My wife and I and our three kids spent last week in the Central/Northern ADKs - the weather was great, and we had a blast. Here's a brief recap:
OUTDOORS
- Blue Mountain Lake: Rented two canoes and paddled out to that big rock in the middle of the lake. We jumped off a bunch of times, and had some lunch. Then we paddled across and explored the shoreline until we found the trailhead to Castle Rock.
- Castle Rock: our 6-year-old's very first climb. It's a short and interesting mile or so to the top, which overlooks Bl Mt Lake and the mountains to the south. Really great view, and Lily was psyched!
- Mt Joe: Another great hike for the whole family - including Sibley, our 10-yr old Black Lab. We thought she'd have a tough time getting over the rocks to the summit, but it was like she grew arms and pulled herself up.
- Chimney Mountain: A short but steep climb near Indian Lake. There's a really cool rock peak (looks like a chimney sticking out of the mountain, about 60 feet high) below the summit - from what I've read, it's one of the most unique geographical oddities in the park. Lots of caves and cliffs and other things that make you keep an eye out. The actual summit is actually hiding out about 1/4 mile down a herd path from the Rock. It's a whole lot quieter and has even better views.
- Tahawus: we were driving after dark, and the kids wanted to see the "ghost town" - but they all got freaked when our son started talking about that movie "The Hills Have Eyes" about 8 miles in and we turned around before we got there.
INDOORS
Mucho thanks to our good pal Brian M. who allowed us to use his beautiful camp at Indian Lake for the week. It was a great location for day trips in any direction.
Also stayed at the Crowne Plaza for one night without the kids in Lake Placid. Ehh, it was OK.
Dog Kennel: Ray Brook Animal Hospital - I guess the dog liked it. She didn't have any complaints.
FOOD AND DRINK
The best part of any vacation, in my opinion. Quick reviews:
- Tail o the Pup: excellent roadside atmosphere, but the food was just OK
- The Boathouse, Lake Placid: excellent food, service, surroundings.
- Main Street Restaurant, Tupper Lake: kick-a** breakfast for five for under fifty bucks.
- Casey's North, near Gore Mountain: great pub food, and Ubu, Ubu, Ubu
- Adirondack Hotel in Long Lake: a really neat historic old hotel right on the lake. Excellent food and atmosphere.
- Hoss's Ice Cream, Long Lake: Oh yeah. Check out Hoss's store too.
Looking forward to the next trip - hopefully an overnight somewhere in the High Peaks the Friday before Labor Day.
OUTDOORS
- Blue Mountain Lake: Rented two canoes and paddled out to that big rock in the middle of the lake. We jumped off a bunch of times, and had some lunch. Then we paddled across and explored the shoreline until we found the trailhead to Castle Rock.
- Castle Rock: our 6-year-old's very first climb. It's a short and interesting mile or so to the top, which overlooks Bl Mt Lake and the mountains to the south. Really great view, and Lily was psyched!
- Mt Joe: Another great hike for the whole family - including Sibley, our 10-yr old Black Lab. We thought she'd have a tough time getting over the rocks to the summit, but it was like she grew arms and pulled herself up.
- Chimney Mountain: A short but steep climb near Indian Lake. There's a really cool rock peak (looks like a chimney sticking out of the mountain, about 60 feet high) below the summit - from what I've read, it's one of the most unique geographical oddities in the park. Lots of caves and cliffs and other things that make you keep an eye out. The actual summit is actually hiding out about 1/4 mile down a herd path from the Rock. It's a whole lot quieter and has even better views.
- Tahawus: we were driving after dark, and the kids wanted to see the "ghost town" - but they all got freaked when our son started talking about that movie "The Hills Have Eyes" about 8 miles in and we turned around before we got there.
INDOORS
Mucho thanks to our good pal Brian M. who allowed us to use his beautiful camp at Indian Lake for the week. It was a great location for day trips in any direction.
Also stayed at the Crowne Plaza for one night without the kids in Lake Placid. Ehh, it was OK.
Dog Kennel: Ray Brook Animal Hospital - I guess the dog liked it. She didn't have any complaints.
FOOD AND DRINK
The best part of any vacation, in my opinion. Quick reviews:
- Tail o the Pup: excellent roadside atmosphere, but the food was just OK
- The Boathouse, Lake Placid: excellent food, service, surroundings.
- Main Street Restaurant, Tupper Lake: kick-a** breakfast for five for under fifty bucks.
- Casey's North, near Gore Mountain: great pub food, and Ubu, Ubu, Ubu
- Adirondack Hotel in Long Lake: a really neat historic old hotel right on the lake. Excellent food and atmosphere.
- Hoss's Ice Cream, Long Lake: Oh yeah. Check out Hoss's store too.
Looking forward to the next trip - hopefully an overnight somewhere in the High Peaks the Friday before Labor Day.
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