jeudi 31 mai 2018

Cashless Ambitions, Proceed with Caution

Globally there is a growing movement towards becoming cashless societies. While these cashless ambitions offer numerous benefits, Kaspersky Lab suggests proceeding with caution, with an eye on tightening cybersecurity around the payment eco-system.

One fundamental aspect of becoming a cashless society via digitalization is the increased adoption of online and mobile channels that has been a boon for perpetrators of fraud, specifically cyber-fraud. According to Forrester, there has been a 62% increase in payment fraud since Oct 2015.

The increased touch points and the nature of those channels lends itself nicely to cyber fraud by masking and hijacking the identity of the mobile user. Consumers are demanding more seamless and hybrid experiences, like combining commerce with payment, payment with social etc. At the same time regulations are forcing some rule-leveling barriers and access to consumer data is becoming democratized. This democratization of access and information means there could more vulnerabilities through more players creating more opportunities for cyber security breaches.

For perspective, global payments are expected to exceed $2.3 trillion[1] by 2019, and each year, with non-cash payments accounting for an increasing share of this massive market. Cashless transactions are growing by 10%[2], and according to one source, are likely to represent over one million transactions every minute by 2020.

The increase is mainly driven by accelerated growth in developing markets such as Malaysia, primarily driven by digitization and alternate channels. Malaysia aims to be a cashless society by 2050 according to the National Transformational 2050 plan[3]. However, based on trends and adoptions rates, the nation could be a fully cashless society much earlier with the mushrooming of digital payment or E-payment platforms.

Digital payment or E-payment is where payments are made using payments instruments that provides cashless purchase for consumers such as mobile E-wallets, Internet banking, QR codes and online payments. Currently there are 34 e-money issuers in Malaysia, that have been licensed by Bank Negara Malaysia[4], and the number is expected to increase.

Although cards remain the dominant and fastest growing payment instrument, the landscape is poised for rapid change and market disruption. The growing adoption of mobile payments, particularly among millennials, combined with a rapid uptake in e-commerce “Card Not Present” (CNP) transactions, and the emergence of non-banking payment service providers (FinTech) are among the many factors causing turbulence and disintermediation in discrete parts of banking and the payments landscape.

In addition, E-payment speeds up the purchasing process in terms of speed, cost, reduced staffing for businesses, while for customers it can be as simple as a tap or scan of a mobile device. Plus, digital payments open up wide paths to online merchants, giving businesses that employ this technology a competitive edge in the market.

According to the Kaspersky Lab, 35 per cent of people now use their smartphone for online banking and 29 per cent for online payment systems, and these mobile-first consumers will increasingly be prime targets for fraud. Newer successful payment types will see more attack attempts as their profitability for attack increases like social engineering attacks, data breaches, spear phishing, false barcodes and account takeovers.

“Kaspersky Lab estimate that in 2018 more high-end APT malware for mobile will be discovered as the widespread penetration of e-payments has made the theft of electronic money a profitable business for criminals. The E-platform provides and merchants need technology that protects their clients from today’s threats and minimizes the costs linked to reimbursing stolen money,” Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager, SEA, Kaspersky Lab.

According to a survey conducted by Kaspersky Lab, only 52% of financial companies and 46% of firms engaged in e-commerce believe they need to take enhanced measures to protect financial transactions. Even fewer companies in this sector provide protection for their customers’ devices.

“So it happens historically that the endpoints are the weakest point of the transaction chains, thus, they’re also favourite targets for cybercriminals. The lack of attention from the businesses to such a vulnerable part is surprising,” Yeo added.

For organisations the Kaspersky Fraud Prevention platform is notable in that it provides comprehensive protection of transactions not only from the bank’s side but on the user’s devices as well. It also includes intellectual services based on our many years of experience in the field of cybersecurity. This combination will help financial companies secure their money and, more importantly, their reputation.

Kaspersky Fraud Prevention is a possible solution that delivers comprehensive, multi-layered security for online and mobile transactions that have unique security technologies to enhance a mobile payment providers’ security and the security of their users.

The benefits provided by Kaspersky Fraud Prevention are complemented by a range of additional services that Kaspersky Lab offers to help E-platform providers improve their awareness of financial cyber-threats and how best to combat them while marching towards cashless society.

Kaspersky Lab is also taking on the challenge to create awareness about good cyber hygiene for individuals when it comes to mobile security.

The brand is attempting to set a Malaysian record for the Most Number of Anti-Virus for Mobile Devices Activated in an Event, partnering with Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) to educate and encourage students about the urgent need to protect their digital assets and identity; beginning with their mobile devices. Kaspersky Lab is targeting to secure 1,500 devices with its Kaspersky Internet Security for Android and Kaspersky Password Managers for iOS devices on June 5th in the university college.


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mercredi 30 mai 2018

Pharaoh Lake Wilderness

How about posting trip reports, questions etc. related to the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness here? I am planning on several trips into the area for early summer and would interested in what everyone else is doing there. Thanks


Mystery Ranch backpacks....

Wanted to get a Bozeman made Terraplane as my last backpack when I could afford one. Now I learned that they are AGAIN being made in Asia. Mystery Ranch seems to SWEAR the quality will remain. Even if there is a dropoff in quality from American made to Asian made do you think I'd still be better off getting a Mystery Ranch over and Osprey or Gregory? Arc Teryx? (particularly for carrying heavy loads more comfortably, and for durability)


mardi 29 mai 2018

NYS App



lundi 28 mai 2018

Brookies!

