I WAS BITTEN BY THE CAMPING BUG

So, I’m admittedly crazy about car camping. My husband and I camp regularly. We have a 3-tiered shelf of camping supplies organized in our garage. There's something for every situation. The planning and packing is every bit as good as the experience once on site. I guess it's the anticipation of another wonderful experience in the Adirondack Park that makes the planning every bit as fun as the adventure! There's one particular car camping expedition that I start anticipating in late winter (and I know most of my friends who participate do the same).

Each year in June several of us get together for almost a week of camping. We start planning in March, just about the time winter is making us long for our annual gathering. This year will mark the 16th edition of an amazing girlfriend bonding week we’ve dubbed “Tramps at Camp.” We have three rules: no men, no pets, no kids. We’ve bent all of them a tiny little bit over the years, but for the most part those are the hard and fast rules. We’ve left all our husbands, boyfriends, pets, kids, and the things we consider responsibilities, behind, and we have pure, unadulterated fun with no cares in the world! Or so we thought at one time or another!

Camping comes with its challenges - even car camping. We’ve had to adapt to bad weather, extreme heat, bugs, wet wood, wet tents, wind and a host of other inconvenient issues. And we’ve learned a thing or two about innovating and rigging things.

LEARNING THE HARD WAY IN THE EARLY DAYS

During our first years of this crazy little expedition we were pretty green when it came to how to ‘survive in the wilderness.’ Our very first outing was in 2000 when several of us decided to spend one night at Polliwog Pond. Polliwog is a pond on Floodwood Road near Upper Saranac Lake. Our plan was to paddle to one of the outlying campsites for the night. We all arrived and took a look at everything we brought and were unanimous in our conclusion. “No WAY are we transporting all this to that campsite in our kayaks!” So, we ended up on one of the first-come-first-served campsites on the shore of Polliwog. Luckily, there was an empty site, this isn’t always the case with first-come sites. It was a primitive site with a nice sandy beach and perfect for what we were looking for. Our supplies on that inaugural outing included coolers full of food and drink, tents, kayaks, lawn chairs and more. We seriously laugh every time we remember the lofty idea that we could transport all of our supplies in our recreational kayaks!

CREATURE COMFORTS MAKE FOR HAPPY LADIES

Fast forward to 2015. We’ve extended our little overnighter to nearly a week now and we travel with a LOT of stuff. A few years ago one of the rangers checking us out at the campground asked if we were sure we had all our stuff. He remarked, “I’ve worked here for 15 years and I’ve never seen a group with so much STUFF!”

As the years have gone by we’ve accumulated a lot of things to make camping almost downright luxurious - glamping, really. Of course, we also bring lots of accoutrements as well. We have a theme every year, so that requires more stuff. And, of course, women need their creature comforts. We’ve also graduated from those primitive, first-come sites to reserving sites (usually 5 or 6 together) at one of several NYS campgrounds within an hour to hour-and-a-half of home, which is Lake Placid for most of us. There’s an awesome site on Harris Lake in Newcomb, with most sites right on the water we’d like to try next year (see below for more Schroon Lake Region camping options). Minimum requisites these days include hot showers and flush toilets. And most of us have also graduated from tents to hard shell campers, vans or trailers.

There are still a couple of hold-outs with tents. I salute them, but I love my little teardrop-style pod camper (below). It keeps me off the cold or wet ground, secures my stuff from wind and rain, and it’s cozy, dry and comfortable with a real queen size bed, DC or AC power, lights, roof vent with fan, and lots of storage space.

HACKING IT UP

Which brings me to my first car camping “hack.” Teardrop campers are great, but they allow little privacy for changing clothes, etc. I solved the problem by erecting our 10’ x 10’ EZ Up tent directly over the camper, extended up to its highest setting which just clears the roof of the trailer and allows us to open the roof vent. The EZ Up tents come with nylon side panels that zip on. One panel has a zipper in the middle which is perfect to put on the hitch side of the trailer, zipped up far enough to allow the hitch to extend outside so you can get the edge of the tent close to the front of the trailer. Then we put the two sides on and leave the back of the tent open. Most campsites are wooded at the back so you'd have built in privacy on that side anyway. The open side allows me to open the galley hatch fully as well, but I can put on the rain panel if the weather is really inclement. The tent sides extend about 2 1/2 feet beyond either side of the trailer so the trailer doors open fully and we have space to move about. This arrangement not only protects from the weather, but gives very good privacy as well. The tent also allows us to use the top of the camper for storage of miscellaneous ‘stuff’ without worrying about the weather (there we go again with the ‘stuff'). The tent prevents condensation on all that ‘stuff’ at night, as well as protection from rain, which is a definite bummer when getting in and out of a teardrop during a torrential downpour.

 

THE ALL-IMPORTANT CAMPFIRE

This isn't so much of a 'hack' as an instructional. Fire starting while camping is one of the most important things you can master. And don’t think you only need a little newspaper and some kindling. When it’s all very dry it works. Most times the ground is damp and so is the wood. Make sure you really know how to lay a fire and you’ll never have a problem.

1. Put a fire starter on the bottom of the fireplace. If the fireplace doesn’t have any kind of grate on the bottom, use a couple of small logs to help elevate the kindling you’re going to place on top.

2. Above your fire starter, form a small teepee with some kindling. Leave an opening in your teepee on the side the wind is blowing against. This will ensure that your fire gets the air it needs and will blow the flames onto the kindling.

3. Continue adding kindling to the teepee, working your way up to pencil-sized twigs.

4. Create a larger teepee structure around your kindling teepee with some small pieces of wood. The key to getting a fire to burn is to make sure there is good air circulation around all the wood. Then add your fuel wood at the top.

5. Place a match under your tinder. Because this technique directs the flame up, the flame should rise to the kindling, and then on to the fuel wood.

