Adirondack Fall Frolic #2

November 3, 2021November 3, 2021 / adkjoe / 1 Comment

October 14th 2021: 11.86 miles of paddling

My Adirondack Fall Frolic would continue as I met my friend Kim who lives in Saranac Lake, NY at the “South Creek” boat launch off of route 3 several miles out of town this morning. Here Kim & I would put our canoes in and paddle across the relatively calm Middle Saranac lake into Weller and Little Weller Ponds. We did notice a few people camping and only one other paddler entering Weller Pond as we were leaving it for Middle Saranac lake. Although the weather was overcast it was still a stellar day on the water, the colors were fabulous and the views amazing!

After returning Kim had to get home so headed over to the Second Pond boat launch and paddled down to the “Lower Locks” between the Saranac Chain and Oseetah Lake. Getting out an exploring the locks was fun! I also came upon a few other paddlers there as well. I had wanted to explore Cold Brook a little but I noticed several people in a boat hunting so I stayed away. I’ll save that for another time possibly?

Later I would wind the day down over at Lake Placid Brewing for dinner and enjoy the last rays of light while sitting on the patio over looking beautiful Mirror Lake before settling in for the night. I could not get over that on October 14th it was just about 70 degrees out.

October 15th: No Miles Recorded

Today would be my day of departure from the Adirondacks. I began the morning at my happy place, a small pond outside of Lake Placid. I had hoped to capture a brilliant sunrise but Mother Nature had other plans. The day was a bit overcast but still utterly peaceful and amazing. As I paddled around sunlight struggled to pierce the thick clouds. But when it did, autumns canvas would briefly come alive.

It is late morning now, packed up a ready to slowly make my way home. As I load my car it starts to rain. I hit a coffee shop in town and do a final drive through to document the construction that is happening in preparation for what I believe is the 2023 Collegiate Games that are coming to the area. As I depart town and head over route 73 the rain has stopped and the sun once again makes a few brief appearances.

These past four days were fun traveling New York’s Adirondacks paddling in the Saranac Lake & Lake Placid areas. I enjoyed catching up with friends, canoeing, beer, brilliant fall color and just being in a place that I love. I feel very fortunate to have these opportunities.

October in the Adirondacks is just amazing, Cheers!

Canoes: Northstar Canoes: Northwind Solo, Hornbeck Boats: New Tricks 14, Placid Boat Works: Oseetah

Cameras: DJI Osmo Action, Canon EOS 7D

Adirondack Fall Frolic

October 24, 2021 / adkjoe / 1 Comment

**Taking a break at a campsite on Kiwassa Lake near Saranac Lake, NY.**

October 12th 2021: 10.5 miles of paddling

I would meet my friend Jerry who lives in the Hudson Valley along I-87 at the Clifton Park rest area before continuing onto the Village of Saranac Lake, NY. The weather was stellar as we launched that afternoon on Lake Flower in Saranac Lake making our way through Oseetah Lake and into Kiwassa Lake. We would take a break and have a snack at the campsite on Kiwassa before returning. We also checked out the lean-to site which was recently rebuilt. Afterwards we stopped in at Blue Line Brewing for a few cold ones and some amazing food. My favorite brew of theirs is the “Leaning Pine IPA”. Food there is excellent as well and I love their wings smothered in the Gilly sauce “Sweet & Tangy BBQ” and the pizza is great too!

October 13th: 7.85 miles of paddling

We began our morning outside of Lake Placid, NY capturing a few fall sunrise images before the clouds rolled in for the day. Afterwards we drove to Follensby Clear Pond where we launched our canoes exploring most of the pond along with the island lean-to site. We then would make our way through Spider Creek into the Fish Creek Ponds and Upper Saranac Lake, taking the reverse route returning back to the launch on Follensby Clear Pond. Due to the cloud cover we couldn’t see but there was no mistaking the fighter jets roaring overhead while on Upper Saranac Lake. Once back into Lake Placid we had an early dinner and drinks at the Lake Placid Pub & Brewery before Jerry would have to make the long drive home. After Jerry took off it was just about sunset and I found myself taking my 3 mile run through Placid and around Mirror Lake before settling in for the night. Our adventures were fun and it gave us time to catch up since we haven’t seen each other in a few years.

I look forward to returning next October!

Canoes: Northstar Canoes: Northwind Solo – Hornbeck Boats: New Tricks 14

Cameras: DJI Osmo Action – Canon EOS 7D – Canon EOS 60D

Here you’ll find a fun video of our adventures!

Adirondack Canoe Adventures

August 19, 2021August 19, 2021 / adkjoe / 1 Comment

All set for my 3 mile hike into Middle Settlement Lake.

Recently I carried my canoe 3 miles into Middle Settlement Lake in the west central Adirondacks outside of Old Forge, NY. I’ve been eyeing this adventure for a while now. This is one of the reasons I originally purchased light weight carbon/kevlar canoes in order to explore ponds and lakes further into the wilderness.

Middle Settlement Lake is located in the 26,600 acre Ha-de-ron-dah Wilderness in the western foothills of the Adirondacks, there is a lean to located on the lake as well. Almost immediately after signing the trailhead register you are treated with 2/10 of a mile steep climb. From here the trail descends and becomes relatively rolling all the way to the lake. However there are some muddy sections and at one point I thought I was going to literally loose my shoes.

