Mileage: 12 miles, but felt longer
Weather: Breaking clouds to sunshine
Portages: 0
Rain ceased during the night and we were able to have breakfast on the bluff overlooking the lake. Breakfast consisted of one uneaten Triple Berry Dessert fortified with one package of instant oatmeal and a handful of pumpkin seed/dried cranberry/almond gorp.
Paddled into the tended lock and through Lower Saranac Lake which I still think is one of most scenic sections of the trail, in spite of the motorized boats. Stopped at the Ranger station to confirm the location of the lean-tos (sites #63 and #81) and witnessed two large women getting ready to head out for the weekend on a skiff, one of whom was precariously balancing four of the largest (soon to be outlawed in the state of New York) big gulp McDonald's drinks on the little standard-sized carrier and the other holding an apparently depleted box of donuts while heatedly discussing which of their spouses had dipped into the donuts. I really wanted to wait to see if the soda survived the boat launch, but we had to be on our way.
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| Upper Locks |
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| We love this sign. But where ARE the Lower Saranac Lake police hiding? |
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| Lower Saranac Lake |
Arrived in Saranac Lake at 3 pm after portaging around the dam--which is the only thing on this leg that I hadn't done last year. Paddled the short distance to St. Regis Outfitters where we picked up our car that they had shuttled.
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| Following the portage signs behind the Saranac Lake police station. |
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| Sam seems a bit too happy the trip is over. |
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| First section (85 miles) done! Again! |
Dinner: Blue Moon Cafe (just like last year)
We afterwards checked in at the Sunday Pond B & B near Saranac Inn and then attended the NFCT Film Festival in Tupper Lake, where I was able to meet NFCT Director, Kate Williams, 2011 through-paddler and film maker, Mike Lynch and sectional paddlers Chris and Patty Gill. The following day, Chris, Patty and I participated in the 740 mile paddle challenge together while Sam found an awesome golf course to play.
Excellent vacation and section 1 completion.