6. The teepee structure will eventually fall, and at this point you can simply add some more fuel logs to the fire. Just remember, air flow is key!

Don’t use an unspilt log to start a fire. It doesn’t work very well. Bring a plastic tarp to cover your dry (dry is the key) firewood to KEEP it dry after you pile it up next to the fireplace. Make some fire starters to take with you - easy peasy. Go to your local lumberyard and ask them for a box (bring the box with you) of sawdust. They’re happy to get rid of it. Get some paper egg cartons. A good source is a local breakfast place that serves lots of eggs. Commercially packed eggs come in flats of 2 1/2 dozen in a nice big square crate. They will also be glad to get rid of them.

Get some paraffin wax, melt it, fill the crates with sawdust and pour on the melted wax, let harden and then you can break or cut off chunks to use in the bottom of the fire for starters. Paraffin burns hot and long. Be careful when melting the wax while making them. It’s highly flammable, so don’t let it get too hot, as it will ignite. This is a good project to do outdoors for safety, using a camp stove. Using a double boiler is even safer as the pot with the parafin isn't in direct contact with the flame.

Keep your kindling and fire starting supplies at your campsite in a plastic bucket with a cover. I keep work gloves, butane lighter, matches, kindling and newspaper in my bucket. And don't forget a hatchet to split the smaller stuff if needed. I also use birch bark for fire starting. It burns very hot and long. There is often birch on dead and downed trees in the woods, so look around for it. If you have any split birch firewood at home, peel off a bunch of bark. NEVER take it from a live tree.

OUT-BUG THE BUGS

When it comes to bugs, smoke is one of the best insect repellents. Lately I’ve been seeing posts on Pinterest telling people to put bunches of sage in a campfire to keep bugs away. I always laugh when I see this. Any kind of smoke keeps bugs at bay. Sage doesn’t do anything more than the smoke from the campfire would do, and it’s expensive, so save your money and don’t bother with the sage. Your local dollar store sells “bug coils” which are excellent to move around with you. I use them all the time in the summer. Dollar stores also sometimes sell a pottery container with a perforated lid you can burn them in.

They come as a package with the coils as well as a little metal stand on which to center the coil. And honestly, if you can’t find the coils with this burner, just use an old plate or flower pot saucer. They work just as well. Get several and put them all around the campsite. You can move them around depending on the direction of the breeze. Put them under your lawn chair or on or under the picnic table. Putting them on the ground keeps the smoke at leg level as well. They’re cheap and they’re effective and they burn for a long time. But remember, the best bug repellent for your campsite is also a smoky fire.

THRIFTY PURCHASES AND AN OLD BELT

Some of the best camping hack ‘stuff’ I’ve gotten is from the local dollar store and thrift shops. Utensils for cooking, dish washing supplies and wire hooks for hanging things, as well as paper products and storage containers. One of my favorite cooking area tricks is to take an old leather belt and fasten it around a tree. Use several large s-type hooks found at the dollar store and hang them around the belt on the tree to use for hanging things like pots, pans, utensils, and some of that Dollar Store stuff. A bungee cord around the tree also works, but it tends to stretch if you hang too much on it. A leather belt works best, and you can find lots of them at thrift shops.

SHOE ORGANIZERS - BUT NOT FOR YOUR SHOES!

Another trick is to buy a couple of shoe organizers with hooks to hang from a belt attached the same way to a tree. You can store all kinds of things in the pockets - soap, utensils, salt & pepper, bug spray or anything you can fit in them. Many are made of see-through plastic so you can readily find what’s what in the pockets. The shoe bag is also useful for toiletries and more of that “stuff” in the camper or tent. You can even roll it up and take it to the shower with you. I hang one on the outside of my teardrop just outside my door to keep all those little things handy and visible, like flashlights, bug spray, candles, batteries, etc.

ON THE WATER

One of our Tramp camping musts, wherever we camp, is that our sites must have water access. We all love to paddle and most all of us have kayaks. We do a fair amount of touring around and exploring, but we also love to just sit in our kayaks and have cocktails and sun ourselves on the water.

It’s easy to tie off to the shore, but sometimes we like to be farther out in the water, so we decided a couple of us should have anchors. An easy-to-make anchor consists of a small coffee can, a large eye bolt, and a small bag of Quikcrete concrete mix. Mix up enough concrete to fill the coffee can and insert the bolt in it just up to the end of the grooves on the screw end. Let it harden, attach a long rope and there you have it! An anchor for your kayak! Easy peasy. Tie all the kayaks together and you have a stationary raft of fast friends floating. :)

FOOD STORAGE HACK

When it comes to food we could probably feed an entire village with what ends up in everyone’s coolers and storage bins! Yes, we tend to overdo it but, heck, we LOVE to eat! Food storage can make or break your experience when it comes to camping. One of the most important things is proper cooler packing and maintenance of below 40 degree temps in the cooler. One of my favorite ‘hacks’ for cooler packing is ice. I make my own ice packs with either 1/2 gallon or gallon plastic milk jugs. Wash them well, fill ‘em up with water and freeze. Do this several days in advance as it takes them a bit of time to freeze. Use these in addition to commercial freezer packs in your coolers. As they melt they provide great fresh drinking water.

Another good thing to use is one or two of those metal shelves you can buy at Walmart that fit in the bottom of the cooler.

They will keep your food off the bottom and out of any melting ice water that inevitably ends up there. Put your ice packs and bagged ice under the shelves and the food on top. Take food out of their original containers and store in Zip Loc bags and plastic storage containers to further keep them fresh and dry. Zip Locs are my favorite. I use them for everything. You can never have enough extras either, so bring boxes of quart and gallon sizes for leftovers, etc.

