The Linds and Bassingtons went on their 2nd(?) annual camping trip. We had such a good time that we decided next year, we will rent a cabin. These pictures are from Zach and I'm really grateful for the shots he took. We're also grateful for his deep dive into where to go. Meacham lake is all the way north in the Adirondacks and, though it's open to motor boats, we heard/saw almost none... I remember 2. We heard way more loons and owls and belted kingfishers than motor boats or even other people.
We learned that the Adirondacks get booked early, that August is better for fewer bugs, once again it's not worth checking weather, that there is a ton to explore and we just need to do it, that the kids can really hang on endurance trips.
The campsite itself was in the woods at the edge of the lake and had a beautiful, if slopey fire ring. We wound up taking over the empty neighboring fire ring, which was more level.
Let's see, we got in on Friday pretty early and found our campsite, bought some wood, and settled in. The drive was a little long at 4 hours, but it was pretty and the kids slept most of the way. Emmett just adores Zhora, so even when they were awake, they pretty much just chatted and played. Camp set up was pretty straight forward except for the rain/bug resistant dining tent. That thing was definitely worth the time and effort to set it up though.
This year we were more thoughtful about what we put on the menu. Last year, I wound up pretty much cooking 80% of the time we were awake because I made it too complicated. This year, I added more stoves and less prep-work. Frozen hash browns instead of fresh potatoes and garlic and onions that all needed cut up. The water was right around the corner too and we brought wash basins.
I do LOVE to cook and eat in the forest. Lighting fires and cooking for grateful people and breaking bread together are all good things that bring lots of joy.
This picture is from our 6 mile hike up Debar Mountain. The kids were absolute troopers. They chatted and hid and ran and played with very little "When will we get there?" or "I'm ready to go home" or anything. I dare say they even had some fun. Zach made PB&J sandwiches before we went and we took a nice lunch break on the log and had another snack at the lean-to.
Registering at the trail head. 4 adults, 4 kids in and out. No one lost. I'm looking forward to Emmett doing more of his own hiking, but it was nice to get the extra work out.
Woah! Newts and frogs and flowers and berries and trees. So much to look at!
Emmett is a budding naturalist and is so careful when he holds animals. I'm so glad he's interested, kind, and not generally afraid.
Lunch time!! Thanks for the sandwiches, Zach.
The Intrepid Trio summitting Rock Mountain.
3 miles in at the lean-to. From here, the summit is only another .7 mile, but it gets super steep and scrambly. We made the mature choice to head back down from here.
And a nice cooling dip in the lake. The lake is made by a dam, I think and is very shallow for a very long way out. It's max depth is 80', so plenty of depth for boats, but this kids could play very safely in the abundant shallows. All the other kids really looked out for Emmett.
We had planned to go into Lake Placid whenever we had a rainy evening to get dinner rather than deal with cooking and hanging out in the rain. I've been interested in seeing the Olympics facilities anyway. Saturday evening provided a little drizzle and a fine excuse to go to a brewpub. This photo is from the outdoor speed skating rink! I do not understand how it could have provided a stable, predictable surface on which to build, but I guess it did.
The town was crazy busy for a summer day. Lots of out of towners in addition to us. It's a cool little town. Too crowded, but fine to visit. Once again, the kids had a lot of fun with the fountains and playgrounds. We got some ice cream, too.
