INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND GETAWAY
IN THE ADIRONDACKS

July 2, 2004 - July 5, 2004
Meet Mike, Jen, Lorraine & Jason
(along with Blu & Ken)
Mike, Jen, Lorraine & Jason at the West Lake Boat Launch in the Southern Adirondack Mountains of New York State.
This unique group arrived in two different shifts to spend the 4th of July Holiday together.  Mike, Jen, & Blu arrived on July 2.  Lorraine, Jason, & Ken (the three legged wonder dog arrived on July 3rd.  Their plan was hiking, relaxation, and canoeing.
Jen & Mike at the Main House awaiting everyone's arrival for the Kane Mountain Hike and firework show. Jen and Blu during their Adirondack Independence Weekend Vacation. Everyone proceed to the trailhead, the plan was to reach Kane Mountain Firetower in Fulton county by dusk.
 (Left) Jen & Mike at the Main House awaiting everyone's arrival for the Kane Mountain Hike and firework show. (Middle) Jen and Blu.  (Right) Mike & Blu prepare for the hike while Bart & Kate our other guests get ready for the excursion.
Jen holds on to Blue as Mike donnes his pack for the trip up the mountain.     Jen enjoys the scenic views from Kane Mountain firetower in the Adirondacks.
(Left) Jen holds on to Blu as Mike donnes his pack for the trip up the mountain.  (Right).  Jen on the Kane Mountain Firetower in Fulton County New York.
Mike & Jen decided a hike to the tower to watch the fireworks on Caroga Lake was a wonderful idea. We were also able to view the fireworks on Canada Lake and Amsterdam.
Mike & Jen take in the sights prior to the start of the 2004 firework.
Dan and I are unable to see the pictures through the digital camera at night so we pieced Mike together piece by piece. Second attempt much better, but will give it another whirl. Mike during his Adirondack trip with Jen. July 3, 2004 at the restored Kane Mountain Firetower in Canada Lake.
 Mike seems very relaxed this evening.  Jen & Mike took Blu on a few short hikes during the day, what's one more.
Mike & Jen around the campfire following the firework show in the Adirondacks. Both Mike and Jen seemed to have a wonderful time during their stay and enjoyed their outdoor recreation. The took in canoeing, hiking, swimming, and some Bleecker Mountain History.
Both Mike and Jen seemed to have a wonderful time during their stay and enjoyed their outdoor recreation.  They took in canoeing, hiking, swimming, and some Bleecker Mountain History.
Independence Day, 2004 at the base of Kane Mountain Firetower in Fulton County New York.
These pictures were courtesy of Bart & Kate our other Back To Basic weekend guests.  Much better than Dan & I got (thank you both, much appreciated).
Blu even decided to climb Kane Mountain Fire Tower.
Blu also enjoyed the hike, but was very frightened from the fireworks.  Following the fireworks it was time to head down the mountain.  Mike & Jen's guests (Lorraine & Jason) should be arriving to Back To Basics shortly.
Lorraine decided to paint a welcome sign for the Bear Necessities cabin. Dan and I thought this was a wonderful idea. We love when the guests add their own personal touches, it tells us they enjoyed their time here.    Jen seemed exhausted today. Yesterday multiple hikes and a very late night staying awake for Lorraine & Jason's arrival?
Lorraine & Jason did arrive, but not until about 3:30am (Route 29 instead of 29A).  Oops!  July 4th began a new day.  The day was spent on a hike to Stewart & Indian Lake with a swim break at the old fish hatchery.  During the evening hours the group decided to build a campfire and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Blu had a great stick fetching time
Blu had a great stick fetching time
The old fish hatchery provided and excellent swimming hole for the day.
The old fish hatchery provided and excellent swimming hole for the day.
No stress here
No stress here
Blu & Ken also enjoyed the hiking adventures in the Southern Adirondacks.
Time for a little hiking
Jason will make a wonderful Dental Hygienist he even makes sure that Blu & Ken (the family pets) are tended too.     Ken's planning something??
(Left) Eventhough Jason did not get alot of sleep the night before he was enjoying his relaxation.  We learned Jason is to take his Dental Hygienist Boards shortly and Dan & Kim wish him the best.  (Right) Lorraine continues with her welcome sign making, while Mike & Dan watch her efforts.  Ken (the three legged wonder dog is also intrigued).
Ken despite his handicap does well with maintaining his own. Ken had an unfortunate beginning with previous owners, but has now got the love from Lorraine & Jason and a happy home.
Meet Ken - the 3-legged wonder dog
Ken was too intrigued with what Lorraine was doing, before anyone noticed he had decided to test the paint water, while Mike & Lorraine where occupied in conversation     Mom (Lorraine) now concerned reads the fine print on the paint labels.
(Left) Ken was too intrigued with what Lorraine was doing, before anyone noticed he had decided to test the paint water, while Mike & Lorraine where occupied in conversation.  (Right)  Mom (Lorraine) now concerned reads the fine print on the paint labels.
No toxicity one with the work at hand. The welcome sign for the Bear Necessities Cabin. Jen did find humor in the whole situation once everyone knew Ken would survive.
(Left) Lorraine still continued her painting, but is running out of daylight quickly.  (Right) Jen did find humor in the whole situation once everyone knew Ken would survive.