Kickin back with some cold ones on this memorial day and resting my arm from landing some pigs over the weekend. landed many that measured well into the 20's, as far as lbs, I have no concept of that. Mayfly hatches haven't really started yet, so nothing on dries. Every large fish was caught on the same fly, olive hare's ear. I tie my hares with thin wire, not gold ribbing. That coupled with the black tungsten bead makes me believe they were feeding on the green caddis larva that are found in massive numbers in the river and mistaking my hare's ear for that. I never thought of the fly as a caddis larva imitation, but the way it's tied, I can see it. Either way, was a great time!

nice fish landed by my buddy
https://photos.app.goo.gl/71aKqUoeVa8siVIc2

https://photos.app.goo.gl/z1LzUzlE8O89iszq2

https://photos.app.goo.gl/x2tulZEgl2cibsxO2

https://photos.app.goo.gl/mg8GX0p3MQrNJc2f1

This one was a porker
https://photos.app.goo.gl/C3ib5iMHEZMlF1pS2

This pic upsets me. This was probably the largest/fattest brookie Ive ever caught or even seen in person. I couldnt hold it for a pic without 2 hands. I keep my fish right in the water on the bank of the river so I run the risk of them flopping and taking off which is exactly what this fish did, but its etched in my memory.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/9A4n5dmb5ohWjEdF2

Then, there is the pic that doesn't exist. I hooked one fish that I cannot put into words. It ran me up and down. I was pretty close to netting it when something happened that I never expected from a brookie...It stripped the material off my fly right down to the underwire, and bent my hook to 90 degrees. Naturally, I lost it, but it was easily the largest river trout I have ever hooked, let alone a brook trout. Either way I landed an array of fish that I'll remember for a long time.


Anything can be done about an ugly gouge / scrape on a royalex canoe?

I was paddling in Hitchens Pond 2 weeks ago and my friend did not see a rock near the surface and we hit it pretty good, scraping down the length of the canoe. I figured it would be like all the rest of them over the years, mostly just unsightly and cosmetic and underneath the water, not seen while paddling...but when I got it back up on the roof of the car it was a pretty nasty one. I don't think it penetrated the interior but I don't like it. Can anything be done about it?

A tripping canoe is pretty much a floating barge anyway, probably will have no effect on performance...but I'd sure like to get rid of this ugly scrape!


5/25/2018 Noble (Giant wilderness)

Climbed Noble mountain - a knob on Rocky Peak Ridge. Started from parking area on north side of Route 73 near Bullet Pond. Relatively easy bushwack through mostly open woods - except got more coniferous and above 2400 ft. Best views were from peak 672 m.

pictures here


5/27/2018 Clap mountain (Hammond Pond WF)

Climbed Clap mountain - an obscure peak in the Northeastern Adirondacks. From Sharp Bridge campground in North Hudson, followed the East Mill Flow trail. After a few minutes, took the climbers path on the left which lead to some cliffs. Got to the top of those and spotted some more ledges on the next ridge over to the east. Went over there and had decent views to the west toward the Dix range. There were also limited views to the east and south on the other side. Continued on up to the summit which was wooded with no views. Dropped down to Triangle Pond and then picked up the trail again.

pictures link


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dimanche 27 mai 2018

vendredi 25 mai 2018

Black Fly 2018

Who's going? :-)

This will be my 5th year, and my 17-yr-old's 4th. I'm a 50 year old 3-hour-ish rider, so not even remotely competitive, but it's a heck of a lot of fun!


Moose, NE Moose and Loch Bonnie

The weekend looked a little sketchy weather-wise so I took yesterday off and climbed Moose, NE Moose and Loch Bonnie above Lake Placid. Could not have been a nicer day: sunshine, not too warm, minimal bugs.
Thank God there is a trail to Moose. The Hurricane-like micro burst area about 2/3s of the way up the Two Brooks trail is shockingly bad. It would take 90 minutes to bushwhack through that section if not for the trail. And even the trail was mired with dozens of large trees blown down across the trail. That part of the Moose Mtn trail looks like Aliens tried to make a crop circle, only they messed up and instead of choosing a cornfield, they chose the thick Adirondack red spruce forest.
So, so horrendously bad.
The top of Moose had amazing views in numerous directions.

Adirondack High Peaks Region bushwhacking exists in two states: awful and less worse.
My buddy Neil had told me that there would be around 20 minutes of thick vegetation. Using the internationally-recognized "Neil Luckhurst Adjustment Scale" (NLAS), I then figured I would have about an hour of thick vegetation. Since Neil is the kind of hard core extreme bushwhacker who refers to Sentinel Mountain as "open woods", you must implement the "NLAS" scale for all Neil advice. Hahahaha
Thus, if Neil says it's a Class 3 bushwhack difficulty, you can expect a 4 or a 5. If Neil describes the whack as "hard", then may God have mercy on your soul, call your local funeral home.
The whack must involve certain doom if even Neil says it's hard. Lol

So I experienced thick Adirondack torment descending Moose into the col between Moose and NE Moose. But then the ascent of NE Moose was nice and open, no issues whatsoever. From NE Moose I b-lined across to Loch Bonnie, and except for 1 or 2 shorts stretches, I had great woods the entire time. I was able to find a peak-out view of Whiteface from Loch Bonnie which was cool.

The descent of Loch Bonnie back to the Shore Owners Association trail was fast, short and easy. From there I cruised down to the Lake Trail and back to my car on Blodgett Road.
Total hike took 8 hours and it could not have been better weather.

Hurricane-Like area on trail to Moose, notice huge clearing where trees all fell


One of seemingly hundreds of blow-down obstructions on trail to Moose


Me at the summit of Moose



Absolutely killer view of Lake Placid from Moose summit


Some of the thick vegetation and cliffs on the bushwhack descent of Moose toward NE Moose
{img]https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1759/27477444587_9258969e38_z.jpg[/img]

Summit of NE Moose


Summit of Loch Bonnie


Peak-out view of Whiteface from Summit of Loch Bonnie


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Kaspersky - Malaysian Record Attempt

Kaspersky Lab Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Malaysian Record Attempt for Most Number of Anti-Virus for Mobile Devices Activated


Kaspersky Lab, a global cybersecurity company is celebrating its 20th anniversary and is attempting to set a Malaysian record for the Most Number of Anti-Virus for Mobile Devices Activated in an Event. The brand is set to partner with Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC) to educate and encourage students about the urgent need to protect their digital assets and identity; beginning with their mobile devices.

