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The state boat launch temporary closure for construction meant the slight inconvenience of putting in along Rt. 30 just north of the launch. The incredible benefit of the closure was our group of kayakers saw not one motorized boat the entire breathtaking Sunday. Light winds for the paddle around Long Island, with low water exposing long rocky and occasional sandy shorelines all over. We paddled down John Mack Bay to the island where the trail to John Mack Pond and Long Pond commences. A posted 1.6 mile hike to John Mack Pond was flat but the trail had several trees down with created detours. It's boat access only nature means the trail sees limited use and is not in the best shape. The pond was gorgoeus, with a sea-worthy row boat and paddles that allowed a quick exploratory trip. One loon and mature chick on the water. A trail junction continues to Long Pond, whcih we did not do and would prefer to do from Speculator anyways. Paddling back, gusty winds created 2 foot swells that required use of skegs and corrective strokes. Warm enough water still that some of us rolled and one paddler took a swim. Unfortunately, in what is often a rather sterile wildlife setting, the Adirondacks, we saw no interesting birds or wildlife, from 9AM to 5PM. Foliage near peak, with the summit of Snowy Mtn. beckoning.
Boats included Impex Outer Island, Impex Montauk, several Current Designs Caribou IIs, Boreal Ellsmere, Wilderness Systems Tempest 170, NDK Explorer.
Boats included Impex Outer Island, Impex Montauk, several Current Designs Caribou IIs, Boreal Ellsmere, Wilderness Systems Tempest 170, NDK Explorer.
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