The Road Less Travelled-McDonough State Forest

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[email protected]"><figcaption>Pfeifer Photo</figcaption></figure><p id="1a4f">I decided to continue further on Preston Road, since this was unchartered territory for me. The road was remarkedly straight, with a few gentle hills. It amazes me how many of these old time roads are so straight. Carved through the forest straight as an arrow.</p><p id="2120">The gentle hills were enough though to get the skis singing on the snow. My fellow skiers will know what that means, a great sound to hear. Created by the texture on the bottom of the skis.</p><figure id="82c4"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*[email protected]"><figcaption>Pfeifer Photo</figcaption></figure><p id="393b">I wanted to go further, but had to turn around since I had travelled about a mile and a half. I have to save enough energy for the return trip.</p><p id="3276">As far as history on this section of trail, I didn’t find too much. A few summer camps that are quiet, blanketed by the snow. A random old hunting cabin. Stone walls from long ago.</p><figure id="725b"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*[email protected]"><figcaption>Pfeifer Photo</figcaption></figure><p id="61a6">I reached my car after nearly a 3 mile ski. Another successful outing. Spirit renewed. It was time to head home for a mug of hot chocolate.</p><div id="54e5" class="link-block"> <a href="https://medium.com/gardening-birding-and-outdoor-adventure"> <div> <div> <h2>Gardening, Birding, and Outdoor Adventure</h2> <div><h3>A community for vegetable and flower gardening enthusiasts, lovers and observers of birds, outdoor explorers and…</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:320/1*8ofsFHXnongDq9qAj2tgNg.jpeg)"></div> </div> </div> </a> </div><div id="9a83" class="link-block"> <a href="https://readmedium.com/growing-microgreens-7349ef0ae3bb"> <div> <div> <h2>Growing Microgreens</h2> <div><h3>Part 1-Planting</h3></div> <div><p>medium.com</p></div> </div> <div> <div style="background-image: url(https://miro.readmedi

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The Road Less Travelled-McDonough State Forest

Volume 4-McDonough NY State Forest

Pfeifer Photo

This winter has been exceptional here in central NY for cross country skiing. My first outing of the season was December 20th at Bowman Lake State park. My latest adventure was nearby, in the McDonough NY State forest.

Although not as large as the Pharsalia Woods State Forest (over 9100 acres), this one comes in at a mere 6800 acres. Much to explore.

Pfeifer Photo

It was a crisp, cold day with temperatures hovering around 20 degrees. When I first touched my skis to the snow, I must admit it felt cold. Thankfully there was no wind. But I knew as soon as I got underway I would quickly warm up, eventually shedding my hat and opening my coat. Skiing never fails to warm me up, both body and soul.

When it is this cold the skis glide easily over the snow. No sticking to the bottom of the skis, which can happen when the temperatures warm. No fear of that today.

I started out on Preston Road, which is part of the snowmobile trail network. Today I would encounter only one lone snowmobiler. A single friendly wave. Being a Monday, I knew there wouldn’t be many out. Since I am now retired, I can now ski any day of the week. Such bliss.

Pfeifer Photo

I followed Preston Road for about three quarters of a mile, until I reached the 4 way intersection. No traffic light needed here, although there is signage on the trails for the snowmobilers. I skied a little of Gale Road to the right, then the unnamed trail to the left, which leads to the back side of Bowman Lake. Both of these side trails I have travelled before.

Pfeifer Photo

I decided to continue further on Preston Road, since this was unchartered territory for me. The road was remarkedly straight, with a few gentle hills. It amazes me how many of these old time roads are so straight. Carved through the forest straight as an arrow.

The gentle hills were enough though to get the skis singing on the snow. My fellow skiers will know what that means, a great sound to hear. Created by the texture on the bottom of the skis.

Pfeifer Photo

I wanted to go further, but had to turn around since I had travelled about a mile and a half. I have to save enough energy for the return trip.

As far as history on this section of trail, I didn’t find too much. A few summer camps that are quiet, blanketed by the snow. A random old hunting cabin. Stone walls from long ago.

Pfeifer Photo

I reached my car after nearly a 3 mile ski. Another successful outing. Spirit renewed. It was time to head home for a mug of hot chocolate.