Troops 53 and 51 (with guests from Troop 45) ventured out on another 50 miler in August 2002.
Below is a brief description of our float plan.Day 1
Our trip took us from Rollins Pond State Campground through Fish Creek ponds onto Upper Saranac Lake, where we camped on Buck Island.
Day 2
We paddled in two groups from Buck Island to Indian Point on the Southern end of Upper Saranac. One group paddled at best speed to the point to secure enough campsites for our groups, while the other took a more leisurely pace around Upper Saranac to view the sights.
Day 3
After breaking camp and doing a short paddle we portaged over Bartlett's carry into Middle Saranac. We checked out various sights on the way to our reserved campsites/islands. The highlight of this day was the dead deer found floating at the lakeshore about a 1/4 mile from our campsite. Shawn was convinced that it is the same deer that Mr. Bain hit with his jeep last summer near Blue Mountain Lake!
Day 4
We paddled through a narrow channel leading up to the Upper State Locks, which were a self-serviced hand operated lock system that lowered us into Lower Saranac Lake. We had a great paddle to Picnic Point, where we set up camp and paddled into town for dinner. In the early afternoon, we had our first rain (pardon my use of the four-lettered word) of the trip. This was welcomed and appreciated as we paddled into the Second Pond Fishing Boat Access park where our cars were staged to take us into town. By recommendations from several people, we went to the "Tail o' the Pup" BBQ restaurant and were not disappointed.
Day 5
On the last day of our voyage, we paddled down the Saranac River, through the Lower Locks and on to Lake Flower in the village of Saranac Lake. Some of us were so hungry for the Burger King across the street that we created bigger wakes with our canoes than the motor boats did!
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.