Adirondack Mountains, NY | Camping Getaway

 

 

There's something special about returning to the same place every summer.  It's relatively unchanged and the beauty unwavering.  It reminds you that even though a million things could happen to you in a year, one place on the planet will remain and welcome you back so you can pick up right where you left off.

Camping is a special kind of getaway.  You make lists, bring food, try to think of everything you need but despite your preparation mother nature always has a trick up her sleeve.  This time it was a few nights of rain storms...then a whole day of pouring rain.  We made it.  We had one gem of a day out on the water, catching fish, jumping off rope swings and drinking adult beverages.

I have a few more pictures to share...stay tuned.

I'm Back From the Adirondack Camping Getaway!

Sorry for the dead air over here, I've been away on vacation!  I spent some time exploring the Adirondack mountains, specifically Lower St. Regis Lake, Lake Placid and the general area.  Lots of fishing, paddling, rain and a bit of sunshine.  Despite the rain, I think it's safe to say we all had a blast being outside and enjoying one another's company.  I'll have a full post coming soon.  For now, here is a panorama of the night sky after a storm.  Just lovely!

Father Nature Outdoors Camping Blanket

I'm going to say it, Spring is just around the corner.  And with that comes thoughts and plans of outdoor pursuits. New parks to explore, beaches to visit, lakes to jump in, and trees to climb.  I hope to do a lot of camping in 2015 or at least a couple more outings than last year.  It's time to upgrade my gear and be smart about what I really need.  

It's true, I'm a fair weather camper and I don't need -30 degree F mummy bags or your latest and greatest sleep systems.  Nor do I care too much about weighing gear to the 0.00001 oz. so that my pack is light as a feather.  

Perfect, because the Father Nature Outdoor Camping blanket weighs a little over 2 lbs. and can pack tight at the bottom of my bag.  I wont have to worry about overheating during the summer or getting too cold at night.  

Check out their infographic to see how it works, here.

Full Specs, click here.

Adirondacks, NY - Camping and Fishing Trip

View from the lean to

Trail leading from the camp to shore

Early AM fishing

Looking up!

Towing us over a canoe

The rope swing

Pretty lily pads

Canoe making a shadow and underwater view

Out on black pond

Apple and Banana pancakes

Paul Smith's VIC trails

St. Regis River Fishing

Pulled in a big small mouth bass

Calm before the storm

Mid-July my family and I headed north to the Adirondacks in New York state.  Paul Smith's college is unique in that the campus is right in the center of the Adirondack State Park.  My dad is an alum so we go back every year to camp, fish, cook over the fire, and connect with nature.  This is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been and I would highly recommend visiting or camping if you can.  On the final evening, once everyone else in the family headed home in their separate vehicles, my dad and I went to Lake Placid for some local beer and prime rib.  Not too shabby!

Paul Smith's College: Visitors Interpretive Center (VIC)

Click on the photo for full panorama

Paul Smith's VIC  is an Adirondack playground with 25 miles of trails, 3,000 acres full of wildlife and plant life, and endless opportunities for grade A photos.  This particular panorama was shot on the Boreal Life trail.  It starts on a wooded path at the gazebo and loops around through the bog and marsh.  It is quite short so I would suggest linking it with other trails.  Another trail that I was interested in was the Black Pond trail, but did not have the chance to do the loop.  Black Pond is probably my favorite place in the Adirondacks and I love fishing for trout there.  I have hundreds of photos to share from my recent trip, so stay tuned.

Last year's Adirondack Camping Trip
Gear from the trip
2011 ADK Trip

Bobo's Mountain Sugar Goes Camping

As you may or may not know Maple syrup holds a special place in my heart.  I've said it before, but
Bobo's Mountain Sugar is top level when it comes to the syrup making game.  Light, bold, fragrant, sticky, delicious, addicting...yep, it's all of those things.So when it came time to pack the camping gear this year, Bobo's came along and was a hit.    It pairs well with apple and banana pancakes.  Check out their Tumblr for more info.

Forgotten Summer Post: Adirondack Mountains Part II

Saranac's thick, frothy Black Forest Brew 

Old Church for sale

Lazing about on the water

Circle of life

Lily Pads and greenery

Dad's new chicken recipe for camping 

Posts intended for a few weeks ago somehow managed to get lost in the draft list.  These are from the camping trip a month ago to the Adirondack mountains in NY.  Fishing, beer, food, local real estate for sale and a nice fire.