Adirondacks

Entering the Adirondacks of New York. Didn't see any moose, but they are here.

Stopped in Olmestedville to try out and order a new kayak. Then on to visit Soos while they build it. Soos is staying in her trailer next to the house. Her daughter and family are staying in the house.

My mountain view.

Soo's grandson, Orion, is at a very cute age.

Every day Thistle and I took a hike on one of Soo's many trails. This one leads to the pond and the beautiful cabin they built there.

A peek through the window and you can see the woodwork and huge stone fireplace. A screened porch overlooks the pond, and two canoes await at its edge.

Thistle looking for wildlife...he loved the woods.

Another view of the pond.

Soos also built this leanto beside the pond, where she has enjoyed many a summer.

A garter snake sunning himself on a log.

I told Soos she needs to repaint this funny sign on her leanto.

There are many hiking trails in the area. Soos and I hiked to the top of Mt. Baker in Saranac Lake.

Soos signing the log.

Starting the climb.

The final ascent.

We were lucky to have a clear day for such a gorgeous view of the mountains and lakes.

We ate lunch overlooking the town of Saranac Lake.

Another day we drove the back roads...

Past beaver ponds and rushing streams,

Past relics of bygone days. This church is all that is left of the White Fathers, a religious commune that once thrived here.

Another great find was the Adirondack Park Interpretive Center.

There are many trails here, used both for hiking and cross-country skiing in the winter. We hiked the Marsh Trail.

This is Barnum Creek.

Named for all the action.

We watched these damselflies fight over mating rights.

And brook trout swimming in the clear water. There were also ducks and green frogs.

We met several "Plein Air" artists out on the trail, capturing each their own perspective of the marsh.

3 artists all painting the same scene...each result was unique.

We visited the Butterfly House which Soos' daughter, Mandy helped create as part of her summer job several years ago.

And I also took advantage of the farmers market to get some fresh local strawberries.

Another day we visited John Brown's Farm. You may remember the song, "Old John Brown's body lies moldering in the grave."

John Brown was an abolitionist during the Civil War, best known for leading a raid at Harpers Ferry, for which he was executed. 

About John Brown. 

 His grave and those of his followers are here.

Where his body lies amoldering... 

The family farm. 

There happened to be a special event going on...Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom. Entertainment was provided by a troupe of drummers and dancers. The guests were invited to try out the drums. Soos is trying a drum made from an inverted propane tank.

Then she moved on to an African drum. 

These are the dancers. I didn't have a strong enough signal to upload the video. 

On my last day here we went to the opening day of the Lake Placid Horse Show. 

Where we watched riders practice and compete in jumping events. 

In one area youngsters were being trained for this event.

Then we went behind the scenes where Orion got his first up-close view of a horse. This nice rider stopped and let us pat her horse. 

We watched them grooming the course. Soos told me this is where the opening ceremonies of the Lake Placid Winter Olympics were held. You can see the ski jumps in the background. 

This horse was getting a cool bath. 

 The Olympic Torch.

All this excitement was very tiring. 

So we went home to another Adirondack sunset.

I look forward to coming back this way in August for Soos' famous "Ruckus in the Mountains." Thanks Soos, it was fun.