The brand is targeting to secure 1,500 devices with its Kaspersky Internet Security for Android and Kaspersky Password Managers for iOS devices on June 5th in the university college.

Malaysian digital sales trends mirror global sales with smart phones having a 54.2% market share compared to 42.67% for desktop sales . Based on a 2017 study, Malaysia is a mobile-oriented society with smart phones being the primary internet access device for 89.4% of users – the 28.5million mobile broadband subscriptions in 2016 further support this conclusion.

“Mobile devices specifically smart phones are now the primary Internet access device for most of the world’s Internet users. Cybercriminals know this and have shifted their focus to targeting smart devices such as phones and tablets because these devices have become the hub for sensitive personal data.

This attempt for a Malaysian record is aimed at driving home the awareness of just how vulnerable these devices are, and why users need to actively protect these devices,” said Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager, SEA, Kaspersky Lab.

Kaspersky Lab’s attempt to enter the Malaysian Book of Records for the most downloads of mobile security software will be held on June 5th 2018 from 10am to 4pm at TAR UC’s main campus in Setapak. All TAR UC students are invited and encouraged to participate and get their mobile devices protected for free.

To further add to the celebratory vibe, Kaspersky Lab will be rewarding lucky users with Xiaomi smartphones, Apple iPad, Bose Bluetooth speaker, JBL earphones and more, worth more than RM5,000 to facilitate and accessorise their digital lifestyles.


mercredi 23 mai 2018

SRCA camping limit

I thought that as of 2009 the campsite limit was 8 people in the St Regis Canoe Area, as per the UMP. Says nothing at http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/70572.html

To be sure, I emailed DEC at info.r5@dec.ny.gov & quickly got this reply:
"Here is the link to our camping rules that apply to camping on all state lands; http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7872.html

And here is a link to more specific rules on primitive camping on state lands; http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/41282.html

Both of which apply to the St. Regis Canoe Area."

So this means the limit is 9.

I don't see why it would have changed & my gut tells me they gave me the wrong info. Anybody know for sure?


mardi 22 mai 2018

Lake Lila Fishing

My 13 year old son and I are headed to Lake Lila first weekend in June for a weekend paddling, hiking and fishing exploration. Any information that would help put a bend in our rods would be greatly appreciated.


Eagle Lake Moose

Two videos of a moose swimming in Eagle Lake in Ticonderoga (not my videos, just sharing):

Part 1 (swimming):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZsCFb9GiwY

Part 2 (climbing up on shore):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BPJ8PkhH0k


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lundi 21 mai 2018

You CAN Hike a High Peak in May

This is a follow up of my post announcing that the East Trail to Rocky Peak Ridge was in very good condition and completely free of snow when I hiked it on 5/17, in spite of the fact that DEC, on that very day, posted "Deep snow (1-3 feet) and ice are present above 3,000 feet with even deeper snow above 4,000 feet.”

I realize that the East Trail is rather unique because of its openness (and the fact it is not north facing). That was the very reason I chose it as the best bet for a High Peak hike.

But given the fact that the trail was completely free of snow and ice, all the way up to 4400 feet, even in its shaded conifer gullies, and that it was not even very wet, I’m thinking there must be a least a couple of other High Peak trails where it is likely that the snow/ice is not significant enough to require winter equipment.

I believe DEC prefers people not hike the High Peaks at all in the spring. When giving warnings about 3 feet of snow, it is not going to add “but Rocky Peak Ridge is a good bet!”. I understand this. But it does mean the DEC information is of limited value when you want to figure out where you can hike in the spring.

When the question I am posing here was asked on this forum a few days ago, the answers seemed to take the DEC warnings as gospel and assume that no High Peak would make a good hiking choice – which is clearly not the case.

I should think that the Ridge Trail to Giant would be another likely choice. Are there not others as well?


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dimanche 20 mai 2018

Through hike start on 5-23

How are Trail conditions ?

Thanks


Nippletop and Dial next weekend?

Hey all,

My dad and I are planning to go up Dial and Nippletop next weekend and are wondering what the conditions there are like, and what you think would be the best route to take.

Anyone been up there recently? How's the snow and mud situation? We read on the DEC website that there's still 1-3 ft of snow higher up so we'll be bringing our micro-spikes and snowshoes.

We were thinking of doing the trip clockwise but read about the steep descent down to Elk Pass --- would it be treacherous or very muddy this time of the year? Would it be a lot harder to do D-N-D instead?

My dad has gone up Algonquin and Wright (when it was icy) and Sawteeth up the scenic trail and didn't think they were too much. How would Nippletop and Dial compare in difficulty?

Thanks for the input.


samedi 19 mai 2018

Stillwater

Just back from a canoe camp there and want to again complain about the campsite reservation board. It stinks. Why don't they go to first come-first served like every place else?
Turtle


The Moshiers

May 12-17 2018
Paul Conklin (Curtis Mayfly)


This report may seem similar to a trip I made last fall, indeed, I was in the same area but little of my route was traced. One of the joys of bushwhacking is finding new ways to get to the same place. On this trip, I would concentrate on the Moshiers: the reservoir, creek and ponds.

Day 1: I began early in the morning at the end of public access on the Necessary Dam Road, where it intersects the Beaver River. This is the beginning of an impoundment known as the Moshier Reservoir. It is three miles long and varies from 500 to 2000 feet wide. With the exception of the Brookfield Power Co. dams at each end, all of its shoreline is state owned. At a little over a mile west of my put-in, I stopped to investigate an unnamed tributary from the north. The slope angle shading on my map indicated inclines of up to 40 degrees. I scrambled only a few hundred yards up the creek, which was a jumble of broken granite. Most of it, the typical dark gray we see so much of in the Adirondacks. I found a small chunk of pink and laid it on the gray for a comparison photograph.

South of the Moshier Dam, the power company provides a take-out. I was not going to continue down river but stopped to take a walk. I wanted to investigate the serious whitewater below the dam and some of the power company's infrastructure. It was near noon by the end of my excursion, I had my lunch under an aqueduct of the Beaver River.

