Pilot Knob Preserved

 

Pilot Knob by Susan Beadle

From the Lake George Land Conservancy's Facebook page

The artist donated this painting to the LGLC's silent auction at their Gala

     Pilot Knob is one of my favorite places in Washington County. By default that makes it one of my favorite places in the world. It's not as high as Buck or Black and there really aren't any views from its wooded summit. But you have to have some bushwhacking skills and put some effort into getting to that summit. Arriving at the cairn always feels like a satisfying achievement. Besides, if you came up from the west side over the bare ridge (result of a 1973 fire) you've had a feast of Lake George views most of the way. Then there's the sprinkling of climbing ledges hidden in the woods. Fun to do a few routes if that's your thing. Finally, part of the mountains lure is the somber monument at the site of the 1969 plane crash that claimed 14 lives. Somewhat difficult to reach, it's a place to contemplate the tentativeness of life. 

Southern end of Lake George from Pilot Knob Ridge

(photo from LGLC's website)

     There are actually several ways to reach the top other than the popular ridge route. The Buck Mountain/Inman Pond trail has parking at both ends with the seldom used eastern approach offering less elevation gain, interesting streams and beaver ponds and more solitude but no views. There's also an unmarked pull off on Pilot Knob Road near Echo Bay that some use as a starting point. Note that the mountains that line Lake George's east side are tilted blocks of the Earth's crust with steeper, often cliffy sides upthrown at faults on the west and more gradual slopes dipping to the east. The result is great scenery from the lake but also more arduous climbing from that side. 

     Pilot Knob has been in the news lately with the recent announcement that the Lake George Land Conservancy has purchased 517 acres of the mountain's western slope from the Jeckel family. Ron and Janis have been great stewards and with this transfer they insure that the watershed and scenery will remain undeveloped into the future. Combined with large blocks of preexisting publicly owned Forest Preserve the entire mountain is now protected.

Mike Horn addressing members at the Gala

(from the LGLC website)

     I got to know Mike Horn when he had the difficult job of dealing with farmers who were considering protecting their land thru Saratoga PLAN. I've followed his successes when he stepped up to the Executive Director position at the Lake George Land Conservancy. He's a great guy leading a membership organization that knows just what a treasure Lake George is. Congratulations on the Pilot Knob project and best of luck in the future to Mike and the LGLC.

       

Other Lake news:

DEC photo

     Sad to hear that the northern lean-to on Fishbrook Pond has burnt. I (and many others) have happy memories from this spot. In the summer I relished sweaty trail runs up and over Sleeping Beauty, before heading on to the pond and a dip in its cool, clear waters. Come winter I liked the ski route from Pike Brook Road past Millman Pond to Fishbrook where we'd hunker down in the lean-to to eat our sandwiches and shiver before heading back. Hope it gets rebuilt for future generations to enjoy. 

Wiawaka Boat House and Dock

(web image)

     On a happier note Gwenne will be hosting a S.W.I.M. (Strong Women Inspire Me) event at Wiawaka to unveil a plaque honoring her mother's historic achievement. It was in August of 1958 when Diane Struble became the first person to swim the length of Lake George. The celebration in story, poetry and song occurs on Saturday, August 23 from 2 to 4 pm. Come and share your love for the lake and swimming on the beautiful grounds of Wiawaka.

    

Pilot Knob is the perfect backdrop for a day on Lake George

(photo from the LGLC's website)

Pairings

     Epicures speak of 'pairings'. As in choosing a wine that complements a particular meal. I'm no epicure so what 'pairing' means to me is just finding something good to eat and drink after a day of outdoor fun. Take a recent Sunday for example...

     Gwenne, myself and others have been helping our neighbor George socialize his four puppies before they moved on to new homes. You're probably thinking "How hard can that be?" Let me tell you "Plenty hard". As soon as George lets them out of their kennel enclosure they head in four different directions at about 90 mph. Our job was to keep them from the road and out of a nearby brushy woods that had a magnetic draw on the little fur balls. They were all sweethearts and it was rewarding to see them mature from day to day but we always breathed a sigh of relief when they tired and were ready for a nap. .

      

Geneva with two friends

     It was turning into another hot summer day so once 'puppy play time' was over our thoughts turned to swimming and (of course) a little something to eat. We got to Cambridge too late for the Kings donut cart so it was on to the Wayside for provisions and a bridge-side snack in West Arlington.

      A few more Vermont errands and a little backroad exploring brought us to Quarry Hill in North Pownal. This is a Nature Conservancy preserve noted for its botanical diversity. The limestone/marble bedrock ensures plenty of calcium in the soil and the dry, sunny orientation also creates a niche for a variety of plants. Jerry Jenkins has studied this site for many years and you can watch as he explains the local ecology to a group of botany enthusiasts on this Youtube video. With little rare plant expertise we simply enjoyed the hike to the top of the quarry and the views of the Hoosic Valley. Note that there are only a couple of parking places, a mostly hidden sign and no trail markers. Throw in some very steep cliffs and this place might not be for everyone.

 

     Quarry Hill is great for spring wildflowers but on a hot mid-summer afternoon it's hard to beat the Pownal Tubs. These sculpted swimming holes in a small Hoosic River tributary are scattered in a tree shaded gorge. We spent a pleasant hour here dropping our body temperature to near hypothermic levels in the refreshingly icy water. Thanks to the volunteers and visitors who keep this private property oasis pristine and open to all. You and the Tubs are a gift.

 

     So what 'pairs' with a fun summer afternoon of hiking and swimming? How about a burger and beer at Brown's Walloomsac Brewery and Taproom. The place was hopping but we managed to score a couple spots at the bar and believe me, a cold lager and beef in a bun never tasted so good.