I had an awesome opportunity to do a "Snack on a Stone Wall" with my youngest daughter the other day. Every year since we moved back to NY, we hike to the "Old Farm" on the Pine Orchard Trail in the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest. This year, we waited until yesterday for our annual tradition.
Starting out from the Pumpkin Hollow Rd. trailhead
We immediately entered a large pine plantation.
And quickly crossed the outlet of Willis Lake on an old causeway.
The trail was a joy to walk on. The pine needles cushioned our footsteps and the level trail (actually, an old road) went by quickly. We both noticed that all the snowmobile trail disks had been recently removed and replaced by blue "Trail" disks. Perhaps to reflect its use as a multi-purpose trail?
About halfway to the old farm, we came upon a large pine that snapped off about 20 feet up and fell across the trail. Definitely an obstruction for mountain bikers and snowmobiles alike.
Not too much further down the trail, we came to our destination. I know of at least three old farms along this trail and this is the only one where I can find a well adjacent to the foundation.
We sat down on the foundation and had a small snack, careful not to disturb the thousands of mosquitos flitting around inside the well. I've always wondered about the tough life these ADK farmers had to endure. Judging from how many old farms I've hiked through, it must have been dang near impossible to make a living. It sure makes you appreciate what you have, no matter how big or small.
It was a great day to share the woods again with my daughter. I always cherish outings like this.
Starting out from the Pumpkin Hollow Rd. trailhead
We immediately entered a large pine plantation.
And quickly crossed the outlet of Willis Lake on an old causeway.
The trail was a joy to walk on. The pine needles cushioned our footsteps and the level trail (actually, an old road) went by quickly. We both noticed that all the snowmobile trail disks had been recently removed and replaced by blue "Trail" disks. Perhaps to reflect its use as a multi-purpose trail?
About halfway to the old farm, we came upon a large pine that snapped off about 20 feet up and fell across the trail. Definitely an obstruction for mountain bikers and snowmobiles alike.
Not too much further down the trail, we came to our destination. I know of at least three old farms along this trail and this is the only one where I can find a well adjacent to the foundation.
We sat down on the foundation and had a small snack, careful not to disturb the thousands of mosquitos flitting around inside the well. I've always wondered about the tough life these ADK farmers had to endure. Judging from how many old farms I've hiked through, it must have been dang near impossible to make a living. It sure makes you appreciate what you have, no matter how big or small.
It was a great day to share the woods again with my daughter. I always cherish outings like this.
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