The most important thing about food when camping is to make SURE you have put everything away at night or when leaving your site, out of reach of those hungry visitors - like the very clever raccoons and bears. If it’s left out it will attract them to your campsite. Shut them inside your cars!

Dry foods are best transported in big plastic bins with lids that can also be closed up and kept dry if it rains. Also make sure these are in your cars when leaving or going to bed. And speaking of bins, they’re great for everything from clothing to cooking supplies as well.

SO YOU'RE PROBABLY ENTICED ENOUGH TO MAKE A RESERVATON

Now that I've filled you in on some of our great camping "hacks" and tips, you're ready for your own adventure. The Schroon Lake area has some awesome options for car camping. Be sure to look at the selections on our camping pages, many of which are family-friendly, and some of which even having swimming pools if they aren't on the water. Be sure to look at our events schedule as well, for some options to get out of the campground and join in some fun local happenings.

Add some of your own "hacks" for camping below. Would love to see some more creative ideas, especially for families. See you at the campfire!

 

The snow is melting, the trees are beginning to bud — it’s time to celebrate with a hike! But wait a minute — the DEC asks hikers to stay below 3,000 feet in the spring until trails dry out, so hiking is off limits this time of year, right? Wrong.

Sure, the agency’s request is valid because it helps preserve trail quality, but it’s admittedly a downer for people seeking big Adirondack views. Here’s the good news: Staying below 3,000 feet elevation doesn’t mean there aren’t a lot of trails to choose from. Here are four of our favorite spring hikes in the Schroon Lake region that’ll keep you under the 3,000-foot mark while still delivering good views. For more, check out our hiking page.

Bass Lake and Moose Mountain Pond

Two ponds for the price of one! This is a pleasant hike that’s long enough to make a nice outing without taking up the entire day. From the trailhead be sure to bear right, as left goes to Hammond Pond, another worthy destination that’s only 0.8 mile from the parking area.

Berrymill Brook is a constant companion for the first portion of this hike, so take your time to enjoy its pretty, rocky banks and numerous little waterfalls. Things stay pretty easy as the path gently ascends the valley between Berrymill Hill and an unnamed hill.

At 1.4 miles there’s a fork — right goes to Bass Lake and left goes to Moose Mountain Pond. If you’re pressed for time, head for the scenic ledges of Bass Lake, about a mile from the junction. Moose Mountain Pond is less than 2 miles from the split. Continue around the shore to get to the lean-to.

Stats

Elevation gain: 320 feet

Round trip distance: 7 miles

Getting there

Take Exit 28 off of Interstate 87 and follow Route 9 south toward Schroon Lake. Continue for 0.6 mile and turn onto Alder Meadow Road, follow that to East Shore Road and continue for 2.75 miles to the trailhead on the left.

Spectacle Pond

Spectacle Pond lives up to its name in every way. It’s a large, beautiful waterbody that boasts an outstanding view of Pharaoh Mountain from its southern shore.

The trail climbs slightly from the trailhead, passes Beaver Brook, then descends to Shanty Brook.
There’s another gentle uphill as the path approaches the pond, reaching it at 1.3 miles. Continue along the south shore for another half mile to take in all of the scenery.

Stats

Elevation gain: 300 feet

Round trip distance: 3.4 miles

Getting there

Take Exit 28 off of Interstate 87 and follow Route 9 south toward Schroon Lake. Continue for 0.6 mile and turn onto Alder Meadow Road, follow that to East Shore Road and continue for 2.75 miles to the trailhead on the left.

Mount Severance

Ponds and lakes offer up nice scenery, but if you’re into mountains there’s no better way to get a killer view than by gaining elevation. Luckily, mountains like Mount Severance sit below the 3,000-foot mark, meaning they're fair game for providing a stunning vista this time of year.

The trail leaves the parking area by way of two metal tunnels, which go underneath I-87. The path is well-marked and well-maintained as it winds to the base of the mountain, crosses a wooden bridge, then climbs moderately to the summit at the 1.2-mile mark. Explore the top to discover all of its secrets — there’s a stunning view of Schroon Lake in one direction and another that encompasses the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area.

Stats

Elevation: 1,693 feet

Ascent: 700 feet

Round trip distance: 2.4 miles

Getting there

From Interstate 87, take Exit 28, head toward Schroon Lake, and make a quick right to go south on Route 9. The parking area is in about a half mile on the right.

Newcomb VIC

VIC stands for visitor interpretation center, and that’s exactly what this place sets out to accomplish. The 236-acre property’s 3.6 miles of interpretive trails branch off from the Adirondack Interpretive Center. Be sure to visit this building before heading out — it contains a little nature museum that’s full of stuff you might see along the trails. And speaking of trails, they’re all really easy so seeing the entire VIC in a day isn’t a problem for most hikers.

If you are pressed for time, don’t miss the Rich Lake and Peninsula trails. A lovely bridge gets visitors out onto the large peninsula, where there are great views of Rich Lake and Goodnow Mountain. Side note: Goodnow has a restored fire tower on its summit and is a great hike after the trails dry out.

Getting there:

Take Exit 29 off of Interstate 87 and turn left on Blue Ridge Road to head toward Newcomb, then turn right on Route 28N. The VIC is on the right, about 25 miles from the highway.

Head into Schroon Lake for some shopping and food after your spring hike!

This week in ADK news:

Rafter's paradise

To dine for

Gorge-ous destinations

40 years of Pendragon

Angling for trout

Bring the boat!

Wild about paddling

 

I don’t mean to be blunt, but travel can be hard. It can be stressful and overwhelming. How are you supposed to figure out what to do, when to do it, and how to get from Point A to Point B? And then how are you supposed to find time to relax? If you’re anything like me, you find planning a trip exciting but also mentally exhausting as you weigh all the options. What kind of lodging is available? Are there good birding locations near my hotel? Where will my husband find good chicken wings? 