On the reservoir, I backtracked to the north where I would begin a paddlewhack up Moshier Creek. The first mile would be an arduous carry but worth it in the prospect of the ability to paddle deep into the Moshier Ponds. I gained 140 ft. of elevation pulling the canoe up the eastern rim of the first of two chasms. Looking down I knew I had to spend more time exploring. I found a suitable camp (two trees without widow makers) and erected the tarp and hammock. I would have ample time left in the day for chasm reconnoitering.

Day 2 did not require much climbing. At 180 ft. above the reservoir, Moshier Creek leveled and became a pleasant walk, sometimes paddling. I stopped in one of the meadows to have coffee and watched a Magnolia Warbler sing from the top of a spruce tree. Pressing on, it wasn't long before reaching the first in the chain of ponds known as the Moshiers. I dallied as much I could in each of the ponds. I saw Hooded Mergansers, Common Goldeneye, Wood, Black and Mallard Ducks, a Broad-Winged Hawk carrying a squirrel, lots of amphibian eggs and some fresh bear tracks. It was mid afternoon by the time I arrived at the largest and northern most Moshier. I found the hammock trees I needed at the base of the hill west of the pond. With camp established, I ventured as deep as my enthusiasm would allow into two of Big Moshiers swampy inlets. That evening before retiring, a Barred Owl was called into camp. It perched in a tree over my hammock and gave me a quizitive stare in the beam of my headlamp.

Day 3 was planned to be a long walk west without the canoe. I wanted to spend the day exploring the environs of Pepperbox Pond. I was up early and climbing the hill west of camp by six o'clock. I like being high on a steep hillside when you are level with the tops of the trees below. You can look for birds by looking down. At the very summit of the hill was a curious balanced boulder, a large glacial erratic that looked like it might topple with the touch of a finger, but alas, it would not move.

Before leaving the summit, I checked with the map and set course for Pepperbox. I wasn't half way before it started to rain. This is where my report begins to sound familiar to the trip mentioned earlier. I was on the other side of the mountain last fall during a similar meteorological event when I sought shelter in a cave. The rock wall where I found the cave was not far away. I turned north thinking I could find it again but not before donning my rain paraphernalia. I found the granite wall and followed it to the right, which proved to be the wrong way. I was nearing the point where a rain suit doesn't feel dry anymore and my misdirection had become obvious. Before turning back, I gave one last look forward and spotted a delta shaped grotto that appeared as if it might be large enough to tuck myself out of the elements. The granite floor sloped downward at a 25-degree angle, which was quite comfortable with ones elbows resting on their knees. I settled in for what became a long sit, I was very grateful for my new Dutchware folding sit pad. There was room enough between my legs to brew coffee. The grotto acted like a parabolic big ear enhancing the songs of a Winter Wren and Black-Throated Blue Warbler who entertained before me. The rain lessened after about an hour, it was decision time, push on or return to camp. I elected for the latter as the gray sky showed no signs of clearing. By the time I reached camp the lull ended. I would have another extended wait… this time lying in the hammock, listening to the patter of raindrops on a taughtly stretched tarp. I jumped the gun and got an early start on that evening's allotment of bourbon.

It was after three before the rain stopped. Birds, especially Thrushes like to sing after a rain, I delighted in some post precipitation birding before taking the Mayfly out for another paddle. Spicy Chicken was the Hawk Vittles entrée of the evening. By 7 o'clock the sun was out, giving promise to a better tomorrow.

Day 4: I was packed and on the water before 7 o'clock, the sun felt warm on a glass smooth Moshier, a foggy mist offered some unique photographic opportunities. I did not lament the Pepperbox failure; the pond will always be there. I turned my interest to the east and some unfamiliar territory north of Sunshine Pond.

There is a rather tight bushwhack getting from the lower Moshier to the first of a series of beaver meadows enroute to Sunshine. I tried something new and believe I have improved on my past choices. I had coffee on a Deer Pond island by 9 o'clock.
I was quick to establish a camp on Sunshine. I wanted to have the whole of the afternoon for bushwhacking the canoe into Twin Pond north of Sunshine. There is a watershed point between Twin and Sunshine, an inlet source for both ponds. There were some colorful moments pulling the canoe through the tightly spaced vegetation. The Tizzle tazzle twizel tone incantation may have been on the tip of my tongue several times, but I can honestly say that at no time did I resort to wizardry on any of these bushwhacks. I busted through the thick spruce to a spectacular view of a new pond.

After an hour or so of exploring Twin I began the return to Sunshine. I stayed to the east on higher ground. I was rewarded with easier travel and some interesting rock formations, another opportunity to spend time climbing amongst granite crags. There was a brisk wind out of the south on the mile long paddle through Sunshine. Late that evening I began to experience my first hatch of black flies, swarming but not biting they dissipated when the peepers started to sing. I retired late at 9 o'clock.

Day 5: The only thing on the agenda was to safely make it out of the woods and back to the Genesee Valley. I made another improvement on the route choice to Raven Lake so except for the Kettle Hole Carry not much of this trip was in the footsteps of past adventures. There's always something new in the same ole places.

A smoker at Millers Meat market was wafting full bore but I passed on the opportunity to check it out so to make it home in time to mow the grass and get started on the report of another excellent Adirondack adventure. Come to think of it, I passed on barbeque options in Mexico Point and Oswego, What was I thinking?

Photos: https://www.facebook.com/paul.conkli...7457177&type=3


ADK Fishing Report: “Smoker” & “Undisclosed” Ponds – 5/13-14/2018

Made a quick trip to the park, late last weekend, to fish a couple of ponds.

“Smoker” Pond Summary
  • The hike in – with a pack and float tube – was a challenge. Tough, final climb after crossing Unnamed Brook. I managed it ok, arrived about 9:20 am. It took me 1 hr, 20 minutes with the pack, float tube, and fishing gear.

