We're writing to you from a cozy library in Saranac Lake, about 85 miles from Old Forge, where we started. We had the great fortune of hearing about St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, a group of awesome folks who let us store our gear while we gobbled down a hot lunch in town. Soon we'll head back there to get the 411 on the river conditions downstream and take showers because...we stink.
But let's start from the beginning.
Day 1
After saying goodbye to Keith and Leslie, we headed 14 miles through the Fulton Chain of Lakes to a beautiful campsite on 7th Lake. We had great weather and loved picking our favorite cabins and cottages along the shores.
14 miles
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| In Old Forge, at the start! |
Woke up and headed out before 7:30 am. Fun times pulling the canoe over beaver dams and checking out pitcher plants in Browns Tract Inlet. Raquette Lake was gorgeous, although strong winds made it our first nervous moment. Had our first taste of non-wheelable portages. (Ugh) We ended our night at the start of Long Lake
24 miles.
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| Browns Tract Inlet |
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| Navigating beaver dams |
Day 3
Left the campsite at 7 am and spent most of the day paddling Long Lake. We improved our portaging techniques from the day before and had a much happier and successful portage experience. Tried sailing...fun, but needs refinement! Had our first big thunderstorm. Thank goodness for our tarp. Camped at the Raquette Falls lean-to.
21 miles.
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| NFCT kiosk on Long Lake |
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| Our first sailing attempt |
Day 4
Got a late start today because we chatted with Gary, the caretaker at Raquette Falls and saw his strip canoe (beautiful!). Got our first taste of upstream paddling in Stony Creek and were rewarded at the end with front row seats to an osprey catching a fish right out of the water! We braved 3 thunderstorms on the Saranac Lakes and while waiting for the second to pass, found ourselves directly under a bald eagle! During the third storm, we hunkered down for the night.
18 miles.
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| Lunching on the Saranac Lakes |
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| After a rainstorm on Middle Saranac Lake. Just saw another bald eagle! |
Day 5 (Today)
Made it to Saranac Lake. Currently debating where to camp for the night. 9 miles so far.
So far, it's been a blast. We're a little soggy, but our boat's in one piece and we still really like each other. We've been so pleased to meet nice people along the way from canoeists on the lake who've read our blog to a friendly guy in the library who invited us to stay with him and his family if we needed a dry place. Thanks to all!
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| Locks |
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| Operating the locks |
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