2001 Fulton Chain Lakes Canoe Trek
Troops 53 and 51 embarked on their maiden voyage with a 50 miler in August 2001. Below is a brief description of our float plan.
Day 1
We drove to Old Forge, NY where we parked cars and paddled part of Fourth Lake to our campsite on Alger Island. (This was a really nice spot!!)
Day 2
We paddled all the way from Alger Island through Fourth and Fifth Lakes to the Inlet Carry along Rt.28 to the dam at 6th lake. After lunch we paddled on towards Seventh Lake. As we were exiting Sixth lake, a seaplane took off right overhead! When we reached the end of Seventh Lake, we setup camp at Eighth Lake State Campground.
Day 3
After breaking camp we set sail across Eighth lake to the Brown's Tract Carry. (Frank and Mr.Bain capsized in 1 foot of water at the Eighth Lake Beach!) Brown's Tract was a 1.something mile carry over flat terrain. Although we did it with empty boats, it was still a challenge. The carry led us to Brown's Tract, the windiest longest mile of canoeing ever done. After over an hour of twisting through the switchbacks of this remote and natural swamp, we landed at Raquette Lake Village where we found a great store with delicious ice cream and several good-looking blonde girls to wait on you. Since our campsite was only a half mile beyond, we all visited the store several times during our two-day stay there. Did I mention the ice cream?
Day 4
We explored several remote parts of Raquette Lake by canoe, while Mr. Jordan and Mr.Bain walked through several local towns to recon possible destinations and to resupply. All they found was some really good horseradish cheddar cheese and a post office to drop off our postcards.
Day 5
This day was quite windy as there was a storm approaching. After traversing Raquette Lake in whitecapped swells, we found safe haven in the Marion River. This river led to a short carry into Utowana Lake. Incidently, this carry was over the route of the shortest standard guage railroad in the world, built by the same men who built the Union Pacific railroad. Utowana Lake was actually a mosquito infested swamp with sulfer and methane gasses rising from the lake bottom. We prayed for and got rain.
Day 6
Our last day of paddling took us out of Utowana Lake onto Eagle Lake and Blue Mountain Lake, where we ended our trip. This portion was extremely beautiful. We swam at the village beach, then departed for Lake Durant State Park, where we camped for 2 days.
Finale
From Lake Durant we took 2 day trips. The first was to Old Forge's Enchanted Forest, the best waterpark in NY. The second was to the Adirondack Museum, a must see for anyone going near here.
Summary
The trip was a great success. Several people met the requirements for the 50 miler award. Nobody tipped over. Jim took that largest camera possible and produced a wonderful slide show for us as a gift. Kent learned that the "Canadian Barge" was better suited for fishing in a pond with a 6-pack of Dr. Pepper. Jamal found his boots. Keith learned the value of a strong canoe partner. Shawn heard Mr. Bain express his true feelings about the wacky motorboat/jetski drivers. Scott, Sr found that a 2 oz. radio is worth the weight. Scott,Jr found that Mountain House lasagna can be eaten for all three meals of the day. Craig learned that chipmunks like chex mix. Dennis found that a cell phone can let you reach out and touch someone, even if they're in New Jersey.