On Top of a Small Portion of the World

Kane is one of the nearby mountains.  It has appeal beyond just the workout it takes to get to the top, since there is a fire tower that provides an opportunity for a good visual assessment of the lay of the land.

Mary and I donned our snowshoes and signed in at the trailhead.  We might have done without the shoes since the trail was unexpectedly well packed, but experience informs that using the shoes unnecessarily is far superior to getting halfway in and needing them.

On a "why didn't I think of that?" note, there were tracks all the way from the top where someone had used a saucer or some other type of lightweight sled to make short work and great fun of the descent.  A descendent of a bobsledder, no doubt.

Just outside the Center For Vandalism and Graffiti, formerly known as the Ranger Cabin.
Upon seeing the dwelling, and conjuring how it appeared in bygone days,
 one can't help but ponder the lifestyle of these hardy souls.

Mary moves to better appreciate the lakes spread out below.
Due to the lack of obscuring foliage,
the view is a treat for those disliking the height of the fire tower.

The way the lakes wrap around the mountain is invisible during warmer months.

Not so bad at this low level,
the ice completely covers the steps and handrails
as one climbs higher.

Do not worry, icy wires will retain you.

At the top, the tower provides magnificent views.
Look to the north across Pine Lake to the rugged country beyond.
100 feet short of the "High Peak" designation,
Snowy Mountain is in the distance on the right.

Beyond the ice-clad branches, one can see the dual ridges of Camelhump to the East.

The southernly look shows more of the hand of man.
Beyond Green Lake, shrouded on the left,
and the southern reaches of Canada Lake below Sheeley Mounain
lies the distant Mohawk River Valley.

Coincidentally, West lake is on the right this western view.
Dolgeville point separates it from Canada lake.
Small Mud lake is in the foreground, and Lily Lake farthest away.

Though the snowmobiles race across Canada and West Lakes, 

the channel is open downstream into Lily Lake and again at its outlet.

Beyond, the channel winds around behind the ridge to the right,

obscuring the location of our abode.

Central NY shows through the haze, with Minnesota just beyond.

 

The tower also provides philosophy.

It's always an ice storm on the mountaintop.

But the icy trees can't stop Mary.
In fact, the icy barrier makes Mary merrier.

Time to head down!