Page Four POST SCRIPT — APRIL 1986

E n jo y H ik in g a t P a u l S m it h 's C o lle g eWith the early snowmelt this year, there

are still several weeks to do some last minute hiking before finals. For returning students, summer and fall semesters offer excellent weather for enjoying the Adiron­dack wilderness on foot.

For a short hike around the college nature trails, one can usually play it by ear and not have to cany extra gear. For afternoon and all day hiking, however, it is veiy important to prepare for changing weather conditions, especially at higher elevations. Raingear, waterproof footwear, extra socks, and a diy set of clothes are the bare minimum one should pack for warm weather hikes. A hat, gloves, and wind- gear are often necessary at higher eleva­tions, even on warm days, due to high winds. In addition, one should pack matches and firestarter, extra food, a first aid kit, map and compass, and a mirror in case you become lost or immobilized. Also make sure to sign in and out at trailheads and to tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.

Tne High Peaks is one of the most popu­lar areas in the Adirondacks, with hun­dreds of miles of hiking trails for all interests and abilities. Popular hikes in this region include: Mt. Marcy, Algonquin Peak, Cascade Mt., Avalanche Lake, Giant Mt., and many others. One of my favorites is Indian Pass, which is a boulder strewn notch with the highest vertical cliff east of the Rockies.

Many smaller mountains in the Paul Smiths-Saranac Lake area offer magni­ficent views, and shorter, although not always easier, climbs. McKenzie. Haystack, and Scarface Mountains in Ray Brook are exceptional, but seldom visited peaks. And of course there's always our own St. Regis Mt., which offers an excellent view for the short climb.

For the more adventurous, several trail- less mountains in the Paul Smiths area can be easily climbed in an afternoon. My favorite is Jenkins Mt., which is about a mile bushwhack from the top of the Esker Trail by Long Pond. One should always carry a map and compass when hiking off trail, and know how to use them if you get disoriented.

Many lascinating environmental fea­tures can be found in the Paul Smithsand High Peaks region. If you've ever wanted to visit the boreal forests of northern Canada or the tundra, small scale examples of these habitats can be found at higher elevations of several Adirondack Peaks. Imagine traveling the equivalent of a thousand miles north in just a three or four mile hike. For those of us who can't afford waterbeds. Mother Nature has supplied many in the Paul Smiths area in the form of bogs. These wetlands form when a blanket of sphagnum moss grows over a pond, creating a mat which quakes when walked upon. Several fas­cinating plants make their homes in bogs, such as sundews and pitcher plants. And of course, Adirondack forests teem with wildlife during warmer months, beauti­fying any outdoor experience.

Indeed, the opportunities for hiking in the Paul Smiths area are unlimited. So next time term papers and studying get you down, why not escape into the beau­tiful natural areas that surround our college.

— Chris Carey

R O G E R ’S G R E A T O U T D O O R S

It was the first Monday of trout season and I packed up the fishing gear and headed out to the Ausable River. The fishing to date had been slow and spotty. The trout simply weren’t biting in the bone chilling waters of the Adirondacks. This trip was to be the turning point of the season.

We set out onto the Ausable casting a variety of worms, salted minnows, spin­ners and spoons. The first fish was caught not long after we started fishing the hole. Then there came more and more trout until it wasn't uncommon for two or three people to have fish on at the same time. The brown trout averaged nine to ten inches. The fish were plentiful and hun­gry. Soon more people arrived, some from Paul Smiths, some from surrounding areas.

The hole became crowded and lines were getting crossed. This didn't dis­courage us though. We continued on the river to try several other holes. These holes were small and had fewer fish but were just as fun. I took a nice thirteen and one half inch rainbow trout and the others also caught fish.

Though our limits could easily have been taken we fished for sport and fun. We released many of the fish caught keeping only the largest and injured fish. Still we had enough fish to make a nice meal. We all left feeling satisfied and anxious to return. Fishing season is upon us once again. Those who are willing to brave the cold water will be rewarded with some very delicious trout. Besides the Ausable River there are several other good places to try. The Saranac River along Rt. 3 especially in the trophy trout region is good. The St. Regis River and Easy Street Creek are good local choices for trout.

— Photo by Rich Hosley

For people who are coming back for the summer and next fall there are many places for bass and pike also. The bass and pike are good in Lower St. Regis Lake, and Saranac Lake, Lake Flower, and several other lakes around the area. Lake Colby and Upper St. Regis Lake have trout and salmon which can be caught from shore in the Fall.

I hope my insights help you to catch more fish. Enjoy your fishing and outdoor activities in the Adirondacks. Be careful and courteous with the e n v i r o n m e n t

which you are using. Thank you for read­ing my column. Have a good summer!

— Roger Bohner