Long Lake, NY (USA)

I found Autumn: it’s in the Adirondacks! I’d repositioned from the Berkshires to near Lake George last night so I only had to drive about an hour to watch Day 2 (of 3) of the Adirondack Canoe Classic (AKA "90 Miler"), an amazing long distance race on a series of lakes. Eileen was one of the competitors and I'd been hearing about the event for several years - wanted to see it first hand! Ate breakfast at my hotel in Queensbury and then got gas (Speedway, 0610). On the road, used I-87 to Pottersville, then took Valley Farm Road, US-9 and Olmsteadville Road to NY-28N. The temps were in the high 30s when I arrived in Long Lake (0730) - actually needed a sweatshirt! Had thought the race started at 0800 but it really began 30 minutes later. While waiting, I got lots of information about how to make the most of my visit. People were very nice and shared directions for trail access to the race course, stories of their family and friends in the competition and asked “who has the car from Virginia?” I found a place to watch under the bridge on the north end of town and waited. Listened to a recap of Day 1 and watched the volunteer timing officials set up for the day. Eventually, 9 waves of more than 250 paddle-powered watercraft (including: 1, 2 and 4 person canoes; 1 & 2 person kayaks; 1 & 2 person guide boats; war canoes; paddle boards; and others) sortied from the south end of the lake. Along with dozens of other people, I watched and cheered over the next few hours. Some of the boats were very pretty (custom built or new) while others were rented and plain. There were amateurs, hard core veterans and people who looked like they didn’t belong in a 90 mile race at all. Participants decorated their boats with nicknames, race stickers and other signs of accomplishment in local races - I even saw a pirate flag flying from the stern of a C2 team’s boat. Almost everyone got a cow bell salute as they passed! After seeing Eileen pass by in her war canoe, “Compass Rose”, I drove to Tupper Lake and then east on NY-30 until I found the access road to the Racquet Falls trailhead. A local person told me I’d likely miss the competitors if I hiked all the way to the falls so I took a shorter trail to Stony Creek. There weren’t many people there when I set up my chair at 1100 but it got much busier by 1230, when everyone expected the leaders to pass our location. It did warm up a bit (to around 70). Met a lot more nice people who had watched the race many times and never felt bored, despite the lengthy wait. The locals passed the word that the historically low water table apparently had a negative effect on the race (sandbars). As a result, we didn’t see any paddlers until well after 1300 - and that was when Matt blazed by in his Epic kayak, making it look easy. We waited for awhile again until there was a steady stream of boats. Many pit crew supporters changed out electrolyte bottles and tossed chocolate milk to their teams. Most paddlers were all business (and looked tired) but a few waved to the spectators. It took another hour and a half to see just the first third of the teams - they were really spread out! I got to see Roger and his friend in their K2 Epic (lots of cheers) and got to see Eileen pass again. I then headed back towards Tupper Lake to “The Crusher” (finish line). Met some more nice people there and watched the paddlers come through a third time. Eileen’s son (in his own Epic kayak) passed her war canoe before the end of the day (1530) and they were both smiling proudly about their day. The paddlers have got one more day to go... Amazing experience - glad I was able to be here! Can’t imagine being able to do the race but definitely have an appreciation for those who do. Was unable to locate everyone afterwards so headed back towards the AT hiking zone while the weather was still good. Tried to get groceries in IGA at Tupper Lake (no luck). Stopped at nearby Stewarts Shop (1555) and got a sandwich for lunch/dinner. Then used NY-30 to US-28N, Olmsteadville Road (to Pottersville), US-9 and Valley Farm Road to I-87. Later transitioned to NY-7 and I-787 to I-90. Took US-20 east from the Albany area. Got a gas fillup at Citgo in Pittfield at 1855 and stopped at the nearby Heart of the Berkshires (hotel) for the night (1930). Before going to bed, I took a walk (to get my 10K steps for the day). Reading and TV in my room. Mollie called me and we had a nice talk. Fell asleep easily after all the driving - AT tomorrow!