Detail of a weathered Adirondack chair (in the actual Adirondacks).
See more Thematic Photographic here.
Showing posts with label rainbow lake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rainbow lake. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Kayaking Rainbow Lake, Part 3
In normal years we have to be out of our vacation cabin by 10am on Saturday, so that our hosts can get it cleaned and ready for the next renters. This was, however, not a normal year. With the economy struggling the vacation rental market is depressed, and Owl cabin (our favorite home away from home) was not rented for the week after our vacation. After trying to convince us to stay (oh how I wanted to!) Soozie and Noel encouraged us to take our time on Saturday. (This turned out to ve a very good thing when the water pump quit working Saturday morning. Noel did get it fixed quickly, though.)
This meant that there was time for one more kayak trip before we left. One of my favorite paddles on Rainbow Lake is that back into the Flow. So that was the choice for my last paddle.
The paddle starts by heading south around the tip of the esker. As I started out that morning I realized that I had never done this in the morning before.
The view looking north from the other side of the esker.
I've haven't seen a lot of turtles in the Adirondacks. That morning I saw 10, including this one.
This heron was alternately grooming and posing, while enjoying the morning sun.
Looking toward the Flow. At this point I had seen only one other boat.
As I head further into the Flow the lilies thicken. In spots this makes the paddle more challenging, since it requires maneuvering around the patches of lillies, and other water plants which thrive here because the water is so calm.
The calm water and the number of fallen trees offer lots of awsome reflections.
Evidence of the calm morning - the water was smooth as glass.
I've seen beavers in this section of the Flow before, but this morning I only saw reflections.
This stretch of the lake ends at this beaver dam. I was able to get close because of this summer's high water levels.
I love the colors of this bright grass.
More fallen tree reflections.
Back at Owl Dock and the end of our vacation.
It was a lovely paddle.
This meant that there was time for one more kayak trip before we left. One of my favorite paddles on Rainbow Lake is that back into the Flow. So that was the choice for my last paddle.
The paddle starts by heading south around the tip of the esker. As I started out that morning I realized that I had never done this in the morning before.
The view looking north from the other side of the esker.
I've haven't seen a lot of turtles in the Adirondacks. That morning I saw 10, including this one.
This heron was alternately grooming and posing, while enjoying the morning sun.
Looking toward the Flow. At this point I had seen only one other boat.
As I head further into the Flow the lilies thicken. In spots this makes the paddle more challenging, since it requires maneuvering around the patches of lillies, and other water plants which thrive here because the water is so calm.
The calm water and the number of fallen trees offer lots of awsome reflections.
Evidence of the calm morning - the water was smooth as glass.
I've seen beavers in this section of the Flow before, but this morning I only saw reflections.
This stretch of the lake ends at this beaver dam. I was able to get close because of this summer's high water levels.
I love the colors of this bright grass.
More fallen tree reflections.
Back at Owl Dock and the end of our vacation.
It was a lovely paddle.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Kayaking Rainbow Lake, Part 2
According to the real estate listings Rainbow Lake offers either 12 or 15 miles of interconnected waterways to explore. From our spot of the southern end of Rainbow Lake the longest paddle heads north on Rainbow Lake, through the Rainbow Narrows and Kushaqua Narrows and across Lake Kushaqua to the dam. Two years ago I made it as far as the Buck Pond Campground but not into Lake Kushaqua itself.
This year I decided to take an afternoon and head north toward the dam again. Because I hadn't done a lot of kayaking this year (the kayak hadn't been in the water until we got to Rainbow Lake) I wasn't sure how far I'd make it. I loaded up the boat with 2 bottles of water, and snacks and headed out. Spurred on by Soozie, one of our hosts, who mentioned the record time to the dam and back, I decided to see how far I could get. Start time was approximately 1:50pm.
The lake wasn't as calm as I would have liked - stirred up by a light breeze and a few power boats - but was not a it's worst. (I've paddled the length of Rainbow Lake when it had 2 foot waves as a storm blew in - not fun.) Good time was made to the bridge separating Rainbow Lake from Rainbow Narrows. Along the way I stopped to admire the flamingos in one yard.
Note the skeleton flamingos (they're the black ones).
This bridge separates Rainbow Lake from Rainbow Narrows.
There are a lot of trees down along the shore. This particular tree sticks out into the channel as the lake widens. To help prevent accidents someone has helpfully added a reflector. This amuses me everytime I see it.
From here you pass a small bog, then the rope swing - known to everyone on the lake. Then under a couple of bridges. I was delayed at the second bridge, which is quite narrow, by four paddlers from the other direction.
After the second (third on the trip) bridge the water widens into the Kushaqua Narrows.
