Blog Feed: Bushwhacking Fool

Overcast rules the sky when I finally arose myself from a night of restless slumber. An occasional rumble of thunder echoes over Lake Superior from an undiscerned direction. Between the thunder, the waves and the threat of the surrounding widowmakers, I did not get a very restful slumber. Unfortunately, the Minong Ridge Trail awaits, and [...] Related posts: Isle Royale Trip: Hiking the Minong Ridge to Todd Harbor Isle Royale Trip: Playing Leapfrog on the Minong Ridge Trail Isle Royale Trip: Las [..] > read more

Birdathon 2012: Bum Knee Puts the Kibosh on My Bushwhacking Plans

Published on 2012-05-23 21:41:29

There will be no Birdathon bushwhacking adventure this year. And I am not happy about it. What is the Birdathon? The Birdathon is the National Audubon Society’s largest annual fundraising event and the globe’s biggest birding competition. The goal is to find as many bird species as possible within a given region in a single [...] Related posts: Birdathon 2011: Bushwhacking out from Cropsey Pond Birdathon 2011: Bushwhacking Straight to Cropsey Pond After Failing to Get Around Moshier Ponds Bi [..] > read more

Isle Royal Trip: Playing Fifty-two Pick-up at Little Todd

Published on 2012-05-22 21:38:21

Little Todd Campground is nearly right on the Lake Superior shoreline. The strong breeze off the water is a welcome relief from the heat, blowing off some of the stink accumulated on my hike from Todd Harbor. Drying off my equipment, cleaning my clothes and myself, and taking photographs of the shoreline are all on [...] Related posts: Isle Royale Trip: Playing Leapfrog on the Minong Ridge Trail Isle Royale Trip: Hiking the Minong Ridge to Todd Harbor Isle Royale Trip: Exploring a Wet Todd Harbo [..] > read more

Isle Royale Trip: Playing Leapfrog on the Minong Ridge Trail

Published on 2012-05-18 12:27:39

Hiking along the Minong Ridge Trail has been a pleasant stroll through attractive forests thus far. So, there is absolutely no reason to contemplate my last opportunity to bail out on the trail at the intersection with the Hatchet Lake Trail. After a fifteen minute break at the Hatchett Lake intersection, I continue hiking through [...] Related posts: Isle Royale Trip: Last Chance to Bail on the Minong Ridge Trail Isle Royale Trip: Hiking the Minong Ridge to Todd Harbor Isle Royale Trip: Occasio [..] > read more

Isle Royale Trip: Last Chance to Bail on the Minong Ridge Trail

Published on 2012-05-16 14:53:44

Today is the last possible opportunity to bail out on completing the Minong Ridge Trail. After reaching the Hatchet Lake Trail, which should be early this morning, there are no other opportunities to exit the Minong Ridge Trail. After this the only choices are to hike all the way to the end at Windigo, or [...] Related posts: Isle Royale Trip: Hiking the Minong Ridge to Todd Harbor Isle Royale Trip: Exploring the Minong Mine Isle Royale Trip: Occasional Views along the Greenstone Ridge Trail > read more

Aside: The Race is on Isle Royale

Published on 2012-05-14 14:36:28

The race is on. Or at least, on Isle Royale, that is. Backpacking on Isle Royale is like playing a giant game of musical chairs. Each morning an exodus occurs from the campgrounds, as hikers spread out in a quest to cover as much trail as possible in the shortest amount of time. All in [...] Related posts: Isle Royale: A Trip Teaser Isle Royale Trip: Hiking the Rock Harbor Trail Isle Royale Trip: Darkness, Diversity and some Wetlands along the Daisy Farm Trail > read more

Isle Royale Trip: Exploring a Wet Todd Harbor

Published on 2012-05-12 20:34:27

By the time I arrive at Todd Harbor Campground the light rain is a full-on rain. Not a down pour, by any means, just a steady rain. Even suiting up in my North Face rain jacket and Golite Tumalo Pertex rain pants earlier did not do their magic to hold off the rain. So now [...] Related posts: Isle Royale Trip: Hiking the Minong Ridge to Todd Harbor Isle Royale Trip: Exploring the Minong Mine Isle Royale Trip: Hiking the Rock Harbor Trail > read more

