Write-up: Deb Roberts and Halsey Bagg
Leader: Deb Roberts, Hike
Halsey Bagg, Kayak

The day was clear and sunny at Cranberry Lake. Most of the hikers stayed overnight at the DEC campgrounds on the east side of the lake or at Packbasket Adventures in Wanakena.

 The group met at the Cranberry Lake Community Center. Those wishing to kayak followed Halsey to Inlet Road and the put in at the Oswegatchie River.  The 21 kayakers all loaded into the river starting their 3.3 mile journey upstream. The water was calm, but flowing steadily. The change in altitude from the put in up the river to High Rock was less than two feet.

The five hikers carpooled to Wanakena in Deb’s car and then set off along the old lumber railroad trail to High Rock. Hiking the 4.2 mile trail they beat the kayakers by 40 minutes. They stood on High Rock and cheered as the kayakers meandered through the last few curves on Oswegachie river.

 The kayakers all arrived upstream to high rock safely and all unloaded, creating a large pile of kayaks along the river bank.

We enjoyed lunch at the top of the rock formation with a scenic view of the river where it zigzags through the meadow. A huge blue heron and many red-winged blackbirds entertained us with their flight.

 The hikers marched back to Wanakena checking out side trails along the way for future reference. They saw many berries still green and flowers that Dianna was able to identify. They also saw broken down vegetation/trail probably created by bears.

 The kayakers enjoyed their anticipated lazy float downstream back to Inlet Road.

 After the hiking/kayaking the group went back to Cranberry Lake for a swim and then to Deb & Halsey’s for the cookout and campfire at their home. 

More photos of the weekend may be found in the Gallery – 2019