Paddling the Saranac River - Sort of

Well, we were paddling, though in a tandem canoe not our own boats, and we were on the Saranac River starting from Pine Street in Saranac Lake and heading downstream, but it was part of the river clean-up organized by a couple of the local paddling outfitters.  We spent several hours on the river and cleaned up lots of stuff.  We thought we would be wading and using the canoe mostly as a garbage repository, but we have had so much rain the water was much too high for that.  So we paddled along the shore and picked up what we could, including two tires, one shoe, lots of bottles, and lots and lots of styrofoam.  Others picked up chairs, dock pieces, a mattress, etc.  The outfitters treated us to a barbecue afterwards.  It was a good day, in part because we actually didn't get rained on while we were on the river.

Paddling the North Branch of the Moose River

We had a wonderful paddle today.  The weather was perfect, not too hot or too windy, but windy enough to keep the mosquitoes at bay, most of the time.  We put in at the bridge off Rondaxe Road and paddled 12 miles down the river to Mountain Man in Old Forge.

The water was high and swift making it a very easy paddle.  We stopped for lunch where North Road crosses the river.  A couple miles further we did the 1/4 mile portage around Indian Rapids.  While waiting for the drivers to shuttle back to the beginning so we could start the paddle we found a number of cedar waxwings stripping berries off a bush.

Deer Fly Season

It seems to be earlier each year.

Paddle from South Creek to Second Pond

We did one of our favorite paddles today, putting in again at South Creek, paddling across Middle Saranac, down the river and through the Upper Lock, and across the western end of Lower Saranac to the take out on Second Pond.  We learned that the Lower Lock is still under construction.
We had lunch at campsite 46 on Lower Saranac, not far from where the river flows in.  It was a beautiful day and not too many bugs.

Mirror Lake

We walked the 3 miles around Mirror Lake this morning.  It is a great place to go if you want to stretch your legs away from the bugs.

Paddling to Weller Pond

Another beautiful day and a paddle to Weller Pond with our friends.  The bugs didn't bother us too much on yesterday's wildflower walk.  We weren't sure what to expect on the paddle.  None bothered me as I paddled down South Creek.

But swarms of black flies caught me as I got out onto the lake, which was strange.

Once we got out to the middle of the lake, they finally dispersed.  No wind is great for paddling, but not so good for keeping the bugs away.  We were sure they would be bad when we stopped for lunch on Tock Island.  Be we had no problem at all, even with no wind.

The clouds started building while we were at lunch and got thicker as we paddled back to the car.  The black flies were so bad out on the lake that I resorted to a headnet, which I rarely wear.  I had lots of insecticide on so they weren't biting, but I couldn't stand their bouncing off my face.

Once I was home I discovered bites on my legs and back that had been covered.  I had forgotten how well the flies make their way under clothing.

Despite the insects, it was a beautiful paddle.  But I won't be looking to do more than one a week until after bug season.

Ladyslippers

After a couple of rainy days when we first arrived at camp, we finally got some sunshine today and went to Hayes Brook Trail to see the lady slippers.  They were wonderful as always.  The rains have really brought out the wildflowers this year.


After we got home I discovered 5 lady slippers in the area to the left of our deck.  I need to explore to see if I can find more.

Catching Up

We went to our 50th college reunion over Memorial Day weekend.  Then we had our final chorus concert last evening.  Tomorrow, we head for camp for the summer.