Once we reached the 46 acre lake we discovered a large group currently at the lean-to. We were disappointed but found a nearby vacant campsite to take a break and have lunch. I enjoyed paddling this lake and the adventure of getting there and back. I will say by time I got back to my car I was done. It was so humid on the trail and my clothes were completely soaked through. In the end I was happy that I did it!

Life has been hectic for me this year as I have barely gotten out on the water. Below you will find a video link to this adventure and two other recent outings in the Adirondacks.

Cheers!

Canoeing The Upper Susquehanna River

September 2, 2020 / adkjoe / 3 Comments

In mid August I had the opportunity to paddle a portion of the upper Susquehanna river here in New York. In all honesty I really never thought much about it. When a friend suggested we do it I was intrigued.

We launched from the Crumhorn Pond/Susquehanna State Forest a few miles north of Portlandville, NY. Upon arrival I was shocked to see a Waterway Steward at the launch site checking boats for invasive species and washing them before they enter the water. In the Adirondacks I have seen many of these stewards but not so much around here. I think this is a great program!

The morning was warm and sunny as we slid our canoes into the water making our way from Crumhorn Pond into the Susquehanna. This section of the river differs immensely from where I live. The river is narrow and has more water due to the dam on Goodyear Lake. I loved the way the river snaked its way through the rural farm land of Central New York, throwing in a few hairpin turns just for fun.

Paddling north 4 miles to where the Cherry Valley Creek enters the river, we hung a right hand turn exploring the creek for about a mile. One spot we had to navigate a narrow passage due to a fallen tree across the creek. Shortly after we came to a point where we had to exit our boats due to low water and a small rock garden. We decided to take a break and have a snack and chat here for a bit before turning around and heading back. “Cherry Valley Creek is a 34.1-mile-long headwater tributary of the Susquehanna River in central New York. Cherry Valley Creek flows southwesterly through the Cherry Valley in Otsego County, making its way through the towns of Cherry Valley, Roseboom, and Middlefield before joining the Susquehanna River east of the village of Milford”.

On our way back that beautiful sunshine gave way to some storm clouds. We could hear thunder in the distance and we dodged a few rain drops as well. Thankfully the storm steered clear of us. As we entered Crumhorn Pond the boat launch had a few more people starting their day on the river. This was a fun 10 mile round trip adventure. I’m looking forward to seeing more of the upper Susquehanna river in the near future.

Cheers!

Launching our canoes on Crumhorn Pond in the Susquehanna State Forest Maryland, NY August 22nd 2020 © Joe Geronimo

My friend Marty on Crumhorn Pond in the Susquehanna State Forest Maryland, NY August 22nd 2020 © Joe Geronimo

We’ve just entered the upper Susquehanna river paddling north towards Cooperstown, NY August 22nd 2020 © Joe Geronimo

Taking a break on the Cherry Valley Creek Middlefield, NY August 22nd 2020 © Joe Geronimo

Making our way back down the Cherry Valley Creek near Middlefield, NY August 22nd 2020 © Joe Geronimo

Dodging some rain and thunderstorms along the upper Susquehanna river August 22nd 2020 © Joe Geronimo

My friend Marty eases his Northstar Phoenix around one of several hairpin turns along the upper Susquehanna river August 22nd 2020 © Joe Geronimo

Winter Wonderland

February 10, 2020February 10, 2020 / adkjoe / 2 Comments

It has been over a year now since I’ve put my snowshoes on but this past weekend I cinched them up and headed out to play.

First I hiked with my son Michael out to Nanticoke Lake in the Lisle, NY. Michael had to take some photographs for his college photography course and we thought this would be a great little adventure. Spending time with my son was the highlight of my day. We had the entire place to ourselves! While we were out there taking in the beauty of our surroundings Micheal remarked to me “Dad it is so quiet out here, there is literally no sound what so ever”. I simply responded “Exactly”!

I loved watching him dash and bound through the snow exploring things to photograph. It was even more entertaining since he doesn’t have snowshoes.

My next adventure for the day would be a 3 mile solo hike of the IBM Glen. The snow had clung to the trees like powdered sugar on a tasty dessert, truly a winter wonderland. I did see one couple hiking the trails and one person cross country skiing but that was it.

It had been so long since I was out winter hiking I forgot how much I enjoy it and cannot wait until I can get out again.

Cheers!

Starting our way into Nanticoke Lake. © Joe Geronimo

Michael behind the camera. He’s my Winter Cardinal. © Joe Geronimo

Mike working his shot. © Joe Geronimo

Toasted Marshmallows

August 21, 2019August 20, 2019 / adkjoe / 1 Comment

The mornings sunrise slowly toasted the dollops of fog lingering like marshmallows over a campfire as I made my way to church. Yes, the church of the single blade is where I find my peace.

Postcards from the Road

July 31, 2016January 28, 2020 / adkjoe / 7 Comments

We recently have just come off our summer vacation. I think this was one of my favorite vacations to date. We rarely get the opportunity to visit with Julie’s family as they live far away. Rather than blah, blah, blah about what we did while on vacation I’m going with a different approach. I think you’ll be able to travel right along with us via postcards from our 2,737 mile journey. So buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Cheers………..

July 10th-13th: