thanks to Tredhed for driving today and for providing a couple of the pictures.
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