There are a lot of questions, but, thankfully, Newcomb, NY has all the answers.

Located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, Newcomb is the perfect place to be close to nature during the day and is a comfortable place to rest your head in the evening. Let’s face it: life is busy, and a 48-hour getaway to the Adirondacks might be just what you need! So, why don’t you drop everything right now and start planning your next weekend getaway in Newcomb! Don’t worry, you can leave the stressful Googling to me. I’m here to help you narrow down your choices and help create a getaway you’ll want to recreate again and again.

What to do

The opportunities for outdoor exploration are virtually limitless. Depending on the season, you can cycle, cross-country ski, canoe, snowshoe or hike, go boating, snowmobile, fish (ice or not), or even take a horse drawn sleigh ride once the snow falls.

But maybe you’re new to the Adirondacks and don’t know where to start. That’s totally alright. A visit to Cloud Splitter Outfitters can help get you on the right path. This little outdoor mini-mart has it all: camping, paddling, hiking, fishing, and winter gear, plus more knowledge about the woods and waters in Newcomb than anyone. Even if you’re unsure what activity you want to do, I suggest stopping in to see what everything is all about. Let Cloud Splitter Outfitters be your guide to any season in Newcomb!

For winter, if you’re looking for a little more unstructured adventure, there are trails upon trails upon trails to choose from. The mellowest of the bunch are probably at the Adirondack Interpretive Center. The Goodnow Mountain fire tower is just a little farther down the road. Both these places are great for hiking and snowshoeing. Once the snow hits, the best places to cross-country ski are Great Camp Santanoni and around the Essex Chain. If you’re prepared for a rugged adventure, the Southern Access to the High Peaks Wilderness is also in Newcomb.

For snowmobilers, it doesn't get better than Newcomb! You can ride right to one of the area's lodging properties AND cruise down peaceful trails through the woods.

Driving through Newcomb it might not look like there’s a lot to do, but, trust me, there is an outdoor adventure, big or small, around every corner. (Hey, there’s even an ice rink for skating!)

Where to stay

Winter adventure is tiring! And at the end of the day, you probably just want to crawl into a bed in a charming, rustic lodge that truly embodies the Adirondacks. That’s what you’ll find here in Newcomb. Don’t worry about getting lost in a maze of hotel hallways; each lodging property is cozy and relaxing.

For a more intimate setting with some rustic, Adirondack flair, definitely consider the glamping tent at Lake Harris Lodge. Don’t worry about being cold; this tent is heated! Whether it’s part of a romantic weekend or even a solo getaway, this is a great choice, surrounded by glamping comforts but still close to nature.

The Inn at Santanoni is Adirondack charm at its finest! The accessible property is comfortable and relaxing, and close to all the outdoor action!

Where to eat

If you’re staying at the Lake Harris Lodge’s glamping site, you don’t have to travel far to dinner, because the Lake Harris Lodge also serves food! Their delicious menu covers all the bases: yes, chicken wings for my husband and eggplant parmesan for me!

For good ol’ down home comfort food, cruise on over to the Newcomb Cafe and Campground. Serving breakfast and lunch, this is the place to fuel up before a day outdoors.

How will you spend your 48 hours in Newcomb?

I’m not saying you have to spend 48 full hours exploring the great outdoors here, but I definitely recommend spending as much time as possible outside! But if you need a break, maybe a little retail therapy, check out Pine Haven Cottage for fun gifts and Adirondack souvenirs! Top any getaway off with a stop at the Newcomb Overlook Park to see one of the best views of the High Peaks before you head out of town.

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However you choose to spend your time in Newcomb, you will surely enjoy every minute of the adventure.

Frogs and birds

“I like mink frogs,” I thought to myself as Wren, my dog, and I pushed off onto the waters of Cheney Pond the other day, listening to their characteristic knocking calls from the cool shallows. They were adding a new voice to the morning which had started with a walk along the rough and rocky road that leads to the pond from Blue Ridge Road. That walk had already given us a list of birds, including Nashville, Yellow-rumped, Magnolia, and Black-throated Blue Warblers, Northern Parula, Winter Wren, Blue-headed and Red-eyed Vireos, and Swainson’s Thrush.

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The mink frogs were soon joined by green frogs as we paddled along the shoreline. We continued to find more and more birds from the mixed forests which surround the pond. Wren – fresh from a morning swim — lay in the sun dozing and watching the world pass by. But each time I nosed our bow into the edges and marshy margins of the pond, she lifted her head, sometimes sitting up for a better view.

An American bittern

As we were prodding one of these nooks along the lake, an American Bittern flew in, landing in the vegetation near us while a Red-winged Blackbird voiced its complaint and dived at the bittern from above. The blackbird eventually gave up on its efforts and we were left watching the bittern which in turn was watching us as we sat nearby on the water. I quickly took out my camera and snapped some shots trying to take advantage of the bittern landing so close to us. Not surprisingly it did not stay long. It soon lifted off the water and flew to a neighboring marshy patch along the lake.

We continued on, crossing the pond to another patch of marsh out of which a Great Blue Heron lifted to fly farther into the wetland. I was about to turn and paddle on, but the impressive display of dragonflies hunting low over the vegetation caught my eye and I paused to watch them. We – and by this, I mean mostly Wren – had been dealing with a growing contingent of deer flies, horse flies, and ankle biters surrounding our canoe. I found, however, that there were fewer of these insects pestering us near the dragonfly army. A few of the dragonflies landed on the gunwale of the boat, and I wanted to take them with us for protection during the rest of our time on the water.