This windswept tree sits on a small island near the Buck Pond Campground. On my previous trip, I circled around this island before heading back. 3:06pm
I made a brief stop at an empty campsite (to the right of the small island) to stretch my legs before heading toward the dam. After winding my way around the next point the water opened up into Lake Kushaqua.
If I'm reading the map correctly this is Little Haystack mountain, which rises on the East side of the lake.
Kushaqua is a wide open lake. I saw a loon as I was headed toward the dam. The closer to the dam I got the rougher the water was. This is not entirely unexpected any time you are near a dam, waterfall or the like there is going to be at the least a more apparent current. The water from Rainbow Lake and Lake Kushaqua empties over the dam - it's used to control water level - and given all the wet this summer there was a significant amount of water heading over the dam.
I ventured up to the rocks at the right of the picture but didn't feel comfortable getting any closer to the dam. 3:38pm
As I headed back across Kushaqua the waves seemed to pick up strength. This may have been an actual change, or the fact that I was now heading into the wind and against the current. I paddled as close to the shore as I felt comfortable doing, as waves broke across the front of the kayak. This was not a fun part of the trip. It was hard paddling. I was very happy to get back to the entrance in the Kushaqua Narrows, and have the opportunity to take a breather.
I made another stop at the empty campsite to rest, and have my snack. I was very quickly joined by a dozen ducks - clear sign that too many people have been feeding them!
One of the hopeful ducks. I did not feed them.
After a 10 minute break I headed back to Owl Cabin.
The first of the two bridges between the Kushaqua Narrows and the Rainbow Narrows. 4:40pm
On the way back I came upon our hosts, Noel and Soozie, Laka (their dog) and a friend finishing up on the rope swing. I declined the tow they offered and headed home.
This loon kept me company as I headed down Rainbow Lake, but refused to move so that it wasn't backlit.
Finally back at our dock - and yes this picture is crooked. 6:00pm
I could have straightened it, but the crookedness is evidence of how truly tired I was.
Total trip time 4 hours and 10 minutes - or so.
It was a fun trip. If we get a nice calm day next year I may have to try the trip again to see if I can lower the total time.
(The times listed are the time stamps from the photos.)
Stay tuned for Part 3.
This year I decided to take an afternoon and head north toward the dam again. Because I hadn't done a lot of kayaking this year (the kayak hadn't been in the water until we got to Rainbow Lake) I wasn't sure how far I'd make it. I loaded up the boat with 2 bottles of water, and snacks and headed out. Spurred on by Soozie, one of our hosts, who mentioned the record time to the dam and back, I decided to see how far I could get. Start time was approximately 1:50pm.
The lake wasn't as calm as I would have liked - stirred up by a light breeze and a few power boats - but was not a it's worst. (I've paddled the length of Rainbow Lake when it had 2 foot waves as a storm blew in - not fun.) Good time was made to the bridge separating Rainbow Lake from Rainbow Narrows. Along the way I stopped to admire the flamingos in one yard.
Note the skeleton flamingos (they're the black ones).
Finally, the bridge comes into view, marking the end of the first segment of the journey. Time check 2:30pm.
This bridge separates Rainbow Lake from Rainbow Narrows.
The water beyond the bridge was much calmer - probably because the narrowness prevents power boats from going very fast.
There are a lot of trees down along the shore. This particular tree sticks out into the channel as the lake widens. To help prevent accidents someone has helpfully added a reflector. This amuses me everytime I see it.
From here you pass a small bog, then the rope swing - known to everyone on the lake. Then under a couple of bridges. I was delayed at the second bridge, which is quite narrow, by four paddlers from the other direction.
After the second (third on the trip) bridge the water widens into the Kushaqua Narrows.
This windswept tree sits on a small island near the Buck Pond Campground. On my previous trip, I circled around this island before heading back. 3:06pm
I made a brief stop at an empty campsite (to the right of the small island) to stretch my legs before heading toward the dam. After winding my way around the next point the water opened up into Lake Kushaqua.
If I'm reading the map correctly this is Little Haystack mountain, which rises on the East side of the lake.
Kushaqua is a wide open lake. I saw a loon as I was headed toward the dam. The closer to the dam I got the rougher the water was. This is not entirely unexpected any time you are near a dam, waterfall or the like there is going to be at the least a more apparent current. The water from Rainbow Lake and Lake Kushaqua empties over the dam - it's used to control water level - and given all the wet this summer there was a significant amount of water heading over the dam.
