Paddling in the High Peaks?

[ALGonquin Bob]

I think it would be really cool to carry a canoe up and paddle on some of the high lakes in the Adirondacks, such as Avalanche Lake or even Lake Tear.

I don't know what the DEC regulations are regarding this... If allowed, what would be your reaction, as a hiker, to seeing somebody quietly paddling on those bodies of water?

 

[Grumpy]

Wow, did this topic ever take me back a bunch of years.

Back in the 1960s and 1970s, when a fellow named Charlie Nolan was the caretaker at Lake Colden, boats (and a maybe a canoe) were kept chained up at Avalanche Lake, Lake Colden and Flowed Lands, and occasionally were made available to visitors. Probably on a selective basis (but I never probed Charlie’s policy too hard). We never asked for the privilege; the padlock key always was offered. We spent some very nice time on the water, usually at Flowed Lands.

It never bothered me to see someone coming (or going) across those lakes in a boat or canoe. As a matter of fact, it really made a quaint scene to my eyes. So I guess seeing somebody do it today wouldn’t bother either, as long as things didn’t get out of hand.

G.

 

[prino]

Tough Carry!

I couldn't imagine carrying even a lightweight Kevlar Canoe up to Avalanche lake from the Loj. It would be a nice place for a paddle though.
I have canoed in the cascade lakes between Pitchoff and Cascade a few times and that is quite Plez.

 

[ALGonquin Bob]

It WOULD be quite a portage. I'm thinking the best route toward Lake Tear would be via Flowed Land. Of course, a light pack would be needed. My canoe weighs 50 lbs., but is quite comfortable to carry. I've carried 3 miles from Low's Lake to the Oswegatchie, and around Racquette Falls below Long Lake (in the 90-Miler), so I have a feel for a long carry like that (oh, yeah.... elevation!).

 

[jbrown]

I've seen one kayaker on Flowed Lands in the past. Always thought that would be one heck of a portage from Upper Works lot. I don't think it was kevlar either... As long as the boat doesn't have a motor polluting my ears and the water, I think it's great. I couldn't imagine carrying a canoe or 'yak that far, let alone to Lake Tear of the Clouds.

 

[lumberzac]

It can be done.

http://www.wcha.org/wcj/v20_n2/hudson.html

 

[Neil]

How about carrying up to Lost Pond of Lost Pond Peak fame? BTW, wasn't there a portable boat called the Ampersand that Colvin used?

 

[Rick]

I recall there being an old decrepit rowboat parked along the far shore of Avalanche lake about 10-15 years ago - Does anybody else remember seeing that?

Also, around 8 years ago it was a running joke on Pete's Listserv about paddling the 46 highest ponds/lakes in the 'Dacks. I cannot remember if someone put together a list, but I remember reading all kinds of funny things about that.
Anything in the Archives, Pete?

Maybe it's time to raise the bar and go for it????

 

[Rik]

I can remember seeing boats chained up at Av Lake as recently as the early 90's. As for the original question it wouldn't bother me. I can't see it getting too out of control due to the carry. Now an inflatable raft/kayak might be easier to pack in. Hmmmm.

 

[lumberzac]

Come to think of it, I seem to remember seeing a rowboat along the shore of Avalanche Lake about two years ago.

I see no difference seeing a boat in any of the lakes and ponds for seeing someone hiking one of the trails.

 

[Neil]

Now an inflatable raft/kayak might be easier to pack in. Hmmmm.

I think it would be amazing to carry my flute, an inflatable dingy and of course some cold beers into a pond or a lake on a hot sunny day. Floating around trying to find the best spot for multiple echos would be such a blast.

 

[Quack]

The rowboat at avalanche lake has been there everytime I've walked past, including last summer. It's chained up though.

 

[Jay H]

Some of the portable Folbots can be somewhat "lightweight".

Maybe you can borrow one of the SAR choppers...

Jay

 

[lumberzac]

This is what you need.
http://www.hornbeckboats.com/images/photos/blackjacksmall.jpg
Hornbeck, “The Black Jack". Weighs less than 12lbs.

 

[TCD]

It would be classic to take one of those Hornbeck boats to Lost Pond, especially considering that Hornbeck uses the trade name "Lost Pond Boat" for their light canoes.

One of the nicest trips I ever saw, and it made me wish I had time for a boat, was a young man taking a light canoe (about 15 lb) into Duck Hole.

He had spotted a car at Long Lake. He then started from Upper Works and went to DH via Henderson Lake and the Preston Ponds (about 4 miles of paddling and about 3 miles of carry). He was overnighting at DH, and then planning to take the Cold River to Long Lake. That sounds like a great trip!

 

[lumberzac]

It would be classic to take one of those Hornbeck boats to Lost Pond, especially considering that Hornbeck uses the trade name "Lost Pond Boat" for their light canoes.

One of the nicest trips I ever saw, and it made me wish I had time for a boat, was a young man taking a light canoe (about 15 lb) into Duck Hole.

He had spotted a car at Long Lake. He then started from Upper Works and went to DH via Henderson Lake and the Preston Ponds (about 4 miles of paddling and about 3 miles of carry). He was overnighting at DH, and then planning to take the Cold River to Long Lake. That sounds like a great trip!

I hope he was doing it in the spring. There isn’t much water in Cold River (more rocks than water) in the summer months.

 

[Neil]

Some people paddled and carried their way to Duck Hole last weekend. Here's the TR and ensuing thread.

http://www.adkforum.com/showthread.php?t=2421

 

[moose_mckenzie]

i read an article, last year in -- I believe Adirondack Explorer -- about someone who paddled from Lake Tear to NYC. Of course the route was not a continuous paddle, but he used a Hornbeck Canoe around Lake Tear. the guy humped it from I believe Marcy Dam.

Moose

 

[ALGonquin Bob]

The rowboat at Avalanche Lake belongs to the rangers. There is also one or more boats on Lake Colden.

On my first ever overnight backpack trip in 2000 (that's right!), I stayed at a lean-to at Flowed Land for two nights, but did not have any desire to climb anything (can you imagine that!?). I was checking out Avalanche Lake for the first time when I saw a man standing on a rock along the shore, about half-way up the lake. He had hurt his back while climbing the trap dike, could no longer walk, and was waiting for assistance.

As I headed back toward the south end of the lake, I saw a ranger rowing that boat, looking for that man. I directed him to the injured climber and waited at the end of the lake to help. The two men approached in the rowboat and landed, saying a helicopter was on the way. I stayed to do whatever I could in this effort, and photographed the chopper flying along the lake and landing on a tuft of grass just offshore. After helping the injured man back into the boat, I watched as the rangers (now several were there) walked the boat to the rear of the chopper and eased the man inside. It was quite a spectacle on my first backpack trip.

Anyway, the only boats up there belong to the DEC. I think the carry to Avalanche or Flowed Land would be a moderate effort, but Lake Tear of the Clouds would be much more difficult.... so I guess I want to try! Not sure when (I'm just sayin'...), but I'll be sure to let you all know if I go.