90 Mile canoe journey across the Adirondacks - Part 2
Starting out at daybreak on Johns Brook, headed toward the calm waters of Raquette Lake, the largest inland lake of New York State. Noted for its vast shorelines, dotted with islands and beautiful bays, this body of water is also known for its heavy mid day winds. The lake is also noted for its’ history of “Great Camps” built by William West Durant. I had spent many times, way too many to count, on this lake. One of my favorite places.
We made it through most of the lake when it was calm but by early afternoon the winds picked up considerably and our leisure paddle was now transformed. The Souris River “Old Red” performed like a champ. She cut through the wind and waves beautifully. Love this boat !
Calm before the winds picked up.
Our resting spot before our big carry into Forked Lake. Here I was struck by the beauty and serenity of this place and in this stillness I visualized any lingering cancer cells disappearing into the void of nothingness. I prayed for my friends who are going through similar journey’s.
The carry to Forked Lake from Raquette was a good mile and a half on this road and through the woods. We had to double up on all the carries’ to pick up our gear. We both oddly enough, loved it. The adrenaline and endorphins kicking in was a natural high.
Brief but beautiful .
A short carry into the Raquette River experienced some beautiful light.
And beautiful muck.
We spent the night, probably the coldest night of our trip, high up on a bluff in this leanto. The temps hovered around 32 degrees. The next morning was a beautiful pallet of colors and of course freezing cold. Continuing on the Raquette until the falls.
Buttermilk Falls the first of 2 Falls to avoid.
After the cold morning paddle we were in the mood for a warm second breakfast in Long Lake. Didn’t happen.
Helms Aero Service is one of maybe 2 of the last float plane services in the Adirondacks. Here these old timers preparing to fly into “Hunt Camp”
Long Lake is 14 miles long and posed it’s own challenges with headwinds of 10-15 mph it was a work out to make it to the north end where we rested on Turtle Beach before entering the calmness of the Raquette River.
Huddled in a bay before hitting open water and headwinds with whitecaps.
“Red” taking a rest on a sandy peninsula before heading out for the second lap of Long Lake. While at Dana Farber receiving 2 solid months of radiation I was assigned to a Linear Accelerator named “Red”. Irony is my friend.
So many pleasant memories of this place. I call it Turtle Beach because it is where so many Turtles lay their eggs. It is at the northern end of Long Lake before re entering the Raquette River. A beautiful long sandy beach in the middle of nowhere.
Entering Raquette River from Long Lake.
Raquette River.
Ominous sign with a reminder. The canoe that didn’t make it.
This carry was particularly challenging .
Made it, intact !
A glorious morning on our last, longest and coldest day of this years ADK Hike for Hope fundraiser.
Somewhere along our journey we ran into this gravestone in the woods. A reminder that life is fleeting and make the most of it.
Stoney Creek leading us to the Saranac lakes.
Upper Saranac Lake. Chapel Island.
Channel to Middle Saranac
The final leg of our trip had 2 locks to go through. This one we had to operate ourselves.
The last leg.
A 23 mile day, ending a 4 day 90 mile ADK Hike for Hope.
Why I did it ? #1. to raise awareness and funds for the https://mpcproject.org/home and of course, without a shadow of doubt… To not allow Cancer to rule my life. Please visit the main page of my website http://www.adkhikeforhope.org and donate if you can and if you know anyone affected by Prostate Cancer, whether it be a patient or care giver pass this site along and let them know, they are not alone.