NFCT: Days 6 and 7

Hey again!

After we left Saranac Lake, we paddled about 10 miles on beautiful, winding Saranac River. We ended our night with a portage around permanent rapids and camped at the bottom. We were excited about the riverside campsite that Dennis at St Regis told us about, but lo and behold, the campsite was occupied by three unsavory characters (and their unburied poop). 

Besides the poop, no harm was done and we slept well. It seems that even though we had intended for this to be a rest day, we just couldn't stay off the water.
Ended up doing 20 miles.

Camping at the bottom of Permanent Rapids

Day 6

Today we were again surprised by the kindness of total strangers. It was a big day that began with a few ponds and short portages and ended with the portage of all portages. After getting  off union falls pond, we sat down for some lunch to fuel us for an eight mile portage around some rapids that we decided not to run for fear of hurting the boat. As we ate lunch, we chatted with a man who offered to drive us and our boat the distance into town. We declined his offer (because we are stubborn). He promised to check on us when he was finished boating.

So we began our long walk. It was pleasant to stretch our legs for a few miles. Then it was tedious. But sure enough, our friend showed up. And while we again declined his offer for a ride, we were so grateful for the ice cold Gatorade he gave us.

As we got closer to Clayburg, a man saw the canoe and came to greet us. He told us about a good campsite near the separator rapids just downstream and warned us of the coming storm. We thanked him and moved quickly to launch our boat back into the Saranac. After a short distance on gravely class 1 rapids, we felt we were approaching the portage for the separator rapids, but saw no signage. We followed our guts and pulled off. Sure enough, after a little scouting we found both the rapids and our campsite. We locked the boat just upstream of the campsite and worked fast to set up a tarp before the rain. As we were setting up, the rain started. Oh, and Brian's foot found the second human

poo of the day. Guess we can't blame those other guys. We ended up paddling an walking about 20 miles.

Today (day 7)

5 am : pouring rain. Went back to bed.

6 am: pouring rain. Back to bed again.

7 am : still sleeping. And raining.

8 am: guess what? More rain.

At this point we decide to wait out the storm until the afternoon. The cold weather combined with a lack of campsites precipitated this decision. And you know what? It was the right one. For the first time in a while, we had our first truly lazy morning. We drank coffee, lay in our sleeping bags, and giggled a lot. And if it takes some rain to force us to slow down for a morning, then we'll take it. Plus we're hopeful that the rain will bury the pesky rocks downstream and make our travel that much easier.

Cooking in the rain

   

We did end up paddling a bit today, about 8 miles. One portage and some

fun whitewater. We took hot showers and have clean clothes! Many thanks to Bakers Acres for all of their kindness. So much to be thankful for.