Normally one would complete the Mt Jo loop by continuing down the 'long trail' until it rejoins with the 'short trail', and from there hike back to the parking lot. However, I thought it would be more interesting and scenic if we took a short connector trail called the 'rock garden' trail down to the Street and Nye trail, and from there over to Heart Lake, where we could walk along the shore and experience some more Adirondack scenery. And it would only add an extra half-kilometre or so of walking.

Heart Lake's water level was still as low (maybe even lower?) as it was two weeks before. All sorts of lttle rocks and pieces of wood were poking out above the surface of the water. On the plus side, the low level made for a wide sandy shoreline upon which to walk.

The other nice benefit of coming down here to hike along Heart Lake was that we could turn around and see Mt Jo, and the ledges upon which we stood just an hour or so before. Excellent work, Dad!

So concludes our introductory "Dad in the 'daks" hike. The moral of the story? It's never to early to start your Adirondack Mountains hiking career, even if you are approaching 87!

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