Isle Royale Trip: Hiking the Minong Ridge to Todd Harbor

Published on 2012-05-09 21:53:24

What is the chance of returning to the Minong Ridge Trail at a point with a dazzling view of the Canadian shoreline across Lake Superior? Obviously, the odds are pretty good. That is exactly where I arrive after bushwhacking up from the Minong Mine site. The upslope climb leaves me a little winded, so a [...] Related posts: Isle Royale Trip: Hiking the Rock Harbor Trail Isle Royale Trip: Exploring the Minong Mine Isle Royale Trip: Occasional Views along the Greenstone Ridge Trail > read more

The Case of the Disappearing Golite Pinnacle Backpack

Published on 2012-05-07 07:00:46

What happened to the Golite Pinnacle backpack? Recently, I noticed the Golite Pinnacle is increasingly unavailable from camping gear retailers. Campmor? No longer available. Amazon? Out of stock. Campsaver? Not any more. EMS. Was never there to begin with. It has even vanished from the Golite website. As readers of the Bushwhacking Fool well know, [...] Related posts: Gear Review: Golite Tumalo Pertex 2.5-Layer Storm Pant > read more

Isle Royale Trip: Exploring the Minong Mine

Published on 2012-04-30 12:36:16

The night at McCargoe Cove, Isle Royale is anything but a quiet one. At some point in the night, a light rain falls. Light in the sense than it is not enough to soak the dry ground, but just enough to dampen the foliage and the seats of the picnic table. Unfortunately, it is hard [...] Related posts: Isle Royale Trip: Bullseye at McCargoe Cove Isle Royale: A Trip Teaser Isle Royale Trip: Hiking the Rock Harbor Trail > read more

Isle Royale Trip: Bullseye at McCargoe Cove

Published on 2012-04-28 13:13:44

The expansive views of Lake Superior and Canada’s shoreline are behind me on the Greenstone Ridge, and there is little chance of them returning until tomorrow from the Minong Ridge. Instead, the Chickenbone Lake’s east end and a variety of small wetlands wait between the Greenstone Ridge/East Chickenbone Trails intersection. From the intersection, I depart [...] Related posts: Isle Royale Trip: Occasional Views along the Greenstone Ridge Trail Isle Royale: A Trip Teaser Isle Royale Trip: Dar [..] > read more

Isle Royale Trip: Occasional Views along the Greenstone Ridge Trail

Published on 2012-04-21 15:08:55

The Greenstone Ridge inspired expansive views of Isle Royale, surrounded by the rough waters of Lake Superior. These romantic visions were reinforced based on the surroundings along the Daisy Farm Trail as I approach the intersection with the trail bearing its name. What I got when I arrive is trees. Not a mature forest, mind [...] Related posts: Isle Royale Trip: Darkness, Diversity and some Wetlands along the Daisy Farm Trail Isle Royale Trip: Hiking the Rock Harbor Trail Isle Royale: A Trip T [..] > read more

Isle Royale Trip: Darkness, Diversity and some Wetlands along the Daisy Farm Trail

Published on 2012-04-14 11:44:38

Darkness greets me as I wake on my first morning on Isle Royale. Darkness, and an intense urge to pee. A quick glance at my watch indicates 6:30 AM. This surprises me, as I expect it to be lighter by this time in the morning. The lack of light is not due to a thick [...] Related posts: Isle Royale Trip: A Squirrel, a Loon and a Camp of Bats at Daisy Farm Campground Isle Royale Trip: Hiking the Rock Harbor Trail Isle Royale Trip: My Original Backpacking Trip Itinerary > read more

Isle Royale Trip: A Squirrel, a Loon and a Camp of Bats at Daisy Farm Campground

Published on 2012-03-24 21:46:27

The following is a description of a 19-day adventure to Isle Royale National Park. The trip includes driving more than 900 miles to Copper Harbor and back, a ferry over the rough water of Lake Superior and two weeks of hiking to one end of the 45-mile long island and back. Part four of the [...] > read more

