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.

Limekiln Lake, Adirondacks, NY

Our goal was to paddle some of the "lost ponds" and lakes for which our lightweight Hornbeck boats are made in the Adirondacks. Our first stop was at Limekiln Lake. This is my site next to the water.

Thistle checking out the view.

Indian Paintbrush grows in the campground. 

Tina's "Lark" is learning to swim. He's looking at Tina for reassurance.

There's a hiking trail that leads to a beaver pond and swamp below the lake.

The trail is sort of rocky...

And rooty...

Well no wonder! I'm sure it's much easier going on skis in the winter time.

Marshy area

Iris reflection

Beaver pond

Beaver dam

I don't know what kind of flower this is.

But bees like them.

Lichen camouflage

Wildlife on the trail...red-tailed squirrel?

There was a lot of watchable activity from my site too.

Early morning fog and rain.

Merganser with chicks.

The rain let up....time to get the kayak out.

Cloud reflections

Mergansers and Mallard ducks.

Tina's getting ready to put her kayak in too.

Checking out a narrow cove.

A little rain will not deter us.

Tina opted to use her Sea Eagle.

Tina made an awesome discovery here.

A nesting loon! Used my zoom lens for this and we did not disturb her.

Birdie joined us on the water.

We counted eight merganser babies.

Later we had a visitor! RVing friend Carol came to visit us at the campground.

Another hike on the nature trail.

Lady Slipper

The trail was a bit wet after the rain!

Looney Loon

More kayak pictures. The water was a little choppy.

Back at my launch site...