![]() I suppose that mindset could be considered not being prepared. But I was far short of the survival gear pack that I carry backcountry. I had a winter hat and extra clothing as well. It’s a good energy food that’s simple to carry. Peanut butter became a stable when hiking the high peaks several years ago.We ate it plain with just a spoon most of the time. Water, energy bars, and a partial jar of peanut butter. There’s always room alongside the highway though so that helps with the overflow. It’s a rather small pull off that fills up quickly most days. The Ampersand Mountain trailhead is very easy to find because it’s right beside NYS Route 3 between the villages of Tupper and Saranac Lakes. When I firmly grasp them I am truly ready to hike! They are all natural and I find a connection to nature in them. If ever needed they would also make a formidable set of weapons. ![]() I also use them to help propel myself up the steep sections of the trails. I carry two beaver stick trekking poles to maintain balance and agility. To gift a hand crafted one to someone is something I enjoy! I hope to write a post just about beaver sticks someday and have added it to the promised story list. I wood burn on them sometimes to mark certain occasions or dates. A superior one that is unique is added to my personal collection where it waits for special attention. I sometimes treat them with polyurethane to preserve them. I clean any dirt or mud from them before I trim off any sharp edges and any excess bark that the beaver missed. I trim them to length if necessary but quite often find ones that are perfect and require only a little work. They must get plenty of fiber!The beaver sticks are super strong and flexible depending on the species of tree that had been cut. The beaver stick trekking poles I mentioned are nothing more then sticks that the beaver had eaten the bark from and abandoned. I readied my beaver stick trekking poles also. ![]() I took a few minutes and double checked my small pack one final time. She had asked me days earlier if I had time to hike Monday.Perfect timing I had told her! Yes I would love to go!I hadn’t needed to travel far from my nearby campsite at Fish Creek Ponds State Campground so I had arrived ahead of schedule. It was Monday October 3,2022 and I was waiting for my cousin Jen at the trailhead to Ampersand Mountain in the empty parking lot. They litter the forest floor with colorful patterns that call to the observant hiker. The leaves continue to change everyday now and many are being dropped now. Autumn is moving along quickly here in the Adirondack Park. ![]()
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