Checking out the Boreas River

But we eventually moved on, this time to nose our way through the channel which connects Cheney to the Boreas River – an excellent extension to the route if time allows. The boggy and brushy vegetation along the channel held Alder and Yellow-bellied Flycatchers, a flyover American Bittern (perhaps the same bird we saw earlier), Common Yellowthroats, Swamp and Song Sparrows, and Chestnut-sided Warblers, and we snaked back to the large beaver dam which creates a large disparity in the water level between the pond and the river.

I took a break from paddling so Wren could exercise a bit. We walked the short overgrown, muddy, and rutted (so watch your step if you go!) path to the river where I threw a few sticks for Wren as she enjoyed some freedom from the confines of the canoe. The water felt amazing on what was becoming a warm (and soon to be hot!) day. I wanted to carry the boat down to the embankment and paddle the Boreas, but with the heat growing and the bugs increasingly hounding us (sorry, that had to be said), I decided that would have to wait for another trip.

After another swim for Wren we walked back to the boat, and began to paddle back along the shoreline toward the put-in. A lone Common Loon swam toward us and I stopped to allow it to approach as far as it wanted. It dived up and down and I thought how nice it must be to swim all day on a hot day. The loon eventually moved farther away, so I worked our way back to the take-out, continuing to listen to the chorus of birds along the shoreline as we went. Once back on land, I loaded the boat while Wren topped off her trip with another swim. There’s no better activity on a warm, sunny day for a labrador retriever (or a person), after all.

Summer is just beginning and there are loads of great places to paddle in the region. So plan your outdoor recreation trip today by checking out our lodging and dining pages!

Submitted by guest blogger Susan Repko

Schroon Lake is a classic Adirondack small town where family memories are made. Perhaps you’ve jumped off a dock into our pristine lake or relaxed in an Adirondack chair with warm beach sand under your feet. If you’ve enjoyed summertime in Schroon Lake, plan to visit us in the winter months. We’re still here!  

The 34th annual Olde Tyme Christmas is a local tradition that will be held this December. The bulk of the celebration will be on Saturday, December 14, but there are events from December 10 - 15. It’s a rich holiday experience that reflects Adirondack culture and small-town life. This gathering adds sparkle to the town and helps us ignore the winter gray that slowly sets in. Visiting Schroon Lake village at this time of the year may evoke thoughts of the movie, It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s like stepping back in time.

Free activities are offered all day and take place in venues along Main Street and at the Town Hall, a block away. There’s a mix of shopping, raffles, music, and even a polar plunge off the town dock. Last year they had to break the ice for over 30 people to jump into the lake!

Yes, it will probably be cold, but we invite you to bundle-up in layers, wear boots, and join in the fun. There’s no need to hibernate. To survive winter in the North County, you need to ignore the cold and mingle with friends and neighbors. You will probably bump into someone you know in town and enjoy a conversation. If we’re lucky, it will snow, and the flakes will fall softly on our hats and jackets. You will hear bells jingle as the horse-drawn wagon rambles down the street, full of people sitting on hay bales and having a delightful time.  

The lighting of the Christmas tree begins the evening festivities. Everyone joins in for caroling and then walking up to Our Lady of Lourdes Church. There we stand quietly and listen to a reading from the Gospel and see a living nativity scene. 

Of course, Santa Claus lives nearby. He rides a fire truck during the parade and arrives at the Strand Theater where children line up to greet him. They receive treats and books from the Friends of the Schroon Lake Library. 

Although the Community Church was lost in a devastating fire this year, the hand bells were saved and restored. We were all pleased to hear that their bell choir will perform again, this time at the Catholic church. This will be a very special, moving concert. Sit in a pew and listen to the ringing of the familiar music and let your mind wander to childhood memories of Christmastime. Afterward, hold your child’s hand and walk to the Senior Center where hot chocolate is on the stove and Christmas cookies are out to grab. It’s a chance to catch up with friends and neighbors while the little ones enjoy coloring. 

The annual holiday craft festival will be held at the Town Hall. Bring your children upstairs to the library for craft making and hear Mrs. Claus read children’s books. At the Chamber of Commerce, peruse the silent auction of locally made items and the festival of trees that are beautifully decorated. Raffle tickets are available for purchase with the proceeds going to local charities. Sticks & Stones, a popular restaurant, will offer a free activity on the following morning - make old-fashioned gingerbread cabins and decorate them. 

Writing this blog reminds me of a family story that took place at the same time of year in 1935. My mother was about twelve years old and she thought that my grandfather, an Adirondack guide, had cut down a sad-looking tree for Christmas. Mom decided to find a better looking one and trekked up Cedar Hill on snowshoes. She left after school and the snow was very deep. She had planned to follow the tracks home, but they vanished when the wind came up. Poor Mom got lost in the dark and was quite afraid. You can imagine how thrilled she was when she saw flashlights flickering in the woods and then my grandfather with a search party. 

Schroon Lake is waiting for you all year. Return for ice skating in our new pavilion with a spectacular view of the lake or try ice fishing, snowshoeing, or skiing. More activities and music are being planned for Olde Tyme Christmas. Start planning your vacation or mini break today!

I've found one of the most pleasant road bike rides in the land right in the Schroon Lake Region.

Locals will know that the Ensign Pond Road (County Route 4) is a wonderful, 13 mile long route from North Hudson to Moriah Center. However you get there, whether you start in Schroon Lake, North Hudson or in Moriah, this is a great place to explore on two wheels.

The road is scarcely traveled by cars, with few residences, so it's a quiet country ramble. I recently rode the length of it from Moriah to North Hudson as part of a longer loop, but it would be a great out-and-back for a future ride, too.

There are several notable features on this one little road.

First, the road does travel from North Hudson to the town of Moriah, and there is a stone marking the boundary that has "North Hudson Port Henry N.Y." and an image of the two shaking hands etched in it. It is difficult to discern all of the letters and numbers, aside from "9 M." which I assume is the mileage left to the Moriah end of the road. (I haven't researched this marker, but would love any insight if anyone can provide information about it!)