Isle Royale Trip: Hiking the Rock Harbor Trail

Published on 2012-03-19 06:25:41

Isle Royale Trip: Getting Oriented at Rock Harbor

Published on 2012-03-17 14:54:58

Isle Royale Trip: Ferrying Across the Rough Waters of Lake Superior

Published on 2012-03-03 14:46:24

Isle Royale Trip: My Original Backpacking Trip Itinerary

Published on 2012-02-18 11:45:03

My trip to Isle Royale National Park last summer was unusual in many aspects compared to my typical backcountry jaunts. Most of my trips take me into the Adirondack backcountry; not only due to my love and lifetime relationship with the area but because of its close proximity; after two hours of driving I can [...] > read more

Isle Royale Trip: Arriving at Copper Harbor

Published on 2012-02-11 15:15:44

Isle Royale Trip: The Long Drive to Copper Harbor, Part 1

Published on 2012-02-05 21:02:41

Isle Royale Trip: Preparations are Half the Battle

Published on 2012-01-22 16:49:19

I always wanted to explore Isle Royal National Park. That is, ever since I discovered its existence in 1996. The discovery of this gem of the National Park system occurred while I was working as a field assistant (searching for bird nests and doing point counts) within the Chippewa National Forest of Minnesota. If being [...] > read more

Oven Lake Trip: Exodus from Five Ponds Wilderness via Sand and Rock Lakes

Published on 2011-12-24 11:22:14

The following is a description of an eight-day bushwhacking adventure into some of the most remote areas within the Five Ponds Wilderness in the northwestern Adirondacks. The trip includes traversing areas of intense blowdown along the oddly-shaped Oven Lake, exploring a cluster of wilderness ponds and following the wild Robinson River. Part two of the [...] > read more

Oven Lake Trip: Hiking some Adirondack Trails to Sand Lake

Published on 2011-12-18 12:24:57

Oven Lake Trip: Spending the Final Night at Wolf Pond

Published on 2011-12-07 20:02:11

Shopping Deals: Holiday Outdoor Gear Sales Including Savings Coupon Codes

Published on 2011-12-04 11:46:11

The Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals have come and gone. Hopefully everyone took advantage of the great deals to get some of their holiday shopping done. I hope the deals found here last month were helpful and saved some stacks of cash (yeah, I watch Breaking Bad too). For those who are more the-wait-and-see types (or [...] > read more

Oven Lake Trip: A Long Bushwhack from the Robinson River to the Five Ponds Trail

Published on 2011-11-28 05:00:13

Oven Lake Trip: Bushwhacking Along the Robinson River

Published on 2011-11-25 07:00:28

Super Black Friday/Cyber Monday Outdoor & Backpacking Gear Promotional Deals

Published on 2011-11-23 17:07:15

I can tell the holiday season is upon us simply by the amount of emails I get promoting the many Black Friday/Cyber deals. By the sales I am seeing, retailers must be desperate to move their products this year. This desperation is great news for anyone in the market for some super outdoor equipment deals. [...] > read more

Birdathon 2011: Thunderstorms at Sunshine Pond

Published on 2011-07-01 08:00:25

From May 20-22, 2011 I journeyed back into the heart of the Pepperbox Wilderness to once again try my luck at the Audubon Society’s Birdathon. The Birdathon is a challenge to locate as many bird species as possible in a single 24-hour period. This > read more

Birdathon 2011 Teaser: Birding Pepperbox Wilderness again

Published on 2011-06-29 08:00:49

The Onondaga Chapter of the Audubon Society held its Birdathon on the third Saturday in May again this year. I participated for the second year in a row by journeying into the heart of the Pepperbox Wilderness for another opportunity to increase my d > read more

Review: Leica Ultravid 8×20 binoculars

Published on 2011-06-27 10:50:31

Compact binoculars are an ideal choice for the ardent backcountry enthusiast. Their small size and lightweight allow for easy access even when bushwhacking through dense vegetation. Leica Camera AG manufactures a perfect example of a compact binocula > read more

