For the first time in several months Dad's knee was feeling well enough for a little hike, so we decided to go to Shanty Brook Falls, a one mile hike with a river crossing. We couldn't access this spot a couple of years ago when we were hiking with the Braytons (Labor Day weekend 2012), because it requires fording the East branch of the Sagandaga River. We weren't equipped then so this time we prepared with water shoes and towel. 
Parking is located 8.7 miles past the church in Baker's Mills on route 8. There's a nice parking lot, lined with wildflowers--or weeds, as Dad corrected me. (Hmmm...isn't that a little revealing of attitude--like the cup being half empty or half full? I guess I see flowers instead of weeds--besides they were beautiful.)After crossing the highway and walking a tenth of a mile down the road, we found the old road that led to a path down a steep embankment to the river. Although the day was cool--60s and cloudy--and the water chilly but not too swift, the crossing wasn't difficult. For me, the deepest part went up to my knee. The walking sticks provided balancing support.
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| Oooooo chilly! |
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| On the way back |
After walking on a trail that often was overgrown with hemlock branches, we reached the falls. It has about a 12 foot drop.
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| Dad's make-shift tripod...doesn't he need a small one for Christmas? |
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This picture is out of order--but it shows how easy it was to cross over the brook. The falls begins at the right side of the picture.
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An enjoyable excursion...a little adventure, exploration and a favorite photo subject--a waterfall.
On our way home, we noticed this fence made of old skiis!
