Fate

Trying to take our minds off the looming hurricane that is predicted to hit Florida's east coast around our winter home, we decided to take Moxie south on Lake George. This was the first time this year that we have headed to our favorite anchorage in the Mother Bunch Islands. There were a few boats there but we always go close to shore, so we stayed out of their way. Just as we were eating lunch, another boat came in and anchored right next to us! We could have just about reached over and touched them. There were about 6 people onboard with 2 little kids that started yelling as soon as they hit the water. The kids were having fun but did they have to be so close? Dave even said to the captain, you have the whole bay but he ignored Dave. Instead of making a scene, we opted to leave and find another spot, exploring along the western shoreline. It's hard to believe, but we actually found a small cove that we had never noticed before. We pulled into the lee of Steere Island and it protected us from the north wind, waves, and boat wakes (I thought it was strange that the pontoon boat was on the other side of the island, which was totally exposed to the waves).

Front view and we think that the cliff in the background is famous Deer Leap on Tongue Mt., which has a hiking trail that goes to it.

Rear view looking south on the lake is gorgeous as usual!

Then there was a pair of loons that kept diving close by. When Dave went snorkeling, they were on high alert and kept calling to each other and extending their necks. Although they did not swim away, the closer Dave got to them, the more agitated they became, so he backed off. Having his mask on, Dave knew why they stayed in the area. It was a sunfish nursery with schools of baby sunfish in the shallows.

Without fate taking over with those rude boaters anchoring so close to us, we never would have found this new special spot to add to our repertoire of favorite swimming holes. Now we are back to waiting to see what happens with Hurricane Isaias. Keep your fingers crossed that it isn't as bad as the media is saying.

The Fjord

Whenever we travel Route 73 on our way to Lake Placid, we always say that someday we are going to kayak on the two lakes between the mountains just north of Keene. Today was that day! These are the Lower and Upper Cascade Lakes with a small 100 ft. unnavigable stream between them that we had to portage around. This is truly a fjord, especially the lower lake which is long and skinny.

The views are spectacular and even though the wind was blowing quite a bit, we had no problem paddling, finding a bit of lee along the mountains. The weather in Keene was sunny and 83+ degrees, but at the top of the hill leading up to the lakes it was cloudy and 75 degrees. We launched at a scenic pull-off parking area called the 'Pitchoff Wall' and it worked quite well. This is all part of the High Peaks hiking trail system too.

Fallen Rock Zone: looked like there were lots of landslides through the years.

We portaged the kayaks from one lake to the other and are so glad we decided to do that. 

When we got to the end of the upper lake, we found the cascades that the lakes are named after. The waterfall had five different tiers. Not much water was flowing with our dry weather.

Heading back, the wind really kicked in, but we were going downwind so it was almost like sailing with our paddles out of the water. The end of the lower lake ends with a couple of beaver dams in the stream that continues south.

The only downside of this trip was the noise of the traffic on Rt. 73, but when there were no vehicles going by, it was as if we had stepped back in time. It certainly was a memorable day and we can cross this trip off our bucket list, although I am sure we will do this again next year. Below are the maps of the two lakes and we were surprised to see how deep they are.

Watching Beavers

We really enjoy taking evening walks while the days are still long. Although we sometimes walk the Crown Point Bridge, our outings usually end up being along the La Chute River. The pond at the base of the first falls has one huge beaver lodge and another smaller one a few yards away.

These are active lodges and the past few times we have walked the trail, we have seen several beavers of all sizes. What fun it has been watching them swim with branches from other areas of the pond and then dive down into the entrance of their lodge. It brought back memories of the beavers we had at our property on the Indian Kill many years ago.

It is great to see these animals thriving in an area where they don't need to be disrupted or disturbed, and yet people can watch them in their natural habitat from afar.

Drying Out

Except for the storms of the last couple of days, we have had a fairly dry summer so far. Water levels are falling in Lake Champlain and it is going to be quite low by fall. In Lake George, the water level is regulated by the dams along the La Chute River, especially the one at the top waterfall. Yesterday the one gate was completely closed, although some water still escapes. The water was still rushing from the furthest gate, but then again it may be coming out of the penstock.

This what it looked like a few years ago during a wet spring...

With the water being controlled, it makes it fun to go under the falls at the Bass Hole (an official name to the swimming hole), but we always listen for the warning sirens in case they open all the gates. The photo of Kenny and Dave below was taken during a previous summer when there was quite a bit of water coming down the falls.

At least the springs and creeks that feed Lake George continue to keep the water flowing, which goes down the La Chute River and eventually adds some water to Lake Champlain. Every little bit helps!

Paradox

Kayaking on Paradox Lake is always a nice leisurely paddle and the lake is so close to Ticonderoga. Rarely is the state launch ramp, campground, and the lake itself busy and this year with Covid-19, even the front booth was closed so we didn't have to check in (during the week it is free for 62+ seniors for day use at state parks).