  • Two other guys fishing out of kayaks. One was using a Lake Clear Wabler and I observed him catching two fish over the course of a couple of hours…….quite a bit offshore….which ended up being a good data point.
  • I started with an intermediate line with an olive AP Emerger and a Denny’s Callibaetis Nymph on the point 2-3 feet below as the point fly. I fished for about 1-1/2 hours with this rig, casting into shore and trolling just offshore…..no fish or strikes.
  • A little after 11 am, I added a 3rd fly….a wine, mohair mini-leech and began trolling in deeper water (approx. 8 ft). My strategy was to troll in areas just after the bottom disappeared. I immediately started getting strikes in the pond’s southeast quadrant. The water was cold, but there was one spot in this area where it was colder. I couldn’t see the bottom, but, suspect a spring is present.
  • I hooked and lost two fish, near the center portion of the pond, as I was kicking in to have lunch.
  • After lunch, I resumed my strategy and immediately caught and released a beautiful Brook Trout of about 16 inches in the deeper water where I’d put in (by the western most lean-to). This was my nicest ADK Brook Trout to date.

  • I ended up catching and releasing another 3 fish using this strategy. I hooked and lost another 4 or 5. Rumor has it these are all Horn Lake strain fish.

  • I hiked out just before 5 pm. It took me just over an hour out. Even though its mostly downhill, I was really hurting at the end.
  • I noticed and photographed a few mayfly duns on the pond. These are some sort of stillwater mayfly, but, they are not a Callibaetis. The fish did not appear to be keying in on them.


“Undisclosed” Pond Summary
  • This was my best pond, last year.
  • I was in the water a little after 8 am. The shorter hike and elevation gain was welcome after the previous day.
  • Again, I started with an intermediate line with an olive AP Emerger and a Denny’s Callibaetis Nymph on the point 2-3 feet below as the point fly. I trolled over to and along the pond’s west side with no action.
  • Repeating the lesson yesterday, I re-rigged with the wine, mohair mini-leech as the 3rd fly. This time, however, I ran the leader straight down to the Denny’s Callibaetis Nymph and tied the olive AP Emerger on 2-3 ft above as a dropper.
  • I moved a little further offshore into deeper water, again, where the bottom disappears and began trolling. I immediately started catching fish and didn’t look back the rest of the day. My very first hook up was two fish…..a Brookie of about 10 inches took the AP Emerger and a larger fish of around a foot took the mini-leech.
  • By lunch I’d caught and released 11 Brook Trout, lost or missed about that same amount.


  • I fished for about 2 hours after lunch and caught/released another 5.
  • I noticed the smaller fish took the emerger and the bigger trout took the mini-leech in deeper water. Of the 16, about 5 were beautiful fish in the 13-15 inch range. The others were 9-12 inches. If my reading is correct, these are Windfall strain fish.



  • I’d had a spectacular day at “Huggy Bear” Lake, in the Catskills, exactly a week ago. It had been my single best stillwater fly fishing day east of the Rockies. Today, at “Undisclosed” Pond, surpassed that.


Fishing Report: Catskill Brookies - 5/5 and 5/7/18

Made my first two fishing trips into the Catskills, to fish a couple of Brook Trout lakes. There are very few still water trout fisheries in the Catskills vs. the Adirondacks, but, the region is close enough to do day trips. I picked “Birch” and “Huggy Bear” Lakes. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of these two fisheries.

“Birch” Lake 5-5-18
  • The drive from PA is about 3 to 3-1/2 hours depending on stops.
  • Arrived at 9am to a full parking area. I parked in the last open spot.
  • Lots of people hiking around the lake and fishing. Most of the fishers were on the lake for a few hours then left.
  • There is a small inlet on the lake’s east side. Due to the water volume difference between the inlet and water spilling over the dam; I assume there to be a couple of springs around the lake.
  • I fished from about 9:30 to 5:30.
  • Surface water temps ranged from 55F to 58F.
  • Lots of chironomid pupa shucks on the water.
  • I noticed a few mayfly duns pop up later in the afternoon.
  • I caught and released 5 Brook Trout. 2 were in the 13 inch range, 1 at 11 inches, another at 10 inches, and one at 8 inches. I lost several other fish. Early in the day, the trout were caught on a maroon micro-leach. Later the in the afternoon, the fish to a Denny’s Callibaetis Emerger.


  • Many of the fish were in / under cover. I caught on fish in the shallow inlet area when picking up to recast after trolling through this area.
  • Despite the people, I was impressed with how the lake fished. It fished as well or better than the several Adirondack ponds I hiked into last year.
  • The one negative….. Just before lunch, I caught a shiner, about 5 inches…..may not bode well for the future of the fishery.

“Huggy Bear” Lake 5-7-18
  • It took me 3 hours from PA, to the trailhead. I started hiking at 8 am.
  • The trailhead map shows the hike to be 1.3 miles into the lake. My DeLorme mapping software puts it a 1.8 miles and internet info puts it at 1.9 miles. At any rate, it’s a pretty good climb with an 700 ft elevation gain to the saddle, then dropping about 300 ft into the lake.
  • Since it was my first hike of the year, I elected to not take my fish finder. Took me about an hour with the float tube, associated gear, and pack. I handled it better than I thought.
  • I eased into the water around 9:30-ish, after rigging up and taking some pictures. After pushing off from shore, I began trolling an intermediate line with a Denny’s Olive AP Emerger and a Denny’s Callibaetis Nymph on the point. As I crossed in back of the dam’s weir, I spotted a pipe or log that my flies may not clear, so picked up the line to move the flies out of the way. As I did, a Brookie slammed it. With less than 2 minutes in the water, I had my first fish.
  • I spent the morning fishing the lake’s west side. I caught several trout by both trolling and casting near cover. Most of the fish took the point fly. As at “Birch” Lake, I noticed lots of Chrironomid pupa shucks in the water, along with some hatching. I did catch 2 Brook Trout off shore where these fish were working on the emerging pupa.
  • There is lots of structure and big stick piles along the lake’s sides. By noon, I’d caught and released 6 Brook Trout and lost or missed several others. As I headed into shore, I trolled my flies and caught two more.

