We stood atop Indian Head (a rock formation resembling the face of a Native American man) many years ago when descending Nipple Top. The day was hot and humid with hazy views, but we could tell the scene from these ledges would be worth a return trip.  Three years ago Gino and I chose a clear day and again hiked the Lake Road and climbed Indian Head.  We had a late start and a longer than prudent talk with a jovial man, at the gate to the Adirondack Mountain Reserve, who resembled Santa.  So when we made it to our destination, it was late in the day.  But the lower shadows on the mountains under the blue skies made a spectacular scene.  Colden and Nipple Top were on one side, with the Ausable Lakes far below. Sawteeth was right “in your face” with Gothics, Armstrong, and the Wolf Jaws close by.  Even though Indian Head is dwarfed by the bigger peaks, it is a truly awesome vantage point.

After being there the first time, we were talking about Indian Head to Grace #9 at her home in Albany.  She went into the other room and brought back an old cover of the magazine of the Adirondack Park Association's Off the Beaten Path. It contained the legend of Adota of Tahawi for us to read and keep.  It’s an interesting story…

"Adota of Tahawi  overlooks Lower Ausable Lake (the Dark Cup) in the Adirondack High Peak area.  The stoic profile of the Indian sachem is at St. Huberts on the Adirondack Mountain Reserve... Legend say that Adota and his tribe lived in this area.  Having lost both his son and grandson, there was no line of succession.  One afternoon the dejected old chieftain called his people to the shore of the "Dark Cup" to speak of his sorrow.  A fierce storm arose and the tribesmen sought shelter.  When they had reassembled the next morning, the Medicine Man greeted them saying, "Adota treads the star-path to the happy hunting ground and the sun is shining in his heart.  He will never walk among you again but the Manitou loves both you and him and he has set Adota's face upon the mountain.  Look!"

Farr’s charming farm is just through the woods from where I grew up.  It looked like this (without the balloons) on a walk our family took with Dad one beautiful fall day many years ago.  I haven’t been back lately.  It has been changed – a new house in the field behind the buildings, and I’m not really sure how many of the barns are still standing.  The way it was evokes many fond memories of playing with childhood friends, sledding in the winter, and searching for wildflowers in the summer forest.  The only way it could be better would be to have the sky and fields filled with colorful hot air balloons.

Giclee edition of 550 signed and numbered reproductions 

          Image size 10" x 38 1/4"      

$75 unframed                           $225 framed