The road also provides access to a trailhead to the Hammond Pond Wilderness, with trails to Trout Pond, Round Pond, and East Mill Flow. Another trailhead links to a loop to Moose Mountain Pond and Bass Lake.
 

 

Closer to the North Hudson end, there is protected wetland that is bisected by the road. A great stop to view wildlife, for sure.

And even closer to the western end is an historic landmark: the North Hudson Pine Ridge Cemetery. We stopped to view the old stones in this very neat and cared-for plot - an Eagle Scout restoration project, according to the sign. In this cemetery you'll find a number of War of 1812 soldiers buried - each currently marked with an 1812 star and flag.

In all one of the most lovely roads for cycling in the region - so agreeable that you'll feel like shaking hands when you ride it, too.

 

-Kim Rielly is the director of communications for the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism. 

 

Unless you’re going to lug a battery-operated space heater through the forest, a fire is your best bet for staying warm at night in the mountains. Campfires are allowed in most areas of the Adirondacks, but that doesn’t help if you can’t get one going.

First, let's take a look at the basics of fire starting, then we’ll bring it inside because nothing beats a wood stove or fireplace on a frigid winter night.

Assemble a kit

A fire starting kit is an essential item to have in your pack year-round. If you’re hiking here, you have to remember that temperatures can drop below freezing in the summer, and you should expect them to plunge below zero every night in the winter.

That means if you’re injured in the woods you’ll need to stay warm if you have to wait for help to arrive. Not to worry — it’s simple to put a kit together.

First, make sure you have something waterproof to keep your kit in. An old water bottle works well, as does a large vitamin or pill bottle. Just don’t use glass, as it can break.

The kit itself is pretty basic. Most importantly, you’ll need some tinder to light and a way to light it. The tinder can be made of many things. Peeled strips of white cedar bark work particularly well. Simply pull a few strands off the trunk of a tree, roll them up, and stick them into your bottle. Just rub the strands together to produce a fine duff that’s great for getting the rest of your fuel going.

Another option is to make fire starts. One way to do this is by packing dryer lint into a cardboard egg carton, pour wax over each compartment, and cut the whole thing into separate compartments for easy carrying.

These little beauties will burn for about 15 minutes, but they need a good flame to get them going. I’ll get more into fire starting in a bit, but the takeaway is to bring both. Use the fine dander and cedar bark to get the egg starters going.

To get a flame, you’ll need something that can start even when wet. A striking stick is a cheap and reliable source for a spark, but it takes a bit of practice to get good at using it. Waterproof matches produce a flame, but they're difficult to light and they don’t burn for very long.

I like to bring a striker and a lighter, which I keep in a plastic baggie. The striker will work no matter what, but a good old fashioned lighter is a lot easier.

Time to blaze

The teepee shape is the best technique for starting a fire. But before that, it’s important to understand what a fire needs. That's simple: oxygen and fuel.

Here’s how to make it all come together. Start with a pile of tinder, which is a fancy way of saying stuff that burns easily. That can be tiny sticks, dry leaves, newspaper, or that cedar dust from your kit.

Make a small mound of tinder, then arrange some small sticks — called kindling — over it in the shape of a teepee. You can place a few bigger sticks on that, just make sure there’s space between everything to provide good airflow.

Light the tinder, and if you’ve done it right the kindling should start to take. If you’re outdoors, this whole process will be more difficult if the wood is damp. The dryer lint and wax creation I described above comes in handy for this. They burn slowly enough to dry small sticks and ignite them, which in turn will begin to dry the kindling.

Log cabin

A teepee structure is best for a bright, low maintenance fire, but if you’re looking to cook you’re better off going with a log cabin. I like to start with a small teepee, which I flank with two large, dry logs. I bridge the first two logs with two others, taking care not to topple the teepee. The idea here is simple: as the tepee burns the log cabin will catch, and the teepee will eventually collapse, creating a bed of coals.

As the bottom logs burn down they will add to the coals. Just keep placing more logs on the cabin and you’ll have a hot, slow burning structure with a level enough surface to place a cooking grate across for cooking.

Reel it in

Trial and error have taught me that the teepee-log cabin method works great in a wood stove. The only difference is I start with a three-log cabin so I can easily add fuel to the teepee to get some good coals going. Once that happens, I add the fourth log and sometimes even throw another pair on top so I don’t have to mess with it as much. Within a half an hour, our house is cozy.

The key to running a wood stove is controlling the damper. Ours has one on each door — they’re big and round and open and close by turning them clockwise or counter clockwise. I keep the dampers wide open for the first half hour or so of burning. That provides plenty of air to get the wood blazing away. I then add a couple of eco bricks and close the dampers about three-quarters of the way. The result is a slow burning pile of coals that puts off a lot of heat.

Eco bricks are a great alternative to firewood, and they can be purchased at most home improvement stores. They’re essentially just compressed sawdust, which happens to burn hot, clean, and slowly. That means they don’t put out much smoke, they don’t leave much ash behind, and you don’t have to add more as often. They’re also cheap — it’s usually less than $4 for a pack of six, which will easily get you through a cold winter night.

Schroon Lake is beautiful during the colder months. Spend some time outside, then cozy up in one of our warm lodging properties.

First it was private, then it was purchased by The Nature Conservancy, and now it’s owned by New York state. That’s the history, in a compressed fashion, of the Essex Chain Lakes.

About 8 years back, while the land was still in the hands of TNC, I was invited to take a tour of the lakes themselves. Of course I made every possible effort to go, but this time the destination was a bit different and that would bring me and a buddy, Brandon, back to Cedar Mountain. It's one of those peaks I've wanted to climb for quite some time, I think mainly due to its name and my curiosity as to whether or not it is in fact a mountain covered in cedars.