We came across a family of loons with two young ones learning to dive for their food. They still had their baby fuzz but were almost the size of the parents. I didn't want to get too close for a photo, but you can almost see one of the chicks behind the parent.

I always enjoy going up the hidden creek at the northeast end of the lake. However, we didn't make it too far because there were so many biting flies that we had to turn around.

It was still pretty though and we even noticed a large beaver lodge.

With those pesky flies following us downwind and biting my ankles, drawing blood at one point, we had to take evasive action. I found a small gravel beach between two rocks and we jumped in the water. It worked and we were cooled off and ready to go the rest of the way around this eastern part of the lake. There are actually two sections to this lake with the narrows connecting the two. This eastern part of the lake is more protected and smaller. To top it all off, here is an interesting fact about why it is called Paradox Lake from Google: "Paradox Lake gets its name from a unique occurrence which happens every spring. Melting snow in the eastern Adirondack Mountains flows into Schroon River. Paradox Lake's outlet also flows into Schroon River, but due to the sudden increase in water, the outflow is forced back, causing it to flow in reverse."

It Never Gets Old

We may be getting old 😉 but the view from Lake George's Waltonian Islands never does...

Twice As Nice

Dave had his two cysts removed and he has dissolvable sutures so he doesn't need to return to the surgeon unless there is a problem. The doctor even said that he could go swimming after 24 hours which is surprising, but good for Dave (and me!) in this heat. However, with remnants of Tropical Storm Fay and other storm systems affecting us, we decided to stay home and off the lakes for a few days. Instead we get to watch the wildlife in our backyard and noticed these twin fawns yesterday. Mom was lurking just out of our sight and made an appearance as her young ones meandered back into the trails.

We certainly like diversity in our lives. The choice of water or woods...twice as nice!

The Big Lift

Our neighbors on the lake received a new pre-fab house. The owners must have been so excited when it arrived and was put into place a couple of days ago. We heard the excavator beeping and went down to watch the action. First they had to pull it into place and get it in line for the crane to lift it.

It was a tight and close corner to go around the crane...

The crew was very efficient and had to crawl underneath it to attach the cables and spreader bars. Then it was lifted over the other section and lowered to line it up perfectly with the other half.

Later they made it weatherproof with its fold up roof and separate peak pieces (which are on the ground in the photo), and they are finishing up the project now. What fun it was to watch this whole process.

Over & Under

What a beautiful evening to walk over and under the Lake Champlain Bridge, aka the Crown Point Bridge. The views are gorgeous and the walk over is a half mile each way to Vermont and back, making it a nice mile long hike.

We sure are glad that we were able to see this bridge being built back in 2011! 

4th & 5th

How could this be the Independence Day holiday on Lake George? Where is all the boat traffic? The boats did come out later, but this photo was taken at 8:30 in the morning, before the crowds hit the water.

I snuck up on a blue heron who was concentrating on fishing from this floating water mat...

This was the first time I have ever seen a heron submerge its body to get its prey...

He got it and down the hatch the whole sunfish went!

This was the only wooden boat we saw that day, but it sure is a beauty...

When we launched our kayaks at the Ti Town Beach, we met up with a lady that looked like she was getting ready to go for a swim. That sure is an understatement, because we also came out of the water at the same time and found out that she is Bridget, who swam the entire 32 mile long lake a couple of years ago. She is working on doing it again this year, but crew is hard to find to go with her. She wanted to know if we wanted to do it, but heck, I can't paddle as far as she swims! 😉

Yesterday afternoon, we took one of our 'one bladder rides' to Lake Placid. The town was quite busy and even busier on Mirror Lake which was overrun with swimmers and kayakers. We were glad we hadn't decided to go boating there. Last night we watched the Ticonderoga fireworks over Bicentennial Park. We had brought the Buick down to park it along the road around dinner time, and then Dave, who had followed me on the Aprila, brought me back to the house. At 9PM we rode the Aprilia back down the hill and got in the car to watch the 30 minute show, which was fantastic. Most people stayed in their vehicles as requested per the Covid-19 regulations, and the event was well attended. What a great ending to the day.

Since our early morning kayaking trip worked out so well yesterday, we decided to do it again today, this time on the south end of Schroon Lake, from the Horicon beach on the Schroon River. There weren't many wakes here either, but we talked to a gentleman who said it was really crowded there as the previous day wore on, so we timed our paddling perfect.

The Word of Life camp was quiet with very few people around, due to the Covid-19 restrictions. Even their work barge/ferry to the islands was out of service and still on the beach.

I wonder if this slide is for people or to bring supplies down the beach...

I think we made the most out of the busy holiday weekend without interacting with crowds. Now it is time to see what the rest of the summer has in store for us and we are loving the diversity of the different Adirondack lakes. It probably won't be quite so wild on the water, especially with the kids' overnight camps closed for this season due to the virus restrictions. Stay tuned!