Jason and Lorraine were a wonderful couple who enjoyed the basics in life.
Everyone of the group eventhough tired enjoyed their dinner and campfire.  Dan even taste tested the Pasta Salad.

The group along with Bart seems very disorganized in this picture. Jason & Lorraine were ready for the days canoeing events and all had a wonderful time.
July 5th, 2004 the Bear Necessities group decided on a canoe excursion.
Prior to the group canoeing departure, Jen came across a small inch worm.  Rain's sign is now on the front of the Bear Necessities Cabin and we thank here for this special gift.
(Left) Prior to the groups canoeing departure, Jen came across a small inch worm.  (Right) Rain's sign is now on the front of the Bear Necessities Cabin and we thank her for this special gift.
Jay tends to an important matter at hand - THE BEER for the canoeing excursion.  Jen & Rain prepare Ken for his canoeing trip with his pet lifejacket.
When we reached West Lake Boat Launch; (Left) - Jay tended to the beverages and (Right) - Jen & Rain tended to the lifejacket for Ken.
Blue seemed ready, he already checked out the water.
Blu seemed ready, he already checked out the water.
Mike prepares for the days canoeing trip along West Lake in the Adirondacks. Rain makes sure the lifejackets are accounted for prior to departure. Dan outlined the map of West Lake, Canada Lake, Lily Lake prior to their departure.
This group was dropped at the launch and ready for a sunny canoeing excursion, but Mother Nature was not going to allow it to happen.  Less than an hour after departure, the group took in torrential downpours along West Lake.
They took cover at a camp off the lake, and the camps owners provided them with cover and comfort.  
Rain decides on donning the lifejacket prior to getting in the canoe, but everyone else decided for the bottom of the boat.     Rain & Jay launching the canoe in the Southern Adirondacks with Ken.
(Left) - Rain decides on donning the lifejacket prior to getting in the canoe, but everyone else decided for the bottom of the boat.  (Right) - Rain & Jay launching the canoe in the Southern Adirondacks with Ken.
Jen and Mike depart from West Lake Launch in the Southern Adirondack Mountains. The whole group would encounter weather that was not predicted, but all would arrive safety back to camp. Blu & Ken did finally tolerate the ride well once they adjusted to the canoes.
 The whole group set off for an interesting canoe event, complete with rain.
Jen and Rain decide on a dip.
Jen and Rain decide on a dip.
"From seeing monkeys to swimming in the Old Fish Hatchery, the weekend was filled with great times and wonderful memories.  Wish we had more time to take in more hikes, canoe more lakes, eat more food, drink more beverages.  

The dogs loved every minute of their vacation - thank you for letting us bring our dogs even the ones that are jerks!  HaHa.

We will definately return in the near future.  Thank you so much!"

Until then,
JEN
MIKE
JAY
RAIN
Blu
Ken (the 3 legged wonder dog!)

PS - Even fat guys look better tan
         Farts = Funny
         Camping = Eating

PSS - BON BONS ROCK
WE LOVE BON BONS & KIM

Morning Dan and Kim!

We made it back to Bflo safe and sound in about 4 hrs. No getting lost nor monkeys on the return trip.
Just wanted to say thank you again for a super great weekend. Everything was just so perfect and beautiful.
I was just looking at the pics you posted...yesterday I didn't realize you actually caught Ken drinking the paint water!! Most excellent.
Have a wonderful day. Can't wait to come back!

LORRAINE
PS> Kim, I already had 2 bon bons this am!!!!
xo!


© Back To Basics Adirondack Wilderness Adventures 2004