FINAL THOUGHTS

The Adirondack Classroom will always be a part of the select group of classes that I feel I will always remember. The way that we discussed real topics and proposed real solutions was truly inspirational. I leave this class wanting to do so much more with my life and my career than I ever really thought about. I enjoyed every aspect of the class throughout the week. I would do it again no questions asked. I would like to thank every person involved throughout the week, from John to Tim, to all my classmates, and especially Beth and Karl for making it all possible. I hope that everyone had as amazing of a time as I did. Thanks so much. 

LAST DAY - JULY 26TH

This is our last day at the beautiful Antlers. A few of us got up around 5:30 in the morning to head out on a sunrise kayak trip. We traveled around Raquette Lake for a good two hour trip, spotting beavers, ducks, marten and a couple other creatures. The rest of the morning will be spent presenting our projects from the week, reflecting on our time spent in the Adirondacks, and cleaning up camp.  

FOURTH FULL DAY - JULY 25TH

Camp Sagamore Main Lodge

The morning started off with a trip and tour to another great camp of the Adirondacks, Camp Sagamore. Camp Sagamore was only a fifteen minute car ride from our location at Antlers. We were able to explore most of the immense camp during a guided walking tour. Some of the camp is not part of the tour due to the fact that guests are still welcome to stay at the camp during the summer months. During the tour we were able to see the old barn, stable, wigwam, lean-to, dining hall, bowling ally, and main lodge. We were even lucky enough to visit the blacksmiths shop with an actual blacksmith working inside! The complex is truly amazing and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to visit another one of the Great Adirondack Camps. During the afternoon we had some time to work on our projects. Then at dinner we were visited by the author of our class book Adirondack Green, John Slade. We had the opportunity to have a chat with him about his experiences and his fellings about energy and where our country is headed in the future. He truly has a great personality and a great vision for what we must do to improve our way of life. This is because he has done the research and visited the places where they are doing it right. He is passionate about what he believes in and he hopes for the best in our future. 

THIRD FULL DAY - JULY 24TH

Trail Signs to Black Bear Mountain

Today was a day of outdoor adventure in the Adirondacks. We began by heading out to Ferd's Bog. Ferd's Bog is located a pretty short distance from our camp at Antlers. It was a short hike from where we left our vehicles to the actual bog. It was an amazing experience for me to actually have the opportunity to walk out onto a living bog. I was fascinated to observe wild pitcher plants on the bog. I have seen pictures and learned about these carnivorous plants before but have never had the opportunity to see them in person, in their natural habitat. From the bog we hiked to the base of Black Bear Mountain. Black Bear Mountain is located in the town of Inlet. From the base of the mountain to the top and back is a total of around four and a half miles. This was a scenic and peaceful hike. We also enjoyed a nice break at the summit for lunch. Overall it was a beautiful day to spend outside. 

SECOND FULL DAY - JULY 23RD

View from the Adirondack Museum

Today was a day of learning. We spent the day exploring the multitude of information provided by the Wild Center of Tupper Lake and the Adirondack Museum of Blue Mountain Lake.

Otters at the Wild Center

In the morning we drove up to the Wild Center.This is an amazing facility that aims to "ignite an enduring passion for the Adirondacks where people and nature can thrive together and set an example for the world". This museum had heavy 'living' influence to it. So many of the exhibits were filled with fish and frogs, salamanders, otters, and so much more. The presentations and exhibits are fascinating and I truly hope that I can return to explore more of this amazing facility in the future. Next we made a quick stop at Hoss's, a legendary store in the town of Long Lake. We briefly browsed through the multitude of items sold at the store and then had a quick ice cream break. 

Fire Tower at the Adirondack Museum

We then continued on to the Adirondack Museum. This museum is meant to "expand public understanding of the Adirondacks history and the relationship between people and the Adirondack wilderness". This museum had such a large quantity of information that it is literally impossible to see all of it in one visit. I experienced and learned so many new things about the Adirondacks from this visit. Part of the goal of these visits was to draw are attention and interest to this museums so that we may someday return due to our previous experiences. This was definitely effective. I hope that I can return to these museums in the near future and over and over again. 

FIRST FULL DAY - JULY 22ND

At Camp Huntington

        During the morning hours we were given a informative tour of the Antlers facility. It is interesting to find out how much the camp has changed. There was even a nine hold golf course within the camp at one point. Shortly after lunch our group went on a tour of Camp Huntington. We reached camp hunting by kayak and canoe. Getting to Camp Huntington from the west is most efficiently done by boating there in some fashion or another. This was my second time experiencing the rich history of Camp Huntington. Although this time we visited more of the camp than in my previous visit. We first got a good look at Mrs. Durant's boat house, the rope challenge course and the Saint Williams Church. The church is currently not in operation but in the past it was the church that much of the staff at Huntington attended. The church is beautiful and located a few steps from the lake. The architecture of the church was very unique and impressive. We then toured the main grounds of the Huntington Camp. This was familiar to me, as I had gotten that tour before, but I did learn some new information because each guide has their own unique way of relaying the stories. To wrap up the tour we visited the house of the head house keeper. This site was called Kirby Camp after the woman herself. This camp was quite a walk from the main grounds of the Huntington Camp. (This fact has lead some to believe that Miss Kirby was the mistress of Mr. Durant) I truly enjoyed the scenic and peaceful walk to the Kirby Camp and back. 

INTRODUCTION

View from the Porch at the Casino

Welcome to my blog! This blog will follow my experiences throughout the week I spend in the Adirondack region of New York State. I am visiting the magnificent Raquette Lake camping area that is owned and run by SUNY Cortland. I have been lucky enough to have two opportunities to visit this amazing camp and region. Previously I stayed at Camp Huntington and for this visit I will be staying at Antlers. There is an excellent plan of activities for the week and I will keep you informed on the daily happenings.