Gear Review: Golite Tumalo Pertex 2.5-Layer Storm Pant

Published on 2011-06-22 22:04:55

After an entire winter of procrastination and a swiftly approaching bushwhacking season I was left with no other choice but to find a replacement for my now ineffectual Golite Reed rain pants. I narrowed it down to two different rain pants: the Marmo > read more

In Search of New Lightweight Bushwhacking Rain Pants

Published on 2011-06-20 21:48:25

Decisions, decisions…. After getting soaked from the knees down last summer while bushwhacking in the Pepperbox Wilderness of the Adirondacks and again this spring hiking out of Trout Pond in the Catskills, I knew I had to start shopping for a new > read more

FBON 2011: Sleet and Freezing Rain at Trout Pond in the Catskills

Published on 2011-06-17 22:10:21

On April 21-23, 2011 my friend Dave and I participated in the 26th annual Frostbite Overnight (FBON). The FBON is an early spring camping trip taken the three days prior to Easter in the Catskills State Park. This year we hiked into Trout Pond in the > read more

FBON 2011: Investigating the Ruins of Mud Pond in the Catskills

Published on 2011-06-15 08:00:52

FBON 2011: Hike into Trout Pond

Published on 2011-06-13 20:45:36

Frostbite Overnight 2011 Teaser

Published on 2011-06-10 22:30:23

From April 21 through 23, 2011, my friend Dave and I participated in the 26th Annual Frostbite Overnight in the Catskill State Park. This was the fewest number of individuals to attend this annual backpacking event for many years. The last time there > read more

Is Black the New Black in Backpacking Rain Pants?

Published on 2011-06-07 08:00:11

Recently, I was in the market for a new pair of rain pants. In fact, new rain pants were an imperative since late last summer when I discovered my old rain pants were no longer doing their duty while bushwhacking on a wet morning in the Pepperbox Wil > read more

Test

Published on 2011-06-02 16:46:28

Keep a marshmallow warm with a fire > read more

Who put Adirondack Black Flies in my Peanut Butter?

Published on 2011-05-30 18:45:02

Journeying into the backcountry of the Adirondacks during the height of bug season may seem like pure insanity but I did so the third weekend in May to participate in the Audubon Society’s Birdathon (a trip report to appear here soon). And it was c > read more

Sierra-Nevada Mountains: Up through Koip Pass and decsending to Alger Lakes

Published on 2011-05-20 12:55:14

During the summer of 2009, two friends and I journeyed west to Yosemite National Park to spend five days hiking along the John Muir Trail. The third day of our trip was the first day of our five-day backpacking hike from Yosemite National Park to Red > read more

Sierra-Nevada Mountains: Hiking through Parker Pass and beyond

Published on 2011-05-16 21:50:45

Sierra-Nevada Mountains: Hiking to Mono Pass

Published on 2011-05-08 10:50:50

During the summer of 2009, two friends and I journeyed west to Yosemite National Park to spend five days hiking along the John Muir Trail. The third day of our trip was the first day of our five-day backpacking from Yosemite National Park to Reds Mea > read more

Yosemite National Park: Tuolumne Grove and Yosemite Valley

Published on 2011-04-30 16:04:37

During the summer of 2009, two friends and I journeyed west to Yosemite National Park to spend five days hiking along the John Muir Trail. The second day of our trip was spent acclimating to the higher elevations and exploring Yosemite National Park. > read more

Yosemite National Park: Climbing Lembert Dome and Beachcombing Tenaya Lake

Published on 2011-04-19 08:00:16

Exploring Tuolumne Meadows

Published on 2011-04-17 10:19:39

Aside: Packing Backpacking Gear for an Airplane Flight

Published on 2011-04-02 23:49:06

Going to California to hike a portion of the John Muir Trail back in the summer 2009 (read about my trip out there here) required doing something I had absolutely no experience with: packing backpacking gear for an airline flight. In fact, I had not > read more

Traveling from Syracuse to Yosemite for a backpacking trip

Published on 2011-03-27 21:14:20

During late July 2009 two friends and I planned on hiking a portion of the John Muir Trail from Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park to Reds Meadow Campground at the edge of the Ansel Adams Wilderness in the Sierra-Nevada Mountains in southern > read more

Yosemite, Ansel Adams Wilderness, John Muir Trail and Death Valley Trip Teaser

Published on 2011-03-15 21:28:22

In late July 2009 I went on a backpacking trip along the John Muir Trail with two friends. It was originally planned to go from Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park to Reds Meadow Campground. Unfortunately, due to factors beyond our control we > read more

Gear Addiction: Is there such a thing as too many snowshoes?