I ventured up to the rocks at the right of the picture but didn't feel comfortable getting any closer to the dam. 3:38pm
As I headed back across Kushaqua the waves seemed to pick up strength. This may have been an actual change, or the fact that I was now heading into the wind and against the current. I paddled as close to the shore as I felt comfortable doing, as waves broke across the front of the kayak. This was not a fun part of the trip. It was hard paddling. I was very happy to get back to the entrance in the Kushaqua Narrows, and have the opportunity to take a breather.
I made another stop at the empty campsite to rest, and have my snack. I was very quickly joined by a dozen ducks - clear sign that too many people have been feeding them!
One of the hopeful ducks. I did not feed them.
After a 10 minute break I headed back to Owl Cabin.
The first of the two bridges between the Kushaqua Narrows and the Rainbow Narrows. 4:40pm
On the way back I came upon our hosts, Noel and Soozie, Laka (their dog) and a friend finishing up on the rope swing. I declined the tow they offered and headed home.
This loon kept me company as I headed down Rainbow Lake, but refused to move so that it wasn't backlit.
Finally back at our dock - and yes this picture is crooked. 6:00pm
I could have straightened it, but the crookedness is evidence of how truly tired I was.
Total trip time 4 hours and 10 minutes - or so.
It was a fun trip. If we get a nice calm day next year I may have to try the trip again to see if I can lower the total time.
(The times listed are the time stamps from the photos.)
Stay tuned for Part 3.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Kayaking Rainbow Lake
One of the highlights of our annual vacation to Wakanda is kayaking on Rainbow Lake . There are several routes to take on the lake.
At the southern end there's a bog where I've seen ducks, geese and heron. I headed that direction one afternoon. I did see ducks and geese but mostly just water and flora.
I love the reflections of this boathouse on the water.
The circle of life.
Log becomes home to new growth.
I love the gracefullness of the limbs.
Tree Reflection.
N looking back at me.
This was not the only kayaking N did this year. He's finally big enough to handle a boat on his own, so one afternoon he had a paddling lesson. We got him into a boat, I took hold of the line on front and swam nearby while he practiced his paddling skills.
Note the intensity on his face.
Concentrating on proper technique.
Once we were comfortable that he wasn't going to flip his boat or throw the paddle, we hooked his line to the back of my boat and headed off on a short trip from the afternoon beach to Boot Bay and back. N did very well and made it just over 2/3rds of the way before he got tired, after which I towed him the rest of the way.
Early on during the trip.
At the southern end there's a bog where I've seen ducks, geese and heron. I headed that direction one afternoon. I did see ducks and geese but mostly just water and flora.
I love the reflections of this boathouse on the water.
The circle of life.
Log becomes home to new growth.
I love the gracefullness of the limbs.
Tree Reflection.
N looking back at me.
This was not the only kayaking N did this year. He's finally big enough to handle a boat on his own, so one afternoon he had a paddling lesson. We got him into a boat, I took hold of the line on front and swam nearby while he practiced his paddling skills.
Note the intensity on his face.
Concentrating on proper technique.
Once we were comfortable that he wasn't going to flip his boat or throw the paddle, we hooked his line to the back of my boat and headed off on a short trip from the afternoon beach to Boot Bay and back. N did very well and made it just over 2/3rds of the way before he got tired, after which I towed him the rest of the way.
Early on during the trip.
Stay tuned for more about kayaking on Rainbow Lake. (I'm tired and this post is long enough.)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Summer Vacation
It's almost January and outside the window the world is white. Snow is falling and from the comfort of my living room I can just tell that it's cold. As an antidote to the cold I thought I'd offer this tale of our summer vacation, which I have previously failed to record.
As regular readers may recall way back in July we once again headed off to Wakanda on Rainbow Lake in the wilds of the Adirondacks for two weeks of rest and relaxation. The day we left was hot, really, really hot. I stopped to let the neighbors know we were leaving and their grandson, A, who's about 9 offered to help pack the car. Given the weather I took him up on his offer. First step was to load the kayak onto it's rack, then drive the car up to the front of the house, unload the kayak and load the car. Into the car we packed games, puzzles, food (there are always a few things we take from home), clothes, and books - lots and lots of books. A carried/dragged most of the bags and boxes out of the house. Particularly amusing was watching this boy try and propel our large, rolling duffles down our bumpy front walk. The duffles were almost as big as he was and very definitely out-weighed him. I really wish I had a picture of that. Finally the kayak, once again, took it's place of honor on top of the car and we were ready to head out.
The drive was uneventful, or at least uneventful enough that I don't really remember it 5 months later. We did stop at a liquor store near my parent's house to pick up wine for a co-worker. (The back story on this is that he'd been to a wine tasting and fell in love with a particular dessert wine that he then couldn't find near Boston. He found it at a liquor store in New York, and asked if we would mind picking some up for him. Since the liquor store was on the way to my parent's house, the halfway point of our journey, we were happy to oblige.
