The Sairy Gamp and Hornbeck Boats

Memories of my summer in the Adirondacks and Massachusetts with my sister: 

The Adirondacks of New York are known for their lakes and ponds that are perfect for paddling. And having a lightweight boat for portaging between those ponds is paramount. I visited the Adirondack Museum which displays boats showing the history and evolution of those "Lost Pond Boats". The first and most famous is the Sairy Gamp, built in 1882, shown here. It weighed about 12 pounds.

It was Peter Hornbeck who brought the Sairy Gamp back to light by recreating the design using modern lightweight materials, first kevlar, and more recently, carbon fiber.

First Hornbeck boat, the "Sairy Damp."

The Adirondack Museum

View of Blue Mountain Lake from the museum.

Next was a visit to Peter Hornbeck himself, where I was shopping for a shorter Hornbeck to carry in my new RV. (I bought the boat first, then the RV that would carry it inside.)

Friends were with me getting some maintenance and repairs on their Hornbecks.

Birdie had a new seat put in hers.

Hornbeck's test pond in Olmstedville.

Trying out the boats. I ended up with the short green one on the bank.

The weather wasn't too good, but sales were made anyway. Old on the left, new on the right.

We had a chance to try them out in a few of those lost ponds...

There was also an opportunity for a horseback ride in the Adirondacks.

And some mini get-togethers with RVing friends.

Then it was on to Massachusetts to help my sister and brother-in-law while she had a knee replacement surgery. She's on the left, comparing recovery experiences with her son-in-law's mother.

Had a chance to take my great niece paddling while there.

Courtney paddling my old Hornbeck.

A visit from cousin Barbara and her husband, Bill. Dick and Linda on the right. Sadly, Dick contracted pneumonia and died shortly after I left to go home in August.