The Placid Waters of Autumn

My plastic hull gently glides through the water’s ripples. The clear blue sky allows the sun’s rays to reflect the tree's images upon its surface. The mountain air that surrounds me is still a bit warm but I can sense the changing of the season with every caressing breeze. Slowly I paddle my vessel across the open water. Loons wail and dive on the hunt for their next meal. Stroke after stroke I propel myself along the shallow waters near the bank of the lake. Beautiful camps line the shore.

Boat house doors are closed and camp windows are boarded. They have been put to rest after a summer of fun and relaxation. I can’t help but reminisce about my summer weekends at my grandmother’s camp on a lake very much like this one. As children we would run carefree through the woods, excited to go tubing and water skiing. Followed by late dinners on the porch watching the sun slowly fade over the mountains. But today, all the excitement and youthful enjoyment on this lake is gone. Only a few motorboats zip by as I drift by empty docks.

Colors of yellow, orange, and red slowly begin to replace the vibrant greens that surround the body of water. Through a narrow channel I make my way to the next lake.

Fewer camps line the banks of this lake. A feeling of being a bit more remote takes over. Ducks fly low over the water’s surface as their quacking echoes over the lake. Soon they too will start their migration off these bodies of water much like the families that inhabit the cottages that surround me. I take a moment to enjoy the tranquil view before me, a dragonfly decides to take a rest on my kayak.

I can’t help but wonder if it too is taking a break and enjoying the peacefulness of this wonderful day. Moving on to my final destination I paddle my way through lily pads and tall aquatic vegetation. The narrow channel of open water is alive with frogs croaking. Soon they will go dormant for the long cold winter but today they are full of activity. I watch a blue heron stand like a statue silently hunting for his next meal. It may be one of its last meals on this lake.

As the water opens up into the next lake I again take some time to enjoy the view of this mountain paradise. Blue jays jeer as they fly around the massive pines that surround the lake. They are one of the few animals that will remain after the trees lose their leaves and the open waters slowly freeze over. Yes, transition is in the air, it can be noticed with every sense. The coolness of the water, the silence of the camp life, the leaves that softly fall from the trees, the smell of a wood stove off in the distance, even the crisp apple I snack on is a reminder that summer is slowly coming to an end and fall is quickly approaching. I turn my kayak around and head back to the launch. Stroke after stroke images of my summer run through my mind. Content with all that was accomplished I refocus my thoughts on the season ahead. Soon I will be chasing ruffed grouse through the woods, sitting patiently in a tree stand watching the sun rise through the leafless trees, enjoying a fine feast with the guys at camp, and enjoying a Sunday evening fire with my wife in our cozy living room.

Yes, the season is changing and I have to admit, I’m excited for autumn to arrive.

About this Location:

My father and I had been talking all summer long about doing a paddle adventure together. We finally made it happen last weekend. We decided to paddle the Upper St Regis, Spitfire, and the Lower St Regis lakes near Paul Smiths, New York. Our access point was on the St Regis Carry road just off of state route 30 about 3.5 miles south of the main entrance to Paul Smiths College. We paddle about 9 miles that day. We decided to stay near shore and look at all the beautiful camps that line the bank.

But this type of adventure could be done anywhere in the North Country. We have so many beautiful lakes, rivers, and ponds to explore. This time of year is the perfect time to go. The air is a bit cooler and the leaves are changing. It makes for a wonderful day enjoying the changing of the season. If you are looking for a relaxing Northern NY Adventure I suggest you check out this area or any of the Adirondack lakes and ponds as most of them have public access points. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Aaron Hardy

Northern NY Adventures

“Make Life an Adventure”