Planning a ski trip during one of winter’s coldest weeks may sound daunting, but sometimes embracing the chill brings about the most memorable experiences. This is precisely what my friend Mike and I discovered on our journey north to the eastern Adirondacks, even after some of our friends deemed us “brave” or “crazy” for venturing out.
Pharoah Lake holds a special place in my heart. Years ago, while I was dating my wife, Gillian, she convinced me to try cross-country skiing. Her initial idea was to keep things simple by trying out some skis at a local golf course, but I opted instead for an adventurous trip to Pharoah Lake. Little did I know, that experience would forever change how I approach winter.
The first mile to Pharoah Lake is leisurely along an old road, a perfect way to find your rhythm and warm your body. As we skied, conversations flowed freely, and the sight of snow clinging to evergreen trees enhanced the winter wonderland around us. We even startled a spruce grouse, making its graceful flight through the frosted forest a highlight of the trip.
Mill Brook greeted us with sunlight and warmth as we arrived at a clearing, a reminder that the mountains were waiting ahead. This was the moment of anticipation—the calm before the thrill of the trails ahead.
As the trail gently ascended from Mill Brook, we consciously built potential energy for the ride back down. Knowing we’d enjoy sweet glides later made the effort seem worthwhile.
As we skied, we observed animal tracks, from deer to otters, each telling a story of winter life. Pharoah Brook flowed freely, showcasing nature’s delicate artistry with snowflakes frozen into patterns resembling a miniature night sky.
For biologists like E.O. Wilson, our fascination with animal tracks and flowing water stems from biophilia—an inherent connection to nature. This connection provides joy and a deeper understanding, echoing sentiments found in religious texts about the beauty surrounding us.
Continuing along the trail to Pharaoh Lake, we encountered others enjoying the snow. However, we chose to take a less trodden path, embracing the soft powder before arriving at the lake.
The southern edge of Pharaoh Lake was shaded, but as we moved north, the sun bathed us in warmth against the backdrop of a vivid blue sky. Enveloped by mountains, each glide felt like a note in a beautiful symphony.
Near Kings Point, we met a winter camper and learned about their adventures with friends. Following their tracks led us to create our own, discovering a small island we humorously named Terns-Peterson Island.
We took a break on the island, enjoying unexpectedly warm winter sunshine while savoring a leisurely lunch on the lake.
Saying goodbye to the sun was bittersweet as we headed back into the woods. There, nature gifted us with another spectacle: gentle snow drifts falling from tree branches, creating a mesmerizing, shimmering cascade around us.
Our legs grew tired, and we stumbled a few times, but laughter filled the air amidst the serene surroundings. I often wondered whether the wildlife observed our comical antics and pondered the unusual tracks we left behind.
Finally, we relished the downhill glides back to Mill Brook. On the last stretch, we paused to soak up the tranquility before returning to the noise of daily life. While we could have chosen the cozy comforts of home, the thrill and beauty of this day were undoubtedly worth the chill.
In conclusion, venturing into the winter wilderness not only tests physical endurance but also enriches the spirit. Whether you’re skiing or enjoying other winter activities, immersing yourself in nature can offer awe-inspiring moments and lasting memories. So bundle up, step outside, and embrace the tranquility of winter – the experience may change you forever.
This article originally published at Terns: Ski trip to Pharoah Lake in Adirondacks offers glimpse of winter’s beauty.
