The day we had available for a hike didn’t have a promising forecast, so we changed our plans a bit and made the most of it. When I say we, I am talking about me and my son Kole, and a soggy day to look forward to! With tuning down our game plan, we decided to do a bit of pond hopping instead. This brought us to Indian Lake.

Our first stop once we set the wheels to the pavement was to hike back to Bullhead Pond. This small pond resting a mere 0.6 miles from the trailhead would be the groundbreaking of the day. We suited up in our red wool jackets, for hunting season safety, and we were on our way. Once up over the parking lot berm we hit the trail in ripe old fashion, but it wasn’t raining yet. The trail was very easy, aside from the slippery wet leaves that coated it like a blanket. The trail seemed to go around anything that looked like there would be any elevation involved, and it was fine with us to have a lazy stroll for once.

The very last bit dropped down to the shore of Bullhead Pond and dropped me just as quick onto by back. The slippery leaves on the water-glazed rocks took both feet right out from under me. Kole had some sarcastic comment that I fail to remember, but I’m sure it was a good one. He can be quite witty at times.

Once we snapped a few photos and checked out the shoreline a bit, we returned to the trailhead and set off for another pond, which we failed to get to before the skies opened up and a deluge began in epic proportions. I guess the only liquid we would be seeking out is a cold beer at this point.

(Spencer Morrissey is a licensed outdoor guide and author of a few Adirondack adventure books.)