The access roads back in the Chain Lakes Region are closed for vehicles in the winter. That delayed my visit until just last week, when the “roads closed” sign was finally taken down. The dirt roads located south of Goodnow Flow are rough. If your car has any loose parts they would surely be rattled free along the way, especially if you think a higher rate of speed is a good idea. The roads back in there are also like a maze, and none of them have signs marking the way to a specific destination. We passed by two that were gated, and one that was blocked with boulders, and continued to drive up the ungated option. Something in my mind just didn’t feel right, and the rudimentary road map I was using was not much assistance.

We decided to use GPS to navigate the roads, but both of ours seemed to spin nearly out of control. It was odd. First it put Cedar in front of us, then it put it behind us, then it eventually showed us going in the wrong direction. We needed to walk along one of the gated roads, so we turned around. About 200 feet back down the road the GPS said it was behind us again, so we turned around. Then, as if in some sort of twisted, real life “Groundhog Day,” the GPS pointed us back once again.

Eventually we got a lock on the roads, turned around for a third time, and came to the conclusion that we needed to walk the last gated road we came to. Once we broke free of the road the GPS started to work like normal and we could understand where we were. Unfortunately, this road was not yet open to traffic, and rightly so — the sand was still a bit soft. That would be OK, as the hike would now be more than a 1-mile wander, but a 4-mile round-trip stroll.

Oh spring, where have you been? It felt so good to not hike in layers, but now with rolled up sleeves. But the black flies we could still do without. They were not too bad along the road, even as we passed by several obvious wet areas, but we knew the second band of reinforcements would be coming soon in the form of mosquitos, and then the heavy cavalry, the deer flies, but that would be later in June. Honestly, they're not too bad, as long as you're prepared. Plenty of local shops sell locally made bug repellants, so be sure to pick some up before venturing into the woods.

Many areas along the road were set up as camping locations, and even a couple of parking areas were marked, but they didn’t appear to be used yet. Perhaps the state was still doing up the finishing touches prior to a launch.

Eventually the road started to climb along the shoulder of Cedar Mountain. Soon it was just circumnavigating the peak, gaining us nothing, so we headed into the woods and started along the steep northwestern slopes. The forest was open for the majority of the trek but the ground, especially where it was rock, was slippery, slowing the pace just a bit.

As we neared the summit we started to encounter more red spruce scratching at our bare skin, but it didn’t last long as the trees thinned out near the summit ridge. The last push was very steep as we were delivered atop a wooded, defined summit. There were OK views through the trees but that wouldn’t get us down. We wandered around the summit ridge and found a few decent views through the trees of the High Peaks and even as far as Blue Mountain off of one side. The tower on Vanderwhacker and Goodnow mountains were rising high, giving us a trifecta of fire towers around us.

We now descended from the cedar fortress — oh, did I mention, there wasn’t one cedar tree on this mountain? Maybe Cedar is a surname, or maybe all of the cedars were harvested since the naming of the mountain. I guess a bit of research would be necessary to find the answer, research for I have yet to dive into, research that may not lead to any definitive answers.

The exit from our wanderlust got us back to the car in prime fashion, and we could now open the car windows to feel a cool breeze on this hot day and blow away the black flies coating what hair I have left.

If hiking Cedar Mountain doesn't quench your thirst for adventure, there are plenty of activities in the Schroon Lake Region that will! Go whitewater rafting, try rock climbing, explore the roads and woods by bike, or take to the waterways by canoe or kayak.

Once upon a time, the Adirondacks became the focus of something new to all kinds of people. The concept of vacation.

Once transportation was established, people began to "vacate" their cities, with its heat and crowds, to spend time in the cool of the forest, lakes, and mountains. At first it was only the rich who could build Great Camps and spend summers here. But then grand resort hotels sprang up, and little cabins, and summer camps, and soon many people could spend summers in the Adirondacks.

And create traditions.

Adirondack summer

Before air conditioning, the only way to escape summer heat was to go to a place where summers were not so hot. While cities had many civilization advantages, all that stone and brick and mortar and cement would concentrate the heat and make it even more oppressive.

The natural coolness of the lakes and mountains were a dramatic remedy.

As seen in this antique postcard from the turn of last century, the resort hotels of the time would show off their deep porches and stunning scenery. They wanted to contrast their restful tranquility with the man-made bustle of the cities their visitors came from.

Now, this same tradition of hospitality, relaxation, and nature enjoyment has not changed.

When it is time to unwrap the boats and take to the water, it is that special time known as Adirondack Summer. And while the tradition of "summer at the lake" is a long and honored one, the way you like to do it can form its own traditions.

Lake living

The first thing you notice is the slower pace. Nobody wants to hurry in summer. There's a whole day to accomplish a simple task called "fun."

Just sitting on a bench and looking at the lake does qualify. It's different when you are contemplating millions of acres of unspoiled forest and mountains. Our nature is like a widescreen look at something you've only gotten a glimpse of before. That's why the simple act of taking a walk can feel so different here. You might want to take one every day.

There's lots of ways of enjoying our delightful town beach. Whether you like to soak up the sun or soak up the lake.

Being up for more active tasks can range from a quiet morning of fishing to a lively afternoon of water skiing. There are many different waterbodies to explore, in various ways.

If you have not tried a day of paddling, you are in for a treat. This is my favorite way of enjoying lots of scenery for very little effort. Pack a lunch, pick a route, and spend a whole day finding out what is around that next bend in the shoreline.

There's something special about family or friend time out on the water. From pointing out a lovely angle for a photo to consulting about the best spot to stop for a picnic, the sun, wind, and water add intensity and specialness to this time together.