We arrived at Owl Cabin well after dark, perhaps our latest arrival. We quickly unpacked and finished just as the clouds opened up and rain began to fall. It rained for days. We were prepared so this did not impact the enjoyment at all. We read, worked puzzles, baked, and I swam.
My brother T and nephew N joined us for a few days of fun in the mountains.
Working on the project I brought for us to do.
(I did not make the parts for this.)
The finished project.
As regular readers may recall way back in July we once again headed off to Wakanda on Rainbow Lake in the wilds of the Adirondacks for two weeks of rest and relaxation. The day we left was hot, really, really hot. I stopped to let the neighbors know we were leaving and their grandson, A, who's about 9 offered to help pack the car. Given the weather I took him up on his offer. First step was to load the kayak onto it's rack, then drive the car up to the front of the house, unload the kayak and load the car. Into the car we packed games, puzzles, food (there are always a few things we take from home), clothes, and books - lots and lots of books. A carried/dragged most of the bags and boxes out of the house. Particularly amusing was watching this boy try and propel our large, rolling duffles down our bumpy front walk. The duffles were almost as big as he was and very definitely out-weighed him. I really wish I had a picture of that. Finally the kayak, once again, took it's place of honor on top of the car and we were ready to head out.
The drive was uneventful, or at least uneventful enough that I don't really remember it 5 months later. We did stop at a liquor store near my parent's house to pick up wine for a co-worker. (The back story on this is that he'd been to a wine tasting and fell in love with a particular dessert wine that he then couldn't find near Boston. He found it at a liquor store in New York, and asked if we would mind picking some up for him. Since the liquor store was on the way to my parent's house, the halfway point of our journey, we were happy to oblige.
We arrived at Owl Cabin well after dark, perhaps our latest arrival. We quickly unpacked and finished just as the clouds opened up and rain began to fall. It rained for days. We were prepared so this did not impact the enjoyment at all. We read, worked puzzles, baked, and I swam.
Oh, and played with my then new macro lens.
My brother T and nephew N joined us for a few days of fun in the mountains.
N enjoying a kayak ride.
T gave kayaking a try and loved it. I'm guessing I'll have a partner for some longer paddles next summer.
T gave kayaking a try and loved it. I'm guessing I'll have a partner for some longer paddles next summer.
Helping Amy with a crossword puzzle.
Working on the project I brought for us to do.
(I did not make the parts for this.)
Other highlights of the trip
loon sightings
fresh blueberries from the bushes surrounding the cabin
the beautiful lake - the sun did finally come out
our hosts bountiful flower garden
(This is my entry in the current Thursday Challenge.)
(This is my entry in the current Thursday Challenge.)
The morning that T and N left, N and I headed down the path above with a bucket of Legos which we were returning to Loon cabin. N was carrying the bucket and we were chatting when a tree root jumped up and tripped him. He was devastated, but I quickly let him know it wasn't a problem, and we spent several minutes searching under bushes and leaves for Legos, some of which are quite tiny. There are probably a few still along the path.
We finished up our vacation with an overnight visit from my parents. It was great to be able to share our favorite spot in the woods with them again. Then it was time to load up the car again and head home.
Only 6 1/2 months till we return.
Editted: Click here to see more pictures from our Adirondack vacation.
We finished up our vacation with an overnight visit from my parents. It was great to be able to share our favorite spot in the woods with them again. Then it was time to load up the car again and head home.
Only 6 1/2 months till we return.
Editted: Click here to see more pictures from our Adirondack vacation.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Rainbow Lake
For the next two weeks you can find me here, Rainbow Lake in New York's Adirondack Mountains. We've spent 2 weeks of each summer since 2000 here, and it's always like coming home. We'll be swimming (Actually I'll be swimming at least once a day, Amy thinks the water is too cold and will probably get in only a couple of times.), kayaking (me), reading (you should see the stacks of books we have ready to go), baking bread (me), doing puzzles (jigsaw and pencil), and generally relaxing.
I will be taking lots of pictures, but since we'll be at the edge of the grid (electricity, running water and indoor plumbing but no phone (cell or land), tv or internet) I most likely won't have an opportunity to post anything. If our hosts are willing I will post a picture a day up on my aminus site.
I will be taking lots of pictures, but since we'll be at the edge of the grid (electricity, running water and indoor plumbing but no phone (cell or land), tv or internet) I most likely won't have an opportunity to post anything. If our hosts are willing I will post a picture a day up on my aminus site.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
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