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Page 1 of 2 Finding hidden gems in the wilderness
Andy Slavinskas, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Jenny and I were looking through brochures, trying to plan a camping trip. A three-word description of one of the campgrounds caught our attention: boat access only. Having recently built a MacGregor sailing canoe, I was interested in giving it a try, and Jenny was easily convinced. We booked site 49 on Lower Saranac Lake over the Internet using ReserveAmerica.com and set out on Memorial Day weekend to try out canoe camping. We arrived at the launch point at mid-afternoon, having driven eight hours from Philadelphia. After registering for our campsite, we received a map and basic directions for getting to the site, a two-mile paddle from the launch site. Reality hit when we approached the task of getting ourselves and all the camping, sailing, and cooking gear into the 15’8” canoe. The canoe has low freeboard when empty, so it truly becomes a careful balancing act when filled to the gunwales with gear. On our first camping trip, it required more than one trip to get all our gear to the campsite, but we’ve learned a lot since then, perfected our packing techniques, and had some great camping trips in the canoe. I had camped with my family in upstate New York, spending time at campgrounds on the St Lawrence that provide you with an area for a vehicle and a soft spot for a tent. Determined to get the most from waterfront camping and inspired by the two most notable craft associated with the area: the Adirondack Guideboat and the decked sailing canoe, I decided to build a small canoe of my own. I built my MacGregor un-decked to combine the best from the Adirondack guideboat, which can carry ample supplies for extended forages, and the sailing canoe, which is pleasant when the wind breezes up.  During our first weekend at Saranac, we quickly discovered the pleasures of boat access only campsites. We had a multiple acre site entirely to ourselves; the nearest site was a half mile hike over rocky wooded terrain. The lake was quiet and almost empty of powerboats, being used primarily by canoeists and kayakers.  The campsites are primitive; the sole amenities are a picnic table, fire pit, and a port-a-potty, but there were large rocks to sit on and watch the sunset, grassy knolls for the tent, and many small bays and coves to explore. That first weekend was stormy and cold, but we were able sail in Pope Bay next to our site and to venture further down the lake. A thunderstorm provided us with a wild ride back to camp, testing the boat and our abilities to stay afloat. We discovered how effectively the mountains channel the wind and hide approaching storm clouds, giving us little warning of fast-moving squalls nearby. |
