Vic has joined the CNY (Central New York) Jeep Club. They advertised a "1st annual fall foliage run" to the Adirondacks and the 2800 acre Ranger School. This land is held in trust by Syracuse University and is not open to the public. Jason, a member of the group, is a graduate of the school and made the arrangements for the club. Feeling this was an opportunity that we should not miss we signed up to go.
Sometimes I think we may be a card or two short of a full deck and, to prove the point, yesterday we began our day at 4am. The group was to meet at a Pilot station in Syracuse at 6am. 
Daybreak heading north.........
and passing Oneida Lake
This is one long string of Jeeps stretched out in front of us with even more following.
Daybreak heading north.........
and passing Oneida Lake
This is one long string of Jeeps stretched out in front of us with even more following.
I'm unsure of the total but believe it was 31 or 32.
Jason giving us a great introduction
First stop was a bog - interesting terrain on which to walk - squooshy and bouncy.
Jason showed us pitcher plants which are carniverous and are only present in bogs. Double click for the full view. They are difficult to see with surrounding plants taking on fall colors.
Usually the last week of September and first week of October are peak color times in the Adirondacks. This year fall colors are late but we enjoyed a good beginning.
Interesting shadows cast by the ferns
Only 72 steps to the top of the fire tower
This is the Ranger School which turns out approximately 50 A.A.S. grads each year. This building houses the classrooms, labs, offices and dorm wings.
Directly across from the school. It sure would be difficult to concentrate on classes with this view. 
The school is in Wanakena, NY which has an approximate population of 50. With students in residence the population doubles. This is the Wanakena Bridge which crosses the Oswegatchie River. It was built in the planned hamlet in the early 1900s.
from the bridge....
This uprooted 18" diameter tree grew for years and years on nothing more than a big flat rock
Last stop was at Lampson Falls
Leaving the North Country
Maybe getting up at 4am isn't so bad after all.
Jason giving us a great introduction
First stop was a bog - interesting terrain on which to walk - squooshy and bouncy.
Jason showed us pitcher plants which are carniverous and are only present in bogs. Double click for the full view. They are difficult to see with surrounding plants taking on fall colors.
Usually the last week of September and first week of October are peak color times in the Adirondacks. This year fall colors are late but we enjoyed a good beginning.
Interesting shadows cast by the ferns
Only 72 steps to the top of the fire tower
This is the Ranger School which turns out approximately 50 A.A.S. grads each year. This building houses the classrooms, labs, offices and dorm wings.
Directly across from the school. It sure would be difficult to concentrate on classes with this view. 
The school is in Wanakena, NY which has an approximate population of 50. With students in residence the population doubles. This is the Wanakena Bridge which crosses the Oswegatchie River. It was built in the planned hamlet in the early 1900s.
from the bridge....
This uprooted 18" diameter tree grew for years and years on nothing more than a big flat rock
Last stop was at Lampson Falls
Leaving the North Country
Maybe getting up at 4am isn't so bad after all. 