  • After lunch, I continued working the west shore, eventually reaching the north end of the lake. I found the majority of the fish were tight into cover. Throwing into the cover is a mixed bag: Since you don’t know what’s under the water or how far the stick pile goes, you may hook a Brook Trout or you may hook a stick.
  • At the lake’s north end, there’s a tiny inlet which flows into a large flat that’s 7-8 ft in depth. I caught and released two more in this area on a black micro leech under maroon chironomid pupa and a strike indicator. A little after 4 pm, I made another cast with this rig, and had a Brookie hit it like a freight train, which separated the leader on one of the knots just above the strike indicator. Evidently, the fish was able to unhook itself and I kicked over and picked up the lower end of the leader with the flies and strike indicator. I also spotted 2 springs in this area…..a note for later in the season.
  • By 4:30 pm, I’d caught and released 14, so I started kicking towards the dam. I trolled along the way and caught 2 more and missed a couple of others.



  • Throughout the late afternoon, I noticed a few mayfly duns popping up on the water. Out west, I’ve seen Callibaetis mayflies on lakes, but, these appear to be a different mayfly.
  • The vast majority of the fish caught were 11-12 inches.
  • I started the hike out a few minutes after 5 pm. As I left, I noticed the fish were starting to key in on the mayfly duns.
  • I had the lake entirely to myself (it was a Monday). Checking the trail register, it looked like a few people were there on the weekend.
  • Great lake….a good remote experience….and the best stillwater trout flyfishing day I’ve had east of the Rockies.


The Oddball Name of Rocky Peak Ridge

“Rocky Peak Ridge” is a very strange name for a peak. After all, a peak and a ridge are not the same thing. The name becomes stranger still when you learn from the “High Peaks Trails” guide book that the first, prominent peak that you come to on the ridge(approaching from Bald Peak) is called “Rocky Peak”!

I’m guessing that this is what happened: “Rocky Peak” was the first thing ever named on this ridge. It was named, not because it was the highest point, but because of its prominent appearance. (It is perhaps the most interesting point on the trail, the only place on the entire ridge where you can spin in place and have a completely unobscured view in all directions.)

After this, the ridge on which Rocky Peak was located was referred to as “Rocky Peak Ridge”. Then someone said, well, we have to give a name to the high point of the ridge. Normally, a ridge and its peak would have the same name. But the name “Rocky Peak” was already taken for the lower peak. The logic then would have been to call it “Rocky Peak Ridge Peak”. That’s ridiculous, of course. But no sillier than calling the peak “Rocky Peak Ridge”, thereby making it impossible to distinguish between the peak and the ridge.

The peak should have simply been given a different name.

Does anyone know if my guess on the origin of the name is correct?

Incidentally, “Rocky Peak” is just over 4000 feet high, and would have qualified as a 46er (and a very grand one!), except that it does not have sufficient prominence relative to the “true peak” to be defined as a separate peak. It does illustrate the arbitrary nature of our naming conventions and our “peak lists”.


Forum Login Security Problem?

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vendredi 18 mai 2018

Solid discount on MSR Hubba Tents on Massdrop

Just an FYI for anyone who might be interested- Massdrop has the MSR Hubba series of tents right now for about 27% off. All 4 versions are available- the 1 person Hubba NX, the 2 person Hubba Hubba NX, the 3 person Mutha Hubba NX, and the 4 person Papa Hubba NX. I own both the Hubba and the Hubba Hubba and I love them. There are lighter tents out there but there aren't really many lighter tents out there that have all of the features of the Hubba tents- free standing, plenty of head room, 2 doors (on the 2, 3, and 4 person versions), vents for cutting down on condensation in cooler temps. Additionally, the Hubba tents hardly ever go on sale anywhere.

For those not familiar with Massdrop, it's a website that facilitates bulk purchases of gear so that discounts on price can be shared with consumers. I've purchased from them before and never had any issues- it's worth noting that it does take longer to receive any items ordered (up to a month or more), as each item must be shipped twice- first the bulk shipment from the supplier to Massdrop, and then the individual shipments to the buyers. Overall Massdrop has a lot of hits and misses with regards to their deals- mostly misses, IMO, but every so often they have really good deals on gear like this that are worth jumping on.

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/msr-hub...ode=guest_open


mercredi 16 mai 2018

Every named feature in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderess, 9/?/07 - 10/9/17


A bit late on this, but wanted to share a quick summary of what was a big accomplishment of mine that was years in the making. On Monday, October 9, 2017, I set foot on the summit of Brace Hill in the Eastern Adirondacks. In doing so, I completed a 10 year quest to visit every single officially named feature within the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.


The Pharaoh Lake Wilderness is over 46,000 acres in size. My exhaustive research (pouring over the USGS map repeatedly until my eyes started to bleed) came up with a list of 101 officially named features: 43 bodies of water (including lakes, ponds, marshes, and a single ocean), 11 streams, and 47 summits (including hills, ridges, and mountains). My criteria for bodies of water was pretty loose- any lake or pond that touched the boundary of the Wilderness Area was included, even if the Wilderness did not extend over the surface of the lake itself. For summits, my criteria was a bit more strict- the named summit actually had to fall within the Wilderness Area. Likewise, to check off a body of water as visited, all I needed to do was stand on any part of the shoreline within the Wilderness Area, but to check off a summit I needed to actually climb to the top.


(A quick note on the accuracy of my list: I know that a list of all named features within the PLWA has been compiled by others on several occasions. When Erik Schlimmer completed a similar quest in 2011, his listed totaled 106 named features within the PLWA. Unfortunately, I don't have access to his list so I don't know what 5 features he included that I apparently did not. He may have had different criteria for what constituted a named feature within the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness.)


