I'm so happy the Forum is back on-line. Thanks to all the folks who rebuilt it and for the upcoming migration (hopefully the old threads make it).
I had a great opportunity this morning to take my youngest daughter for a short hike on the last day of summer. Austin Falls in the Jessup River Wild Forest was our destination. Pulling up to the old Rt. 8/30 bridge, we quickly got ready for the short walk on an "abandoned" highway.
Attachment 20514
After walking around the barricade and dodging copious amounts of poison ivy, we took in the views of the mighty Sacandaga River.
Attachment 20515
We were both surprised to see a very active logging operation going on right on the other side of the bridge (in the Speculator Tree Farm tract). We sat here for a while and watched them load huge hardwood logs on to the trailer for the journey to the mill.
Attachment 20520
Eventually, we pulled ourselves away from watching other people work and headed up the old road. It was neat to see the old guardrails alongside the steep stretches of embankment.
Attachment 20516
The road is an easy walk as it skirts the boundary of the tree farm (right) and the JRWF (left). The sound of the river was always in our ears.
Attachment 20521
Soon, we arrived at the designated campsite along the route. It's actually a nice little spot right alongside the river. The old maps list it as a "picnic area".
Attachment 20522
The neat thing about late summer hiking are the large amounts of wildflowers around. These New England Asters attracted a hungry bee.
Attachment 20523
As if the roaring water wasn't an indication, a sign that let us know we arrived at our destination.
Attachment 20517
A small herd path led down to the bottom of the falls and provided a great place to soak in the majesty of the falls.
Attachment 20518
Pictures can't do justice to the power of the river and the sound and feeling of the crashing water.
Attachment 20519
After a nice long break, we headed straight back down the way we came. The logging truck had passed while we were at the falls, so we took our time walking and daydreamed about the beauty of the forest. Any time I get to spend with my kids is special and I cherish these memories.
I had a great opportunity this morning to take my youngest daughter for a short hike on the last day of summer. Austin Falls in the Jessup River Wild Forest was our destination. Pulling up to the old Rt. 8/30 bridge, we quickly got ready for the short walk on an "abandoned" highway.
Attachment 20514
After walking around the barricade and dodging copious amounts of poison ivy, we took in the views of the mighty Sacandaga River.
Attachment 20515
We were both surprised to see a very active logging operation going on right on the other side of the bridge (in the Speculator Tree Farm tract). We sat here for a while and watched them load huge hardwood logs on to the trailer for the journey to the mill.
Attachment 20520
Eventually, we pulled ourselves away from watching other people work and headed up the old road. It was neat to see the old guardrails alongside the steep stretches of embankment.
Attachment 20516
The road is an easy walk as it skirts the boundary of the tree farm (right) and the JRWF (left). The sound of the river was always in our ears.
Attachment 20521
Soon, we arrived at the designated campsite along the route. It's actually a nice little spot right alongside the river. The old maps list it as a "picnic area".
Attachment 20522
The neat thing about late summer hiking are the large amounts of wildflowers around. These New England Asters attracted a hungry bee.
Attachment 20523
As if the roaring water wasn't an indication, a sign that let us know we arrived at our destination.
Attachment 20517
A small herd path led down to the bottom of the falls and provided a great place to soak in the majesty of the falls.
Attachment 20518
Pictures can't do justice to the power of the river and the sound and feeling of the crashing water.
Attachment 20519
After a nice long break, we headed straight back down the way we came. The logging truck had passed while we were at the falls, so we took our time walking and daydreamed about the beauty of the forest. Any time I get to spend with my kids is special and I cherish these memories.
