The forecast called for a great stretch of weather the next few days, so being retired I took advantage of this opportunity to get away to my favorite NY lake. I have been struggling with this "issue" lately and I needed some time to get away from the what if's for a few quiet days. Seems the VA has confirmed I have prostrate cancer which they say was caused from my days as an infantry squad leader in an area heavily saturated with agent orange, Vietnam, country of. Agent Orange, the gift that keeps on giving. So the detection was early, but it's Gleason 9 so it demands serious attention, radiation for 5 days a week for 2-3 months so I have been told.
Each appointment is an eye opener and I learn more as I go.
But enough of that, I got an early start, about 9am...haha, I used to be crossing the Canadian border by 9am, now I sleep late and get there when I get there.
They don't open the dirt roads till May, so I had to use my cart for a 3/4 mile hike in. You see that gate, the ground was too soft around the outside, so I had to unload the canoe there and walk everything around...50 yards from my truck...off to a bad start, and yes, it's a long up and over a hill on that road. I was a hurtin' puppy.
Out front of my first campsite, #7 for as first night's good sleep. Temps dipped to 24F.
Carting around the upper dam. normally my outfit consists of 2 medium sized Duluth packs for anywhere from 4-14 days, but add a wall tent, a wood stove, a cot, a chair, a food box, and the wall tent frame you end up with this mess...UGH!
Out front of my second campsite, it's called "Virgin Timber Landing" and it's an outstanding site. It's reserved for scouts June July and August,(although you can call to get a permit if available during those months), but open to first come, first served the rest of the time. It's got some great views, good swimming, and a few good tent spots.
Out front of VTL,
My tent set up,
Evening,
paddling around during the day.
ice still on the shore
more day paddling,
A good trip, very relaxing and alot of heavy lifting...but no drinking, herself's and the doc's orders.
Each appointment is an eye opener and I learn more as I go.
But enough of that, I got an early start, about 9am...haha, I used to be crossing the Canadian border by 9am, now I sleep late and get there when I get there.
They don't open the dirt roads till May, so I had to use my cart for a 3/4 mile hike in. You see that gate, the ground was too soft around the outside, so I had to unload the canoe there and walk everything around...50 yards from my truck...off to a bad start, and yes, it's a long up and over a hill on that road. I was a hurtin' puppy.
Out front of my first campsite, #7 for as first night's good sleep. Temps dipped to 24F.
Carting around the upper dam. normally my outfit consists of 2 medium sized Duluth packs for anywhere from 4-14 days, but add a wall tent, a wood stove, a cot, a chair, a food box, and the wall tent frame you end up with this mess...UGH!
Out front of my second campsite, it's called "Virgin Timber Landing" and it's an outstanding site. It's reserved for scouts June July and August,(although you can call to get a permit if available during those months), but open to first come, first served the rest of the time. It's got some great views, good swimming, and a few good tent spots.
Out front of VTL,
My tent set up,
Evening,
paddling around during the day.
ice still on the shore
more day paddling,
A good trip, very relaxing and alot of heavy lifting...but no drinking, herself's and the doc's orders.
