Copy/Repost Hike

On Monday, May 28th, Mike, Michael and I met up at the Ampersand Mountain Trailhead just west of Saranac Lake.  It was just about 9AM and the weather was slightly overcast and warm.  We got ready and hit the trail.  The trail for the mountain started across the street from the rather small parking area on Rt. 3. 

The initial portion of the trail (about a mile) was relatively flat.  Thereafter the grade became progressively steeper and rockier in sections.  It wasn't until near one of its sub-peaks that there was finally limited views down on Middle Saranac Lake.  In a short time later, we arrived at the open summit.  Here there was sweeping views over the Saranac Lakes to the west and north, as well as the High Peaks and Ampersand Pond to the south and east.  By the time we summited the peak at just past 11AM the thin cloud cover was starting to give way to open blue skies.  

While we ascended at a modest pace...taking frequent breaks and enjoying the conversations, we took a more extended break up on top.  On the top of Ampersand Mt. there are remnants of an old fire tower that once stood (footings and cable supports are still visible), as well as dedicatory plaque to Walter Channing Rice, who is described as the "Hermit of Ampersand" who kept vigil from this peak.  Doing a little research afterwards, he was actually a fire tower observer from 1915 to 1923.  He apparently loved the solitude of his post.

After about a hour snacking, talking and taking in the views, we headed back via the same trail as we ascended (there was no other choice anyway...it's an out-and-back).  We made good time on the way back and we arrived again at the trailhead parking lot at 1:30PM.

The two Michaels wanted to hit the road, since they had a distance to travel.  After they packed it in and hit the road, I changed into my swim suit and made the short distance (0.6 mile) down the trail to Middle Saranac Lake.  This trail leaves from the same parking area.  The trail was very easy going and almost entirely flat.  I got out to the shore of the lake by 2PM and took a quick dip to cool down before packing it in myself for the day (the water was pretty warm for this early in the season).

This modest hike was a perfect end to an amazing weekend in the Adirondacks.  The weather couldn't have been better and I'm so grateful for Mike and Michael joining me on this particular outing, but also to them and the other guys (Jim and Jeffrey) who traveled to the area for the kayak trip the day before.  It truely made it a very special weekend and a great kick-off to the official summer season.

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