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Middle Lake Middle Lake

From July 4 to July 6 2010, I visited the Murphy Lake trail in Hamilton County, NY, and camped at the lean-to at Murphy Lake. I published an essay as a trail guide. This gallery is intended as a supplement to the trail guide, as well as a reference to anyone interested in Adirondack photography.

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  1. Trailhead to Bennett Lake, Middle Lake, and Murphy Lake in Hamilton County, NY.

    Creek Road Trailhead

  2. Guideboard for Bennett Lake, Middle Lake, and Murphy Lake.

    DEC guideboard, Creek Road

  3. Moss thrives on the moist ground

    Mossy Floor

  4. The first lake seen on Murphy Lake Trail from Creek Road. The view is limited by vegetation.

    Bennett Lake

  5. A diverging path from the Murphy Lake trail leads to a fireplace and camping area in front of Middle Lake.

    Middle Lake Fireplace

  6. At the end of diverging path to Middle Lake, an island can be seen nearby.

    Middle Lake

  7. Not exactly in its prime.

    Abandoned Tire, Middle Lake

  8. This birch has undergone some kind off stress, creating an abnormal outgrowth. The outgrowth is filled with knots from dormant buds. Although it may be perceived as an ugly trait, burled wood is highly prized by woodworkers for its warped grain.

    Birch Burl

  9. This portion of the Murphy Lake trail hugs the shoreline of Middle lake.

    Grassy Trail, Middle Lake

  10. Another tree bole in close proximity along shore of Middle Lake may indicate a common stressor.

    Tree bole, Middle Lake

  11. This area affords a sweeping view of the lake

    Northwestern Shore of Middle Lake

  12. Another impressive view of the densely forested lake.

    Alternative View, Middle Lake

  13. The cool cucumber scent of healthy fern wafted in the summer air.

    Fern Choked Path

  14. Beaver, once nearly extirpated from the Adirondacks, now have a major influence on the landscape. The dead stumps sit now like gravestones.

    Busy Beaver

  15. The relentless gnaw marks of the beaver indicates diligent effort, yet it must be a terrible surprise when the tree finally gives way.

    A Bite Too Far

  16. These gnawed stumps have an artistic quality to them.

    Aged Stumps

  17. The bokeh, or blur of the 50mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor Lens is very warm and pleasing. The subject is a dead evergreen in the backdrop of the forest.

    Heptagonal Bokeh, Nikon Lens

  18. The lean-to at Murphy Lake is nicely situated near some rocky outcroppings that protrude over the lake, offering nearby stargazing opportunities.

    Murphy Lake Lean-To

  19. I was pleasantly surprised to find a canoe and paddle at Murphy Lake. It was an efficient method for exploring the shoreline.

    Canoe, Murphy Lake

  20. A comfortable fire is always a welcome companion in the wilderness, if only to ward off the biting insects. Luckily, the 4th of July weekenders left some wood behind.

    Murphy Lake Fire

  21. Pretending I was sitting with my dinner the whole time when I in fact had to run around the fire, sit and look relaxed before the camera timer went off.

    Dinner Over Fire

  22. The night sky is a wonderful thing to watch in the darkness of the Adirondacks. Shooting stars and satellites dart through the sky.

    Numerous Stars, Murphy Lake

  23. Thirty Second Exposure

    Murphy Lake at night.

  24. Reluctantly, I bring electronic gear on this unfamiliar vessel with rope tied ore. No incidents to report.

    Murphy Lake Canoe

  25. Hiding in the shade during a sweltering heatwave.

    Shoreline Murphy Lake

  26. These plants hugged the shoreline of Murphy Lake

    White Tipped Thingy

  27. Murphy Lake

    More White Tipped Things

  28. The sun sets slowly over Murphy Lake.

    Sunset, Murphy Lake

  29. An often overlooked history is carved into the logs of many lean-tos.

    Lean-To Markings

  30. Sampling of lean-to carvings, Murphy Lake

    Lean-To Markings

  31. Many lean-tos have pots, pans, and other supplies left by donors.

    Kitchenware, Murphy Lake Lean-To

  32. With photography and audio equipment, I resemble a pack mule. The key is to have everything I need during a walk within arms reach.

    Pack Mule

Found this page useful? Check out my new book, My Travels with Eos, or visit my gallery for prints

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