My first visit to Pharaoh Lake was a trip with the Paul Smith's Outing Club in Autumn of 2007, a trip which netted me 4 named features (Mill Brook, Pharaoh Lake Brook, Pharaoh Lake, and Pharaoh Mountain). At the time, the possibility of visiting every single named feature in a management unit wasn't even a vague thought, much less a serious consideration. I returned several times in the following years, on trips that carried me to most of the well-visited ponds and lakes that were easily accessible by trail (Oxshoe Pond, Rock Pond, Clear Pond, Grizzle Ocean, and so on).


It wasn't until 2012 that opportunity allowed me to really being to explore the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness in great detail. At first, I was focused on spending a night in each of the 14 lean-tos located within the area as part of my greater quest to camp in every single backcountry shelter in New York State (as of May 2018, I've stayed in 208 out of about 355 total). By the end of 2013, my bushwhacking endeavors were ranging far and wide across the backcountry of the Pharaoh Lake area. I'd heard of Erik Schlimmer's quest to visit "all of the Pharaoh LAke Wilderness" before me, and it occurred to me that with some serious effort I might be able to do the same.


2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 saw me expanding my efforts to visit more new locations within the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness. Circumstance didn't always allow me to progress quickly towards my goal, and taking a few years to earn my Master's Degree at Syracuse definitely didn't help either. Slowly but surely, however, I visited more and more features and got closer and closer towards my goal.


There were definitely some frustrations along the way. Some of the lower named ridges and mountains within the area don't really have a well-defined summit, so I did the best I could to pick out the highest point using the topo map. Grizzle Ocean Mountain was one such summit; I triumphantly hiked across the ridge one day, only to realize that evening back in camp while checking the map that I'd completely missed the high point entirely. It would be two years before I would head back again to reclimb this peak.


My quest also took me through some god-forsaken lands. Old Fort Mountain can only be approached via several miles of bushwhacking through very rugged terrain from Lost Pond. Along the way, the trek takes one through incredibly dense spruce and fir forests along Haymeadow Pond, where my eye had a very close call with a sharp and pointy stick that I almost didn't spot until it was too late. The ridgeline comprised of Barton Mountain, Ellis Mountain, Pine Hill, and Burnt Ridge also holds some particularly thick stands of evergreens.


A good portion of what I encountered, though, was incredibly scenic. Much of the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness contains surprisingly open forest that makes for pleasant bushwhacking. Open pine forests with clearings of exposed rock, moss, and lichen abound throughout much of the area. Hardwood forests often are comprised primarily of oak, with very little understory. Some of the more sheltered coves and valleys have substantial stands of hemlock that blot out the sun and sky above, but are still open beneath and easy to travel through.


And the summit views to be had in the area rival much of the best that even the High Peaks has to offer. The two trailed peaks, Pharaoh and Treadway Mountains, both offer substantial views- Treadway has a view of Pharaoh Lake in particular that I would rank as one of my favorites in the entire Adirondack Park (it was featured on the cover of the previous edition of the ADK Guidebook for the Eastern Adirondacks). Pharaoh Has views in just about every direction, including northwest towards the High Peaks and eastward into Vermont.


And those two peaks are just a start- a number of other peaks in the area, accessible only by bushwhacking, have views that are equally as fantastic. I shared incredible views from the summit of Potter Mountain with a mother black bear and her two cubs while munching on some of the most delicious blueberries I've ever found in the wild. I returned to the summit of Number 8 Hill several times to take in the nearly 360 degree panoramic view there. I crossed the summit of Pine Hill in late afternoon as the sun was sinking towards the horizon and took in views across Schoon Lake. And in a single day, I visited the summits of First Brother, Second Brother, Third Brother, Stevens Mountain, Little Stevens, and Number 8 Mountain on one of the most rugged and spectacular bushwhack treks I've accomplished. Each of those peaks individually has phenomenal views (except for Little Stevens, which has a fully forested summit), when strung together, they form a trek that is nothing short of amazing. (First Brother technically isn't in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness and so didn't count towards my list, but was still a place I'd intended to visit nonetheless as I'd heard nothing but good things about it.)


Despite all of the amazing scenery I'd encountered along my journey, it was in some ways a bit of a relief when I stepped onto the final summit on that dreary October day, it was almost a relief- "Finally, I can visit the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness again and relax, enjoy the scenery and take it slow, without feeling the urge to explore or set off on yet another epic bushwhack through rugged terrain and who knows what kind of obstacles." Not only had I visited every named feature, I'd crisscrossed my way back and forth across the area countless times. There's a few nooks and crannies here and that that I've still yet to visit, but areas of the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness that are completely foreign to me are few and far between at this point.


And of course, as Erik Schlimmer found- the urge to visit every named feature within a set geographic area doesn't stop after finishing the first management unit. :)



brookie streams

I know it is still a little early for the small stream brookies. I am planning on a trip mid to late june. I don't want to get up to the adaks to early. I'm a good 3-4 hrs from where I am planning to fish. I was wondering from you guys who live up there, can you keep us less fortunate souls posted on the conditions. I mainly dry fly fish so I don't want to come up to early, before the fish turn on (wake up) what ever you want to call it. I know mid June should be ok but with limited time to choose from I don't want to come up too early or too late for that matter. Just curious on how things are shaping up. Are we on track, running a little late or are we early?

Thanks

John


How to recover my Windows 10 - Elvin Siew Chun Wai

Hi, I am using Dell Inspiron 3000 with windows 10 OS. Due to security reasons, I have locked the drive partition. one day, I had seen that blue screen on my laptop and showing some error message. Now I want my Windows OS, it needs a recovery key of BitLocker & I have not any key. When I logged in my Microsoft account, it is showing account is suspended. What can I do now?

Please Reply asap & thanks in advance.

by

Elvin Siew Chun Wai


mardi 15 mai 2018

Carrying an air rifle in the Adirondacks

My friends and I want to shoot some targets in the Adirondacks with some air rifles. Is that allowed?


Convert BTC for Ppal

Meanwhile, a friend of mine was using an trading x-crypto.com. Site gives not bad reward trading bitcoins Disbursements via Ppal were irreproachable.


