Training Log Archive: jima

Trail and off-trail run from the Bickford Rd trail head. Up the E Gilford Trail and cut over on Lower Round Pond Trail. Hit the logging ride from last winter's logging operation and headed up that. Took a loop around the edge of the first clear cut area, then further up the ride to the 2nd larger area. Nice views from up there. Trying to figure out if that abuts Gunstock, or if there's private property between.
Kept going up the old ride - planned to take the indistinct cut over trail to the Piper-Round Pond Link. Think I cut in too early. Was above the marshy area, rather than following the low ridge with marsh on both sides. Knew I'd hit the trail up in the saddle, so kept going. Heard some rustling ahead and saw something dark climbing a big pine - figured it was a porcupine. Got closer - nope, bear cub scrambling to get high. Quick look around for mama, wanted to be very sure I wasn't between her and baby... Circling around, took some zoomed in shots from a distance. Was taking off on a different bearing towards the E part of the saddle and heard louder rustling and huffing - caught a glimpse of mama coming down the slope on the other side of the cub. Decided it was time to get further away from the area before things escalated.
Since I'm typing this, it appears I was successful.
Found the trail a few minutes later and continued on the loop over towards Round Pond. Longer than I remembered it being to hit the Upper Round Pond trail - but nice woods - lots of things blossoming. Swatted off a few mosquitoes that were looking for supper. Down the Upper Round Pond Trail to the much larger logging landing - took the fire road back down.

Kayak was on the roof, so opted to stop at Saltmarsh Pond. A few folks out fishing. Nice and calm.
Spotted a him/her pair of Common Mergansers - don't think I've ever seen these before. One Eastern Kingbird, Great Blue Heron high overhead, and a Barred Owl hooting off on the other side of the pond.
Canada Goose was not on its nest, but did spot one of the resident snapping turtles down by the outlet.

Nice loop at Hamlin Eames in Chemung.
Was moving enough that bugs weren't really a problem, but they were certainly hanging around.

Around on Wicwas. Sun was in my eyes for the first bit, until I got close enough to the W shore to be in the shadow of the hills.
2 beavers were taking exception to my presence. Swimming by, glaring at me, then slapping their tails and diving. Lodge must have been up under the bank, nothing built out in the water.
A few loons around, doing loon things. Amazing how long they can stay under for.
Also, a big pileated woodpecker was hanging around, pecking away. Saw it at a couple of trees having a fine dinner it appeared.