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!

Back & Forth

We have continued to go back and forth to the Adirondacks, depending on the weather. At home I had another good show when Mama deer and her fawn took a stroll through the backyard. The fawn was all excited and running around "kicking up its heels" until it spotted something that startled it. It stood in place and stomped its front feet on the ground until mellow Mom came over to see what the problem was. That's when I saw a rabbit slowly hop towards the woods with the fawn literally on its tail. I was amazed that the rabbit allowed both deer to smell it and not run away. A real life Bambi and Thumper! Sorry my photo is blurry, but it was taken through the window and zoomed as far as possible.

Up in Ticonderoga, I had a great walk that led me across the La Chute River footbridge. Looking south, that is the end of Lake George before the water heads towards the falls on its way to Lake Champlain. What a nice calm morning it was with fog in the mountains.

With Covid-19 restrictions on Fourth of July celebrations and gatherings, the town came up with alternative events, including a house and business decorating contest. I haven't seen too many places decorated, but I think this one is the best and I hope it wins...

There is normally a large parade downtown for the holiday, but instead this year there will be local first responders driving firetrucks, etc. through quite a few of the streets around town while people can cheer from their houses or from inside their vehicles. There will also be fireworks on the 4th, but no gatherings and if you can't see them from home, you can watch from your vehicle. If you get out to watch, you can only stand next to the car with a mask on (it will be live-streamed on Facebook too). There are strict rules that need to be adhered to in order to pull off this event this year. Most other cities have cancelled fireworks and celebrations, so I give the Ti Chamber of Commerce and their 'Best 4th in the North' committee a lot of credit for adapting and trying to please as many people as possible while sticking to restrictions.

Happy Independence Day everyone! Stay safe and healthy.