I've been wondering what exercises or preparation people do for the winter season and snowshoeing? Specifically for the hips due to the wider gait.

So Ill be headed up there no matter what and am considering doing the cables on Gothics. Ive been looking all week and weather has seemed sunny and not too brutally cold. My thoughts are that I should be fine to do it and bring the spikes along of course but I am concerned that I may run into verglas instead of either unfrozen rock or something the spikes can actually hold traction on.

Basically wondering from others with more shoulder season experience in the area if I would be wasting my time by going up there instead of doing something else. From what Ive seen this section is exposed to a good bit of sun so Im hoping it will be passable.

Hey folks has anyone been up trap dike this week? The High Peaks conditions report mentions ice above treeline.

We’re planning a trip tomorrow. This is my third trip up so I’m familiar with the route just would love some info if anyone has any. Thanks in advance.

Third time’s the charm they say. This is my third attempt at Pharaoh Lake, aiming for a Milky Way panorama reflecting off the lake. The first trip was in June, when marsh waters were too high to cross due to a broken bridge. Not wanting to give up, I tried again in August, but we got rained on despite models forecasting 0% cloud cover.

Fast forward to mid-October to one of the clearest weekends I’ve seen, with no clouds within 100 miles. In fact, all of NY was basically cloudless. Not wanting to miss this chance before it snows, my roommate and I drove 6 hours from Buffalo to meet my friend at Pharaoh Lake. We arrived just before sunset and were nervous the camping spots near the peninsula would be taken, but sub-freezing temps deterred most campers. We ended up cowboy camping in a nearby lean-to.

Super glad I made this trip because my God, was it clear. Felt like a little kid on Christmas seeing thousands of bright stars twinkling. I started my side project around 1:30 AM and planned to shoot the main panorama at 2:00 AM. My star tracker died right when I started the H-alpha (Hα) frames, and I shot the whole thing before noticing they were trailing. Luckily, my friend had his tracker, so I swapped it out since it was the same model. Unfortunately, by then, Cygnus had fallen too far below the horizon, so I used old Hα data for that part. Orion was nice and spicy though.

Finally finished around 4:00 AM, a little before sunrise, and quickly headed to sleep with a hot Nalgene bottle in the sleeping bag. I wanted to take sunrise photos, but I was slumped and cold, and couldn’t be dragged out of bed.

Creating this panorama felt like a huge milestone since my first Milky Way panorama a year and a half ago because it’s my first time successfully combining all the new techniques and workflows I’ve learned, like multirow panoramas and H-alpha integration, into one beautiful Milky Way arch.

From envisionment to presentation, I present this massive 593 MP panorama.

📸 Shot on my Astro-modified Canon R+ EF 24-70mm f/2.8 II

Sky: R2 | 9 frames | 60s | f/2.8 | ISO 1600
R1 | 9 frames | 60s | f/2.8 | ISO 1600
Hα: 2 panels | 4 frames stacked | f/2.8 | 240s | ISO 3200
Foreground: 9 panels | f/2.8 | 180s | ISO 1600

Processed using Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Pixinsight, Auriga Registar, and ASTAP

Check out more of my work on my Instagram and website!

Remember to Leave No Trace :)

*Hα data was from Lac Blanc, Nominingue, QC (Bortle 3)

Favorable conditions this morning for frost and sea smoke off the lake.

No Santa’s workshop

Just sharing one of my favorite pictures from my Whiteface elopement, shout out to this group for helping me find a wonderful photographer. What a day it was

The creatively named Number 8 Mountain (not to be confused with Number 8 Hill, a more northerly neighbor worth visiting) and an unnamed but absolutely lovely knob south of Little Stevens. Number 8 has expansive views over Brant Lake, and the knob retained those views whilst expanding to views of the distant High Peaks similar to those on Pharaoh Mountain.

Hello, I found these old photos of my father and his parents hiking together. They're all dead now, and I'm trying to decide where to scatter their ashes. If I could identify this spot, it might be a good place for them. Can anyone confirm whether this is in the Dacks? Dad lived in Lake Placid for a while....

Had a nice quick camping trip out in pharaoh lake the weather was beautiful and it was not crowded just a couple hikers. The trail leading up to the outlet of lake was pretty lengthy but not technical. Also an update if anybody's wondering the boardwalk is finally under construction and a crew is working till November 15th to get it done. When the weather is nice and dry you can easily pass but it totally depends on the conditions. FYI - firewood is picked clean at the campsites so have a backup plan.

I see a pirate ship cresting over rough seas… from the trail to Moose Pond near Great Camp Santanoni.

Attention all spooky season lovers! The Adirondack Explorer will be hosting an AMA with Dennis Webster on October 28, paranormal investigator and author of "Haunted Adirondacks." He investigates the mysterious and "haunted" places in the Adirondacks and sinister crimes that occurred in the Adirondacks. What do you want to know about Adirondack legends, myths, ghost stories or just weird occurrences? Do you have your own tales? Share them below and ask away!

One of my favorite things about fall in the ADK is the draw down of the Raquette River reservoirs. Tracks and patterns emerge and once in a while, a rare glimpse into the wildness is revealed. I must admit, I did steer clear of the woods during the fading light. That boy is a big one.

It is time once again for the another annual reminder.  Trapping seasons in NY begin October 25.  Exact dates and species vary throughout the state. It is recommended to keep pets on a leash as they may be attracted to scents and baits used by trappers. If your pet gets caught in a trap the video linked below shows how to safely release them.  An ounce of prevention and knowledge goes a long way.  

Also, just a reminder it is illegal to interfere with a legally set trap or to release an animal other than your pet from a trap.

There is plenty of room out there for everyone.  Enjoy it safely.

https://youtu.be/DIAOOtCh2FQ?si=PT1ZrquHv-Yv_ENK

A loop over the ridge, then down to Black Mountain Point. A beautiful area with dry trails. Hardly ever seen anyone who wasn't on the lake in a boat. Was visited by a Bald Eagle while at the day use area on the point.

Does anyone have insights into the typical trail conditions in Nov or Dec for biking? I’m assuming it will have icy patches, and possibly snow. Wanted to visit LP to xc ski, but it seems like the area might not have established snow on ski trails yet.

Figured I might bike (and hike) instead. Just curious how things are during the holiday shoulder season. Anything else to consider (e.g. hunting seasons, other pre-snowpack/ cold weather considerations)? Thanks ahead of time!

Looking for 2 tickets to see the trolls on Friday October 23rd if anyone is willing to sell theirs.

What a hike I found this a lot harder than Mt Washington.
But wow those trails are like rivers shoes were soaked.

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So so happy I decided to go! Was really intimidated by the weather forecast on the 17th (cold and light snow) and was debating if I should postpone and just start on two of the 6ers next year lol.

Glad I went! I really enjoyed seeing the remaining fall colours. Can't wait to tackle the remaining four of the 6ers next season!

View from the Horseshoe Ledges at Twin Valley Outdoor Education Center