From early April though the end of August upstate NY saw a lot more rain than normal. This in turn put our family and friends on guard for how we prepared for the trip. When we started out on the trip, there was beautiful weather with blue skies and sun. The funny thing was when we were 15 minutes from the campground, the heavens opened and it poured for 10 minutes. Once at our camp site we were grateful that the rain stopped long enough for us to step up the tents and massive tarp to protect us from future rains. Right from the start, I do have to say it was not a complete wash out and the last 3 days allowed us to enjoy the outdoors.
This camping trip I was introduced to the art of vacuum sealing. It was a last minute decision in order to fit more things into the already packed truck. Ollies has a great deal on multi-size bags that work really well.
After the first couple days of rain, we were ready for some better weather. This year, thanks to Mike, we had a 4 inch wide 12 feet high PVC pipe as the center post to hold the tarp well above the tents. In the previous years we would have to run around and look for a fallen yet sturdy and long enough tree branch to do the job. The pipe can be repurposed for many years to come.
Quite honestly, my older two kids don't really sleep in well and so they were the early riser. This mandated at least one adult to be alert and oriented to keep the peace.
Ariana was a happy camper over all on her first trip. The first two night had a couple sleepless hours but she adjusted and we had some additional sleep the following nights.
We didn't have enough storage space on one picnic table so we created another one that served the purpose really well.
Thanks to our wonderful friends, Mike and Gloria, who stepped in several times to help in the meal prep because our youngest required some extra attention.
Ariana loved her pork chop and took her sweet time suck on it and nibbling on it with her two front teeth.
With 4 adults and 6 kids in the camping party this year we decided to bring our Berkey to make filtered fresh drinking water. So instead of several boxes of bottled water we saved a lot of room and a few bucks.
Alexis went kayaking on her own with some towing assistance available. She did really well.
Our double kayak easily fits two adults and two kids. Ariana enjoyed the kayaking experience for a short period of time and then she was bored.
Mike and I decided to take the kids on a little adventure and so we brought them to a small stream that connects Floodwood Pond and Rollins Pond where the kids swam with the current. I also tested the max capacity of the double kayak with 4 kids and one adult. The weight on board was 400 lbs. I have to admit it was difficult to steer without the rudder.
The two kids the really enjoyed fishing was Junior and Adrian. Mike Jr. caught a few small fish that kept him fishing for hours.
The nights dipped into the low 40's which brought closer to the fire and we had to bring out the hats and extra blankets.
The kids didn't mind sleeping in hoodies and sweaters to stay nice and warm.
Earlier in the week we saw people jumping from the rock off one of the islands and so our kids wanted to try it out as well. It turned out to be a lot of fun and they created many great memories.
VISITING LAKE PLACID
While in camping in the Saranac Lake area, we always visit our favorite place in the ADK, Lake Placid. It's never a dull moment when surrounded by the high peaks, crisp air, and a nice place to walk down Main Street.
We always stop by the House of Jerky and try out some exotic meats from around the world. Ben & Jerry's always excites the kids as well.
Although there were plenty of clouds covering the peaks, we caught a few glimpses of the distant beauties.
Overall we had a great time and it was a new adventure for our family with 3 kids. There were a few difficult moments here and there but it was worth it and yes we will do it again in the near future.
We also had a great time spending some adult time in the evening with Mike and Gloria while the kids were in bed. The kids without a doubt enjoyed each other's company.
