Another Milestone

W picked up his Rapidfire from Placid Boatworks today and took his maiden paddle on the flow. Too bad I didn't get a photo. Tomorrow would be an ideal time to take a longer paddle since I'm waiting for the stain to dry before doing the last round of urethaning. But it is supposed to be 90 degrees again. Too hot to be out midday.

Raquette Lake

Today we took a boat ride on the WW Durant on Raquette Lake. It included a yummy buffet lunch and lots of nice scenery.

A Day in Glens Falls

A group of us drove to Glens Falls today to see the Andrew Wyeth exhibit in the Hyde Museum. Then we had lunch at Davidson's Brew Pub - a great place to eat if we ever need a spot farther up the northway (between exits 18 and 19) as we're driving back from NJ.

A Beautiful Fall Day

Yes, I realize it is still August, but there are hints of fall in the air here in the Adirondacks. This morning we woke to fog hanging over the lake, a sure sign of cool nights over the warmer water.The sun later came out and along with it the crisp clean air we love so much.

Basement Progress

We have made a lot of progress on the basement. The "end wall" at the base of the stairs is done, minus the molding, as is the floor. The molding, and there is lots of it, comes next. But first it must be stained and urethaned.

Love My Boat

Thirteen of the usual gang went paddling today from Hoel Pond, through Turtle and Slang to Long Pond and back again, ending at Ginger and Bill's, for a total of about 10 miles. The weather was pleasant, though not as warm as we expected it to be. And we saw the usual wildlife - lots of loons, an eagle, and a great blue heron.I got in and out of the boat many times and carried it a lot and it performed wonderfully. I carried over the railroad on the way out from Hoel to Turtle and went through the culvert on the way back. Between Turtle and Slang is a very shallow spot where I got out and walked the boat. Then there is a carry between Slang and Long Ponds. We got out and lunched at a vacant campsite on Long Pond. As usual our trips serve as a good advertisement for Placid Boatworks.Then at the camp we of course got out and hauled the boats onshore to make room for everyone. It is very easy with the lightweight boat. I'm so glad I got it.

A Day Off

After our building blitz yesterday we decided we needed a day off. We drove to the western end of the trail through Bloomingdale Bog and walked about 3 miles round trip. That is not much but is the farthest W has walked since his fall. He's making lots of progress but still can't paddle. Maybe next month.

Hallelujah

We have beautiful new basement stairs.There are still many steps before the remodeling project is complete, but it is great to get this one out of the way. It was definitely learn-as-you-go.

Paneling Complete

Demolition Phase Complete

We no longer have stairs to the basement.
An 8-foot ladder will have to substitute until we build the new stairs. But first we have to put paneling on the wall.

Basement Progress

We've been working away at the new basement stairs. Here we have set up the stringers and treads in order to measure for the risers - in our wonderful outdoor workshop. They are finally beginning to look like stairs. We even think we've figured out how to get the old ones out and the new ones installed, a rather important part of the process. But there is still lots of urethaning to do before we get to that point. So stay tuned.

Then this evening I went to June's for mojitos and Mexican train, a domino game that is very popular around here.

Busy Weekend

We were at Lewis' Friday night for a very nice neighborhood get-together. Then Saturday we dropped in on the Piercefield firemen's BBQ. And today we drove to Camp Uncas, a Durant great camp south of Raquette Lake. We were invited by the Loon Conservancy and got to hear a presentation by Nina Schoch on the loon research and then toured the camp. In between, we've been working on the basement project. More on that later.