A view of Long Lake from our cabin.

The only opportunity for photos were from the beach prior to a day's paddle. If we were out for a leisurely paddle, the photo ops were picturesque to say the least. This weekend we were racing (not to win,but to finish). There were check points along the route, and if a boat had not reached a check point by a cut off time they would be taken off the water. Therefore, we paddled continuosly for 6-8 hours each day except for the portages. In fact, I didn't bring my camera on the paddles knowing that I'd not have an opportunity to take any photos.


A war canoe finishing at Blue Mountain Lake.

We were unable to compete in the first days paddle for 2 reasons. The canoe we had ordered a month earlier did not arrive. We borrowed a canoe and paddles from the local outfitter from whom we had ordered the new canoe. The first day was Friday and start time was 0800 which was impossible for both of us to accomadate. We started Saturday morning on Long Lake.



They're off!


Long Lake is 10 miles in length. Last year in kayaks, we rowed into a stiff wind and were barely able to sustain a 3 mile per hr. pace. This year in the canoe, the wind was behind us and we averaged 5 mph. We were suprised at how soon we arrived at the mouth of the Racquette River.

We started at 0800 and finished at 1600. the distance for the day was 33 miles. The 1.25 mile portage was much easier with the canoe than it was last year with the kayaks.


Day 3,(2 for us) putting in at the narrows of Fish Creek Pond.


Day three distance is 22 miles with 3 carries (0.6 miles.) We paddle across upper, middle and lower Saranac lakes and finish in Lake Fowler at riverside Park in the Village of Saranac Lake.

It was a challenging but satisfying weekend. We are already making plans for next year.


A scrumptious meal to end a perfect weekend.