Credits

Aneta Nessel Saturday Report       Patti Major Images

Cindy Phillips Sunday Report       Kim Wojnowicz Images

Anne Schofield Images       Roger Harrod Images

Moose River Superhighway

      No matter how hard we try, there is no such thing as punctuality when a large group of CNY Kayakers is involved. On Saturday morning Rick tried really hard to herd us out on time for a 10 o’clock meeting by the bridge. We arrived a few minutes late. After unloading the kayaks and thus cluttering most of the path to the launch site, drivers took off for Old Forge to shuttle cars. Non-drivers chatted while being bitten by black flies. To kill time, a few took a paddle to the dam. Pam emerged from the dirt road dust sporting a brand new Tahe Gulfstream kayak on her rooftop. Still waiting for the rest of our crew to come back,

we spent some time admiring the slender long lines of the boat and poking our heads into the cockpit pondering the purpose of the mysterious little hooks. Ah, and the day hatch!
      Finally, packed like sardines into two small cars, the rest of the trip participants returned. The 18 of us patiently waited our turn to launch: Sue, Steve, Kim, Rick, Cindy, Bob, Roger, Anne, Lynn, Greg, Janice, Patti, Hugh, Pam, Tish, Gene, Robert, and Aneta. Off we went with the current. Immediately we were immersed in the wilderness of the Adirondacks. The clear swift water, bright green grasses that sparkled and fluttered softly under the water surface, waterfowl unperturbed by our presence, predatory birds circling around, and bear and deer footprints on sandy beaches were all ours to admire. Unfortunately, we quickly became aware that the river not only held beauty but some hazards as well. We grew very attentive of every rock and tree stump in the river bed, not so much for their splendor, but for their potential of causing damage to glass boats. The scenery was serene, but the eyes stayed on the waterway. As we carefully meandered through the obstacles, we could hear helpful advice coming from the front: Go to the left! Go to the right! Stay in the middle! Fly over! Despite of being a part of a large group, it felt as if you paddled with just a handful of people. We spread out through multiple meanders and only a few kayaks could be seen at a time. It was a complete wilderness, until we realized that… we weren’t alone!
      They started coming up gradually. At first it was one or two recreational kayakers swaying slowly side to side. We passed them at a first opportunity. We stopped for lunch at the north bridge. While we were eating, a load of boaters was dropped off by Mountainman. Having finished lunch, we resumed our course only to catch up with multiple kayak and canoe groups. Since Moose River had no passing lane, we zigzagged not only between rocks and tree logs, but also between a myriad of slow moving boats. It felt like an obstacle course and a race in one. We were faster than anyone else on the river, and there was no speed limit posted. In addition, we encountered a few sun bathers on shores who arrived there by land hoping for a moment of solitude. Surprise!
      After 10 miles we arrived at the portage spot. Even before other attractions began, Roger dumped at the takeout. (Thank you, Roger!) As his leg got trapped and the current swept his boat, he had no choice but to swim. Once we all got out, we started a grueling portage. Bob sprinted through the ugly course first, carrying his heavy Necky with no cart and no help. He then wallowed in cool water at the destination happy as a clam and helping others launch. The rest of us proceeded slower by either carrying our boats or wheeling them through deep mud and uneven tree roots sticking out along the path. Either way it wasn’t pretty. The walk was long, the bridge and the path were uneven, and the course was crowded. The gooky mud trapped Rick’s Crock making him slip and fall. (Thank you, Rick!) Afterwards he looked as if he had just finished pig-wrestling. He wasn’t the only one: sandal wearers got dirty feet, and long pant wearers got dirty pant legs. Finally, bit by bit and with each other’s help, we finished the portage and resumed our trip on the river.
      The last three miles were pleasant and uneventful until the final takeout, where an abrupt drop-off caused Cindy to capsize. (Thank you, Cindy!) We carried our boats up a steep hill by the bridge abutment and concluded this lovely and eventful trip. We kayaked 13 miles.

Sunday 9/6
Raquette Lake Trip Report

Sunday morning a heavy fog was on the lake and for those who had never seen this delightful sight before it was a big deal to paddle out into as it rose off the water with the rising sun breaking through. Most all of the "Happy Campers" arose early for the 9:30 departure deadline, however, Patti, Janice, Greg, Lynne and Hugh chose to stay "home" on Limekiln for further R&R while Tim and Pam went to Big Moose Lake to paddle where they encountered a lady who nicely informed them they weren't entirely welcome to launch.

      With ideal weather conditions of not too hot, not too cold, not too sunny, not too cloudy, and nearly windless, Kim W, Rick, Cindy, Robert, Aneta, Roger, Anne, Patty Y, Tish,  Gene and Pam drove the short distance to Golden Beach State Park to launch and paddle up the Raquette Lake South Bay inlet to a spectacular waterfall up a short hiking trail in the cool evergreens where they enjoyed a lunch snack sitting on the sunny rocks by the falls. An hour later a parade of canoers, party barges, jet skiis and kayakers were met coming to the falls as we were on our way back down the inlet to the Lake which we crossed leisurely with far less motorboat traffic than expected for a holiday weekend. Again the afternoon flew by too fast. Back at camp, after a little rest and tidying up, another group dinner ensued with Anne's wonderful pulled pork main dish on the camp stove with lots of side dishes and tidbits from cheese and crackers, chips and dip plus last night's leftovers. As usual, darkness descended too soon but a requisite campfire, s'mores, and much jovial storytelling (full of amazing but true facts) had a very large circle of campers joined by fellow kayakers Sue and Steve plus Dan who were based at Eighth Lake campground, having a very memorable and enjoyable evening. In keeping with early quiet time of 10 p.m. the evening wrapped up and a good time was had by all including an evening paddle by 5 ladies who enjoyed the full moon on the water in a vivid sky full of stars with a 7 a.m. morning paddle planned for Monday. And fortunately no naughty neighborhood bears ruined our weekend although they were heard and seen after dark and did figure into many of our thoughts and conversations and Greg got to use his new airhorn deterrent device which worked  quite well.