Published on 2011-03-07 22:24:14

I have a problem. It used to be much worse but I pretty much have it under control now. Hi, I am the Bushwhacking Fool and I am a gear addict. As part of my therapy I thought I would start a series of occasional blog posts about all the duplicate gea > read more

Snowshoeing with a Porcupine at Happy Valley

Published on 2011-02-27 18:45:32

View Snowshoe in a larger map The following is a report on a three hour snowshoe through the Happy Valley Wildlife Management Area near Parish, NY in the Tug Hill Region. The snowshoe kept to the northern portion of the management area centering arou > read more

Oven Lake and Beyond Trip Plan

Published on 2011-02-20 20:51:21

View Trip Plan in a larger map Last summer on my Stillwater Reservoir to Cranberry Lake adventure (for a teaser click here) I originally contemplated going as far east as the Oven Lake area. Unfortunately a late start on the second day due to rain an > read more

MLK Day Snowshoe on the Tug Hill

Published on 2011-02-12 18:18:20

On Martin Luther King Day I decided to spend some of my day off snowshoeing up on the Tug Hill at Happy Valley Wildlife Management Area in Parish, NY. This would be my first snowshoe sojourn of winter due to numerous injuries and illness. I was looki > read more

Central Pepperbox Wilderness Trip Bird Report

Published on 2011-02-05 16:42:07

The five-day bushwhack through the heart of the Pepperbox Wilderness including Threemile Beaver Meadow, a feeder stream, numerous beaver ponds, Moshier Creek and Moshier Reservoir yielded a total of 36 confirmable bird species. The low number of spec > read more

Bass Pro Shops Gift Card Giveaway

Published on 2011-01-31 07:00:30

Today I have a special offer for all the readers here at the Bushwhacking Fool. A while back I was asked to complete a new product development survey from ACR Electronics. ACR Electronics was the manufacturer of the MicroFix personal locator beacon, > read more

Central Pepperbox Wilderness Trip Report Day Five: Fleeing the swaying canopy on the hunter’s trail

Published on 2011-01-28 07:00:30

View Day five, part three in a larger map The following is the third and final part of a report on the fifth and final day of a bushwhacking trip through the interior of the southern portion of the Pepperbox Wilderness. The majority of the trip follo > read more

Central Pepperbox Wilderness Trip Report Day Five: Searching the beaver vly

Published on 2011-01-26 07:00:25

View Day five, part two in a larger map The following is the second part of a report on the fifth and final day of a bushwhacking trip through the interior of the southern portion of the Pepperbox Wilderness. The majority of the trip follows along st > read more

Central Pepperbox Wilderness Trip Report: Climbing toward the beaver vly

Published on 2011-01-24 07:00:11

View Day five, part one in a larger map The following is the first part of a report on the fifth and final day of a bushwhacking trip through the interior of the southern portion of the Pepperbox Wilderness. The majority of the trip follows along str > read more

Central Pepperbox Wilderness Trip Report Day Four: Along the shores of Moshier Reservoir

Published on 2011-01-21 07:00:12

View Day four, part three in a larger map The following is the third part of a report on the fourth day of a bushwhacking trip through the interior of the southern portion of the Pepperbox Wilderness. The majority of the trip follows along streams an > read more

Central Pepperbox Wilderness Trip Report Day Four: Cliffs along Moshier Creek

Published on 2011-01-19 07:00:46

View Day four, part two in a larger map The following is the second part of a report on the fourth day of a bushwhacking trip through the interior of the southern portion of the Pepperbox Wilderness. The majority of the trip follows along streams and > read more

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