Paul Conklin (Curtis Mayfly)
April 18-22 2016
Only one new body of water was added to my list of significant ponds of the Five Ponds. Most of the areas I went through, I have been to before, but never had I carried a canoe to Willys, Walker or Hawk Ponds. In my opinion, there is no better way of exploring, than from the seat of a canoe. Of course, water is necessary for this type of exploration. The density of ponds north of the Stillwater Reservoir, coupled with a healthy beaver population make the region a pond-hopper's paradise.
I would complete a counter-clockwise loop stating from Trout Pond on Stillwater, north to Walker Lake and return via the Lyon, Raven Lake corridor. Besides aforementioned ponds, of particular interest was a chain of beaver ponds on the Walker Lake Outlet. This stretch of small water is the true source of the Middle Branch Oswegatchie. Excluding the reservoir and numerous beaver ponds, the Mayfly's hull was wetted in fifteen different named or otherwise significant bodies of water.
I should also mention that over the winter I spent considerable time researching new gear and equipment that might enhance my paddlewhacking experience. I now insulate a new War Bonnet Black Bird hammock with top and bottom quilts, saving 3 lbs. off my old Hennessy and pad system. My base gear has become lighter, warmer and more comfortable but more important than any of that is a reduction in pack volume. I now have room for a pair of binoculars and perhaps an extra can of beer.
Photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/114267878012874538920/6276833412661702753
April 18-22 2016
Only one new body of water was added to my list of significant ponds of the Five Ponds. Most of the areas I went through, I have been to before, but never had I carried a canoe to Willys, Walker or Hawk Ponds. In my opinion, there is no better way of exploring, than from the seat of a canoe. Of course, water is necessary for this type of exploration. The density of ponds north of the Stillwater Reservoir, coupled with a healthy beaver population make the region a pond-hopper's paradise.
I would complete a counter-clockwise loop stating from Trout Pond on Stillwater, north to Walker Lake and return via the Lyon, Raven Lake corridor. Besides aforementioned ponds, of particular interest was a chain of beaver ponds on the Walker Lake Outlet. This stretch of small water is the true source of the Middle Branch Oswegatchie. Excluding the reservoir and numerous beaver ponds, the Mayfly's hull was wetted in fifteen different named or otherwise significant bodies of water.
I should also mention that over the winter I spent considerable time researching new gear and equipment that might enhance my paddlewhacking experience. I now insulate a new War Bonnet Black Bird hammock with top and bottom quilts, saving 3 lbs. off my old Hennessy and pad system. My base gear has become lighter, warmer and more comfortable but more important than any of that is a reduction in pack volume. I now have room for a pair of binoculars and perhaps an extra can of beer.
Photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/114267878012874538920/6276833412661702753
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