While others I know prefer the meditative travel of Stand Up Paddleboards. This is more of a Zen option, where the journey becomes the purpose.

All day special

Vacations are about breaking our usual pattern. Whether you choose a gracious old B&B and get breakfast every morning, or book a lakeside cottage and find a different place to have coffee during your morning walk, you will craft a new pattern.

Maybe it is walking the dogs through a mountain meadow.

You can get your treats from a truck and share this memento of childhood with your own children.

Maybe it is a fine meal to celebrate relationships.

Maybe it is all of these things, and more.

We keep people coming back, summer after summer, because they have created their own summer vacation traditions from our long and storied history. Once the great resort hotels created their own "village life" for their residents. While those grand hotels are gone now, we still have the village and lake very much like it was a century ago.

Families came to do their favorite things together. Friends came to share the hunt for the big fish or the camaraderie of the big hike. Couples came to truly have alone time.
Things have changed... but then again, in the most important ways, they have not.

We see the Schroon Lake vacation tradition as not just launching a boat. It's a launching pad for all kinds of dreams.

Choose your kind of lodging. The drama camps that used to be a part of camp life for children are still here in spirit, with the summer performances of Seagle Music Colony. The gourmet meals of the giant kitchens are now the enjoyable dining of our cafes and bistros.

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This week in related ADK summer planning news:

Perfect summer events

Cool bites

Room for espresso

One for the road

Sagamore for Great Camp-ing

Run our trails

Beat the peak

 

Tough week at work? Stressed by something totally out of your control? Need a break from the everyday? Talk to Mother Nature she can help with all that. Taking that famous road less traveled can be a great start. Breathe in the cool air of a mountain peak or stroll through open forests to a peaceful back-country pond. Take a nap in the sun as a warm breeze washes over you from the south, or take a dip in the cool mountain waters to wash away the worries. Maybe even a bit of mountain yoga is in order, but no matter your stress relievers just get out and about. Here are a few locations you might want to consider that I have felt made a great impact on my escape from reality.

 

THE MOUNTAINS

Treadway Mountain

Treadway Mountain is by far the most popular destination on this short list of escapes, but even with plenty of visitors you can still find relaxation on the summit. This rocky summit is loaded with views and rock outcroppings all along it. Explore a bit and step off the trail to find “your peace” of earth to claim.

This hike is a bit on the longer side, but you can count that as an extension of your time in the out-of-doors. Find the trailhead at the Putnam Pond Campground located east of Schroon Lake off Route 74. The hike is a moderate trail that will bring you over rolling hills and babbling brooks all while breathing in the fresh air and the sweetness of the evergreens. Short side trails allow access to the shore of Putnam Pond where you can dip in the cool waters collected from the streams of the mountainous terrain around you.

Grizzle Ocean Mountain

Grizzle Ocean Mountain, interesting name wouldn’t you say? This mountain is Treadway’s neighbor to the south and will require a bit more effort to climb, but I can almost guarantee you will have the summit to yourself. This 1800-foot peak is a bit off the beaten path and requires a bit of navigation to reach the summit ridge.

 

Starting from the Putnam Pond State Campground you will follow the same trail as you would for Treadway, but rather than heading north to Treadway go south toward the shores of Grizzle Ocean. The mountain with the same name towers over the small pond and in no time you can climb the steeper slopes to a ridge packed with diverse views. You don’t need to summit to enjoy tranquility here, just find a nice spot to kick back and relax.

THE WATERS

Rock Pond

Possibly my favorite pond in the region! This trip has everything to do with the rocky peninsula you'll find yourself lounging on as you gaze at the beautiful mountains coming down all around you. Nap time is here, and the rock gives you the perfect setting.

 

You can find Rock Pond on the opposite side of the Putnam Pond State Campground. The trail that touches the shore is picturesque in its own right. The peninsula can be found on the north side of the pond — accessible from whichever direction you choose to venture. And, actually, both ways are a good choice. I highly recommend doing this trail as a loop.

Gull Pond

This is a short trail back to a small jewel in the Pharaoh Mountain Wilderness. Because of its length this trail gets a lot of attention but don’t let that worry you — I have a secret that I want to share. Once you trek the easy trail back to the pond you will see that it is well-matted and stomped out by the many visitors each summer. Stand here and look at the pond for a few moments, but if you are feeling adventurous, don't stop here. Look across the waters and gaze at the cliffs. The base of the cliffs is jumbled with boulders, you should go there.

There is a herd path leading around the pond to the south (or to your right); locate this and stay on it. The path actually goes to the top of the cliffs, which is also a wonderful place to visit, but the boulders give a great spot to relax, nap, and even go for a refreshing dip, and the chances of sharing this location are greatly reduced.

THE TRAILS

Short Swing Trail

This trail is located off Route 74 just east of Schroon Lake and is ideal if you just want a nice stroll in the wilderness. If you are looking for a bit more of a payoff try taking a detour onto one of the many short spur trails that area available. You may find yourself at Tubmill Marsh, Honey Pond, Lilypad Pond, or you could even eventually reach Rock Pond which is mentioned above. This trail sweeps through the forest over undulating hills and past streams so clear you can see yourself. It also hooks in to many other trails allowing you to create a lovely walk to the feed that craving for harmony.

Bass Lake’s West Trail

This seldom used trail from the west brings you back to Bass Lake, where seclusion and quiet is deafening. The trail itself is a relaxing walk in the woods and the stream it passes has a neat little dam that rarely gets visitors. This trail doesn’t get the use that the eastern trail gets, so expect to have it all to yourself as the sounds of the forest move in around you.

Visit the Schroon Lake Region and find your own peace trail - and then tell us what makes it so special! We'd love to know what your favorite piece of your adventure was!