Winding Through the Adirondacks

16 September 2024 – Monday

Today's drive is a relaxing journey along Route 8 through the Adirondacks on the way to Oneida Lake.

0944 66,533 71°F  We left Fern Lake with Whiteface Mountain in our rear view mirror. We thoroughly enjoyed three and a half weeks at the lake celebrating Brenda's, Beth's, and Mom's (92), birthdays.

1128  66.606  73°F  Riparius, NY

Bridge over the Hudson River 

It's a pretty walk across the first, and one of the shortest, bridges over the Hudson. Good signage educated us about the previous bridges spanning the river here.

The water flows about 235 miles from here to where it meets the Atlantic in New York City.

"In 1872, a one-lane suspension bridge with wood towers at each end was constructed. It was the first bridge over the Hudson River. It was operated until 1909 as a toll bridge" (Text and Photo from NY State Department of Transportation sign)

Riparius also has the 1913 Riverside train station for the Saratoga and North Creek Railway that ceased operations in 2018.

We checked out the train station and walked across the bridge before the fire station siren sounded at noon. 

1215  Leave Riparius

1250  66,628  74°F  Georgia Brook  1,326'

A quick stop to find the brook and we were off again.

The sign for the little turnout leading to the brook and trailhead.

1311  66,642  76°F  Speculator, NY  1,737'

Speculator has two free parks worth stopping at. The Speculator Public Park adjoins the lake.

Lake Pleasant lives up to its name.

A floating dock awaits those who arrive by canoe, kayak, or motorboat. There are also picnic tables and adirondack chairs for folks that want to just relax and enjoy the view.

The Sacandaga River Community Park comes next. Parking is easy and we found something for everyone in the family.

There is a fire tower, a hiking (or skiing) trail, boat launch, playground, restrooms, and...

miniature buildings themed for Route 66.

The cute buildings were donated to the community by John and Hester Van-Buiten who built them, one per year, to commemorate their 1948 honeymoon trip along Route 66.

I climbed the preserved 1916 Makomis Mountain Fire Tower, 

while Beth walked the river trail. This is her from the tower. She is not a fan of heights. 

And here is me from her perspective.

Trees along the trail were starting to show some fall colors.  

A bit later, we found each other and got back on the road at 1400.

1429 66,666  Beth recorded the occasion where our odometer was filled with sixes.  We are very happy with our Pleasure-Way Lexor TS on a Ram Promaster 3500 chassis.

Not far down the road, we passed our namesake Bar & Grill in Cold Brook, NY.  We really should stop for lunch one of these years.

1438  66,672  Nobleboro, NY

Since we have a galley on board, we waited a bit longer and made lunch at the park off Haskell Road. No matter how many times we drive this route I can't resist stopping here. 

Haskell Road Scenic Overlook  1,409'  Lv. 1455

1526  66,692  Poland, NY (in the Town of Russia). Just a quick stop for gas.

1620  66,732  80°  Canastota, NY

South Shore Wines and Vineyards (Harvest Host)

The owner was very hospitable and we enjoyed sharing sailing stories.

Also on-site are Coneheads Caribbean Ice Cream and a Marina store with some camping supplies. Unfortunately, the ice cream shop had closed for the season.

We picked up a bottle of wine and a couple of bottles of holding tank treatment.  They were clearly labeled so we wouldn't get them mixed up!

This Harvest Host is across the street from the SE corner of Oneida Lake. It was our first visit to this big lake. Sadly, algae mats are clogging the water surface here.

Ducks relaxed on a log as the sun set. 

The lakefront property is part of the Oneida Indian Nation.

Beth chased the Full Harvest Moon down the street and caught a photo of it rising despite the buildings and trees.

 We did get a picture, later, with the telephoto lens.  Only a minute passed after clicking the shutter before the moon disappeared behind a layer of clouds.

This was a fun day and we heartily recommend Route 8, instead of the interstates, for anyone who has the time.

Today's Route

(Click on any image to enlarge it)