[News] Intel reveals specifications for new flagship Coffee Lake Z390 chipset

Intel has published documentation on its upcoming Z390 chipset, confirming rumors of a new high-end chipset for Coffee Lake.

View full story here...


[Article] Which is the right smartphone for you?

[IMGALIGN=right]http://www.hardwarezone.com.my/files/content/2017/12/note8intro.jpg[/IMGALIGN]With so many choices out there, it can be hard deciding which is the right smartphone for you. But after reviewing almost every phone released this year, we have a pretty good idea of which smartphone best fits which person. Let's get started.

View full story here...


lundi 14 mai 2018

Five Ponds Loop questions

Looking at the Five Ponds Loop in late July. Is there a permitting system or is it first come first served at the trail head for parking? Also, are there any bear canister requirements in that area. Will simply hang food unless there is a regulation otherwise.


Trail conditions - Piseco to Spruce Lk #1

Hi Folks,

Just wanted to give an update on current conditions on the trail. There are no blowdowns between Haskell Rd. and Bloodgood Brook. There are some wet areas but for the most part the trail is drying out quickly. I have a report of a few small blowdowns between Bloodgood Brook and Spruce Lake with one largish one. They should all be cleared out by the end of this upcoming weekend. The section between Fall Stream and the Jessup River has grown in a bit in some spots but this will be the focus of side cutting this summer. Black flies are out.

Harlan Hastings
Trail Steward


dimanche 13 mai 2018

Vango mk 3 standard

I have had my mk 3standard since 1980. The canvas is still good, a few of the rubber shock ties are going so no problem replacing with a modern alternative.

A real long shot but has anyone on here used one or knows of a used one? Flea bay is hopeless.

Was hoping to find some parts.

Just to be really correct we are talking about a force 10 mk 3 standard. The years confuse me sometimes!


samedi 12 mai 2018

High Peak May 19 - 21?

Well, spring is here which means y'all get to start answering my questions again. :D

We have our 2nd annual post-ice / pre-bugs / pre-crowds visit planned for May 19 - 21.

With winter holding on in the high peaks I imagine we'll be there before black fly season takes hold?

Two other trips planned this year. We've booked a lean-to at JBL in August and we're coming down in October the w/e after Columbus Day.

We did have 3 high peak hikes penciled in for this year:
Pyramid/Giant/Gothics/UWJ loop in August. We're also hoping to do a Colden hike (loop with Avalanche Pass if conditions allow) and a Macomb, South Dix, Grace traverse.

But the DEC update on Thursday reports that deep snow (2-3 feet) and ice are present above 3,000 feet with even deeper snow above 4,000 feet.

So I guess that means no High Peak next weekend? We're not prepared for winter conditions. No crampons, no snowshoes.

Or is there an option that might work? We've completed Cascade, Porter, Big Slide, Phelps, Tabletop, Street, Nye, Sawteeth, and Lower Wolfjaw.

Looks like a week of above seasonal temperatures so is there a chance that DEC's report next Thursday will be dramatically different?

We're also working on our 19 patch challenge as a family so if the advice is to stay below 3,000 feet we have some options (Haystack, Poke-O-Moonshine, Rooster Comb, St. Regis).

Thanks for reading,
AP


jeudi 10 mai 2018

Camping near Blueberry Cobbles next week?

I'm planning to set up base camp near Blueberry Cobbles next week to hike Rocky Peak Ridge. Does anyone know if there are decent tent spots up there (not official, of course)? Might I also find water nearby at this time of the year?


What's the snow situation like up there?

I climbed in Northern NH last Saturday and there was snow above 3200'. It was almost like an exact dividing line, where, below 3200' there was absolutely none (except in deep shaded gully's maybe).

Anyhow, in the Lake Placid, High Peaks area, where has the snow retreated to?
I think I may still need snowshoes this weekend to do the 3800'er I'm planning on.


mercredi 9 mai 2018

Porter Mt. from Garden Trail closed

A few weeks ago I was able to share some good news that Owls Head in Keene would again be open to hikers mid-week as it was last year. *Unfortunately, I must now report that the one private landowner on that trail (below Little Porter) has decided to close the trail as of May 31. *He cited problems that I don't believe were caused by hikers using that trail, but a letter in February (after he informed the DEC of his intent to close the trail after the required 90 days), and two conversations in person have not caused him to change his mind. *I pointed out to him that this closure will do nothing to stop those who research Big Slide or The Brothers on Google Maps and believe that his access road is the route to take.

I would add that I am assuming he will enforce this closure "vigorously". *I base that assumption on his denial of my request to walk his road so that I could begin to plan for a reroute that would not be on his property.

There is definitely a feasible reroute around the west end of the private property, but it certainly won't happen this season. *By bushwhacking, I have so far located the two relevant corners of the property and identified a good site for a bridge over Slide Brook. *The trail will theoretically leave the Brothers Trail just before it dips to cross Juliet Brook and work its way on generally easy terrain to the brook crossing. *After that it will be a long traverse on a steep side hill to join the existing trail just below the final steep climb with stone steps to Little Porter.


Site Closures on Follensby Clear Pond

I'm not sure if this was discussed here or not, but I stumbled on this while searching for the Saranac Lakes WF unit management plan. Looking at the plan, they will be creating new sites on Upper Saranac to make up for the closures on FCP.

IMO Upper Saranac doesn't have the same appear as FCP, unless you're bringing in power boats. My guess is that the power boat crowd's impact will probably be greater than what FCP is subject to.

http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise...by-clear-pond/


Quilt or mummy bag ?

I'm in the market for a new 3 season bag, looking at a down 10 degree bag. A friend of mine just bought an Enlightened quilt though that looks mighty tempting: 22 oz, 10 degrees.

I tend to move around when I sleep and often wake up needing to adjust my current mummy bag. For that reason a quilt is appealing. I'm a little concerned though about the concept of a quilt and having gaps where heat escapes.

Anyone have experience with a quilt and care to comment about performance at the lower end of the temperature rating ?


Which one hotter?



Bros, which hoes are hotter? :s12::s12::s12: