Focused on making progress, we were on the water just after 7 a.m. Seven miles and three hours to the Raquette River…a contented paddle with Dad leading and me lagging behind for photos…of Adirondack camps and loons, including one with a funny curled up tail that I thought was a chick until I had carefully drifted close!
About one and a half miles down the picturesque, but fast moving, river, we encountered two canoes from a group we had met the day before. They were students from Brooklyn with two of their teachers, being guided by local camp staff. One boat had capsized and was underwater, caught in a strainer by the powerful force of the flooded river.
Now Dad loves nothing better than coming to the rescue. We knew better than to pull into the same situation, so we paddled back upstream to the downstream side of a mostly stable old log. I was to end up squatting on that log for 2 hours, meanwhile acquiring some new friends from Brooklyn.
Dad thought of using a nearby tree and a rope, which we supplied, along with company for some of the boys. Quiet at first, we were soon laughing and connecting. I guess sharing Snickers and bug spray on a rolling log is a bonding experience.
From my tent window I could see hemlocks reaching out over the water, sun shimmering through, with the sparkle of water behind. Our cooking has gone from steak with potatoes and fruit to beans and franks to just franks rolled in tortillas. It still tastes good! Heard a group of coyotes right across the river at dusk, powerful and eerie.
TOTAL MILES: 62.4
Laurie's Adventures 
Laurie: My mantra, never travel without a clever father along, preferably one with an engineer’s mind, courage, and logic. And, the tent in the lean-to is also clever. So glad you were there to rescue and I am guessing so are the rescued happy you both came along. Eating and sleeping after a hard day. Loving the pictures. Stay calm and carry on. Miles to go and excitement to be had. Yes, the escapees are out of the picture. Tricia
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I’m loving every minute of your most excellent trip! Great writing….and yes, your dad is “cute” & the both of you make a wonderful team!
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Hey…hope your summer is going well so far. I miss you and am glad you are enjoying the writing. Today I finally got caught up with my paper journal, which means I can write as I go!
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I;m glad you enjoyed your paddle through the Adirondacks. I found your blog while researching the hidden cove lean to on Long Lake.
Just so you are aware, it is illegal to put up a tent in a lean to. This is because lean tos are to be shared to capacity, i.e. 8 people. By pitching a tent in a lean to it reduces the number of available spots to those seeking shelter.
DEC §190.6 Open camps
a. Open camps (lean-tos) may not be occupied by the same person or persons for more than three successive nights or for more than 10 nights in any one calendar year, provided others wish to use such camps.
b. The enclosure of the fronts of open camps is prohibited, except by tying canvas or nylon tarpaulins in place or erecting snow walls. The use of wood, nails, screws or other fasteners is prohibited.
c. The erection of tents in open camps is prohibited.
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Hi Adam, Thanks for this clarification. I went on to write a book about my thru-paddle, in which I explain “Later, we learned that it was not considered good etiquette to put tents inside a lean-to.” I guess I should have said it was illegal! We certainly would have moved the tent if anyone else had ever come along and wanted to stay there, but it seems like a good rule.
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