Middle Branch and Middle Settlement Lakes with Paul

1. Middle Branch Lake, Thendara, Webb, NY

Paul and I hiked into Middle Branch Lake from NY-28 today. It was a relatively easy hike, about 4.5 miles. Paul kept up with me really well, which was nice; the last time I hiked in this route I had to stop a lot to let my companions catch their breaths. Paul has been prepared properly by his unicycle. There was one spot where we had to detour around a stream the beavers had dammed up.

The weather was cool and there's been a light rain now and then, although the sun has peeked out now and then. Oddly, the lake water was warm enough for me to take a dip. There are no loons on the lake though.

2. Middle Settlement Lake, Webb, NY

The sun is out today, although it feels a little cooler with a light breeze. It was a short 2.5 mile hike to Middle Settlement Lake, although about a half-mile section of the trail is pretty mucky. Paul got pretty tired of mud and mire toward the end of that section.

There's a lot of folks at the lake today. There's a cluster of 4 or 5 folks that tented here last night, 2 who dragged in a small boat and are fishing, and a few others have said hello while day hiking through.

There is a lone loon on the lake, although it took awhile for him to show himself. He's being pretty low-key, too. A few dragon flies are around, maybe a few mosquitoes, but not too many bitey things.

3. Hike out and return home

It was a cold night, but our sleeping bags kept us mostly warm and we got up to see a pretty dawn. We made hot chocolate and some dehydrated food for breakfast, and had some bagels. After breakfast we packed up and hiked the 3.5 miles back to the car on NY-28.