Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Erie Canal Day 4


Day 4-June 2

It rained most of last night, but things improved by morning. We decided to head to the Adironacks (and will save a visit with Nancy and Allen for the next trip here).

We decided to head to Old Forge on the advice of neighbours and the mention in the books of "Thunder in the Forge", a motorcycle rally this weekend.

It was a nice drive in the Adirondacks, climbing higher and full of forests. We got to the Visitors Centre in Old Forge and were kind of disappointed by the few bikers we saw. So, we decided on the Adirondack Scenic Rail Road trip from Thendara to Otter Lake (next to hiking and biking, trains are a favourite thing to do).

Well, almost a private tour: just us and another couple (and two conductors and an engineer). It was a lovely ride with great commentary from one Conductor (a volunteer who's really a vet). We rode in the CNR baggage car (evidenced by the bilingual safety signs!). The line we were on was built in 1892 and was once called The Banana Train since it transported bananas (and other) freight from Gulfport, Mississippi to Montreal, PQ. This portion of the line was also used to transport the rich folk to their camps (in private cars added to the train). We followed the Moose River but no moose; there WERE some exotic deer in the "Deer and Boar" hunting business along the route:












We then headed to Nicks Lake State Campground ($29.75-no electricity or water!), a busy place despite the cool, damp weather. We hiked a couple of miles before dinner and settled in for a chilly night:




Here's the view from my chair (and the view of David with his hiking stick!):


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