Row, row, row your boat

07/31/2008

…or paddle as the case may be. That’s what the Adirondack Rambler has been up to since their trip to the Adirondacks. They headed up to Lake Durant Campground in Blue Mountain Lake on Monday where they met up with the final member of group, Connor. Since Connor wasn’t on the bus that day, there was a coveted empty seat which Ian managed to snag in the morning. The bus ride was full of fun and conversation including plenty of movie facts and political connections by Liam. On the way up, the group also made stops for lunch and some last minute needs. Jeff picked up a new fishing lure to try out at the lake and Tommy got some crocs that needed some duct tape improvements after their first activity.

Tuesday was the first activity which involved a 17-mile trip down the upper Hudson River. With class I-III rapids, it is a great introduction to whitewater and a great way to bring the team together. There are some good sections for surfing and riding the raft in non-traditional ways. Audrey jumped right into this and “rode the bull” for a rapid which involves sitting on the front of the raft and holding on to a strap with one hand while the boat rocks up and down over the waves. After getting down the river, the outfitter treated them to a barbeque dinner before they headed back to Lake Durant for another night. Craig has been sharing some of his plant knowledge and was discussing the poisonous nature of some root structure. Emma was more than happy to just munch on some mixed party nuts and nod. The Legend Bud Cox (founder of Adventure Trips) met up with them with canoes in tow for the next leg of their journey.

Wednesday morning, the crew traveled to the Rollins Pond area near Saranac Lake to begin their canoeing expedition. They will spend the next 3 days/2 nights traveling to different sites by canoe and setting up camp for the night. Ben was ready to go as soon as the boats hit the water and was designated the bowman or lookout. The group will check in when once they are off of the water and settled in at their next campsite at Sharp Bridge which will serve as base camp during their 2 days of rock climbing over the weekend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Zach eigenbrodt

Born and raised in Wisconsin, Zach couldn't keep himself out of the woods when growing up. He started working at a Northern Wisconsin YMCA Camp as a wilderness trip leader while in college and fell in love with getting kids into nature. The smiles on kids faces after returning from a once in a life time wilderness experience is why he is here today. Zach brought his talents to Frost Valley YMCA, in 2014, when he started as the Trips Coordinator and soon was promoted to Adventure Director. Zach loves all forms of Wilderness exploration, though some would say his heart lies most with canoeing.