We were sitting around the campfire, sipping whiskey from our new “Hornbeck Boats” whiskey glasses, pondering the next days adventure here in the Adirondacks. While we were poring over our maps we discovered a possible canoe route that did not appear to be marked on the map. A few more sips of whiskey and we decided that we would attempt this adventure.
The next morning we woke to a soft blanket of fog over Rollins Pond. A small crackling fire, a roaring jetboil and the aroma of coffee began to awaken our senses for adventure. Once most of the fog had lifted we set out on the placid waters of Rollins Pond with our sights set on Rock Pond. Where we would encounter low water, mud, beaver dams and a foot bridge.
Will you join us for our journey?
Note: There are no campsites on Rock Pond or the Rock Pond Outlet.
Canoes: Hornbeck New Tricks 14’s
Cameras: DJI Osmo Action, iPhone 13, Canon EOS 90D
Earlier this month myself and friend Gary Sharp spent several days camping at the Rollins Pond campground outside of Tupper Lake, NY. That morning as I left my home a light rain was falling however the further north I drove the rain began to dissipate. Over the next several days we were rewarded with blue skies and lots of sunshine. Temperatures would barely top 80 degrees and most importantly little to no bugs. September and October are my two favorite months of the year.
One of those days we would meet up with our friend Kim Wilkes and her pooch “Winnie” for an afternoon pond hopping adventure in the St. Regis Canoe Area of the Adirondacks. I’ve paddled and camped on these ponds before but they never get old.
The weather was sunny and warm with just a slight breeze if any. The water was refreshing and perfect for an afternoon swim. Below is a link to a video from the day.
September 9th 2021: Just coming off an overnight canoe camping trip to a lean-to in the St. Regis Canoe Area of New York’s Adirondack mountains (https://youtu.be/JeK0CwD7YKA) it was “New Canoe Day” for me. Earlier in the year I had ordered a Northstar Canoes “Northwind Solo” in the starlite layup. It was delivered to Raquette River Outfitters in Tupper Lake, NY in late August.
After picking up my canoe almost immediately I hit a small pond outside of Lake Placid, NY to get some time in my Northstar “Northwind Solo”. Later the same day I took it on a small section of the Chubb River also in Lake Placid where I tried to paddle over a beaver dam, I was successful! The next day I would spend some time paddling the canoe on the same pond but this time loaded with about 60#’s of gear. To date I have yet to take it on an extended trip. Although I am currently thinking I’ll be bringing it with me on my trip to Algonquin Park next summer.
My thoughts: The canoe is a dream to paddle, I love it. The tumblehome is great, it tracks amazingly, the glide is phenomenal, I just love how it handles and how it feels. The boats construction is solid and rigid. This canoe in my personal opinion is pretty much a do it all canoe, one of the best solo canoes I’ve paddled.
Why I opted for the starlite layup:#1. Cost #2. Ease of maintenance #3. Weight
My only complaint: The “Plastic” decks or end caps, they look cheap.
Northstar Northwind Solo specs: 15’6” Length 30” Max width, 26.5” at the 3” waterline and gunwale 17” Bow Height, 12” center height, 15” stern height 2.5” bow rocker, 1.5” stern rocker Weight: 27 Starlite / 29 Blacklite / 41 IXP Optimal Load: 170–340 lbs Displacement: 2” WL : 175 lbs 3” WL : 265 lbs 4” WL : 370 lbs
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!
Joe Geronimo 