We spent 3 weeks here and loved every minute. Jim and Lynn are hardy year round residents at this roadless camp, about a 10 minute powerboat ride from the parking lot and landing. we stayed in "Judy's Cabin", long inhabited by Jim's mother, and just renovated. This is not a sterile vacation bungalow environment. You can feel the decades of happy occupancy every day. The panoramic window view of the lake and shoreline, upstairs loft, large library, warm comforters on the beds, and the big stone fireplace and plentiful wood supply make even rainy days a delight. There's electric heat, too, when you don't want a fire. A canoe, leanto, and fire rings are just the start of outdoor amenities. We loved watching sunsets from the deck, or paddling out to watch the loons on the quiet lake as evening fell. Hearing the loons calling to each other is a special treat. Although it was late September, we went swimming off the boathouse dock on many evenings -- very relaxing.
The primary hiking route is up St Regis Mountain, which can be reached directly on foot from the cabin, or with less walking from a dock accessible across the lake by canoe. There are several public leantos in the area which are perfect for shorter walks and picnic lunches. If you like dogs, Jim and Lynn's three large, fluffy, white samoyeds are eager to be your hiking companions. Although they normally stay away from the cabin and don't disturb guests, we lured them over shamelessly until they hung around with us. The full array of Adirondack hiking, scenery, and attractions are available by car from the landing.
This is not a luxury camp, although many of the private camps on the three interconnected lakes are owned by multi-millionaires. It's a very cozy and rustic environment, perfect for groups of varying sizes (there are additional facilities for rent). The newly remodeled kitchen is very well equipped. Saranac Lake, a 15 minute drive from the landing, has a full array of grocery and shopping options. If paddling and walking aren't sufficient motive power, you can easily trailer in a powerboat.
Jim is one of the few remaining Adirondack guideboat builders, and if you're lucky, he'll show you his work and his well equipped shop. He also has a great album showing what the camp was like over the past 100 years.
All in all, this is a great place to spend a week or two comfortably communing with nature in the Adirondacks. Very highly recommended! In addition to having a great time, you're also supporting a warm, deserving couple. read more
