Hornbeck Boats, Olmstedville, NY

Olmstedville, an old mill town dating from the early 1800s, is nestled in the heart of the Adirondack wilderness.

The Adirondack Park is a Mecca for those seeking outdoor recreation, with hundreds of hiking trails and waterways.

What better place could there be for Peter Hornbeck to build and sell canoes and kayaks? What sets his apart is the light weight. Starting as light as 10  pounds, his boats are easily carried to secluded ponds in the park.

It was getting time to replace my inflatable kayak, and since I now tow a car that could carry a hard-sided kayak, I decided to pay a visit to Olmstedville, and try out some Hornbecks. This is owner, Peter Hornbeck. He earned points right away by inviting me to camp in my RV on his property during the process.

The sales office and showroom.

These boats are sort of a hybrid of canoe and kayak. They are open like a canoe, but you sit in and paddle like a kayak. The yellow colored ones are made of Kevlar, the black of even lighter carbon fiber (called Blackjacks). The green ones are a new design, "faster and more performance oriented," according to their website. They call them "New Tricks."

After introductions, my visit began at the pond. 

Inside this shed are the demo boats, every model, length, and profile they make. They provide a little instruction, watch you paddle, and make suggestions, guiding you to a boat that fits you best. I had no problem falling in love with the 12 foot New Trick in Blackjack. At 12 pounds, I thought I could handle it.

You can also try out different paddles.

Being a new model, they didn't have a new one in stock. It would take about two weeks to make it. So we made the deal, and I bought a rack for the car, being installed in this picture.

This is where they will build my boat.

I stayed with forum friend Soos for a week, then came back to check on the progress. This is my boat being sanded. It is almost finished!

While I was visiting I chatted with Peter Hornbeck and asked him about hiking trails in the area. He gave me a whole set of Adirondack Maps which show both hiking trails and kayaking lakes and ponds. 

He also gave me two books. I've already read "Women on Water," and bookmarked some of the kayaking spots mentioned.

He also gave me directions to a new trailhead nearby which I would never have found on my own. Thistle and I hiked it after my visit.

I came back two days later and the kayak was done! They measured and installed the foot rests.

And here it is! They call them "double paddle canoes," but I call mine a "kayoo."

Next was to make sure I could lift it on and off my car by myself, and learn how to strap it on securely.

On my tiptoes, but easy to lift.

Two straps attach to the roof rack.

And one rope in the front. Easy peasy.

I got to practice that again on the way home because I stopped to launch it for its maiden voyage in Schroon Lake.

Got it back on just fine.

Went back out for a longer float the next day. Thistle likes it.

Waterfront property for sale...

I guess I should wash the paper label off the new paddle.

Ah yes, I think I'm going to like it too.

How many dogs can you fit in a Hornbeck? (Borrowed this photo from their website) I think he could fit a couple more in front...

Stopped at Wells State Park on my way through Massachusetts.

Weather was iffy, but I got to see how it handles in wind and waves. Wind and waves will carry it if you don't paddle, but that was true of the inflatable too. As long as I kept paddling, I was able to cross the lake with the wind coming broadside. I would avoid paddling on a day when high winds are predicted. Do that anyway.

My site for the month of July near my sister in MA.

With a small paddling lake right across from my site.

Yes, my kayoo was expensive...a lot more expensive than the inflatable.

But Soos is still enjoying her Hornbeck after 18 years, so I think it will be worth it.

Many thanks to the folks at Hornbeck Boats. http://www.hornbeckboats.com/ 

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.