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Ultralight boats!
Lows Lake
The beginning of August, my son Nick, his buddy Josh, and myself headed to the Adirondacks for a few days of exploration. Our destination, the Bog River Flow.
Local legend reports it to be the site where the last moose in NY was shot back in 1859. Located southwest of Tupper Lake, once noted as one of the most inhospitable places in the Adirondacks. No longer so thanks to Mr. AP Low, it is now a popular destination for an untold number of paddle sports enthusiasts. Between 1903 and 1907 Low build two hydroelectric dams turning this almost impenetrable swamp into the Bog River Flow and Lows Lake.
It is a mere 3 miles from the put in at the lower dam to the upper dam. At the upper dam there is a short, pleasant carry that passes the remains of an old lodge sporting some pretty impressive stonework. From the upper dam one paddles several miles up the flow before entering the main body of Lows Lake, which is approximately 5 miles in length.
Lows Lake is famous for its strong easterly winds that are almost constant. One only needs to look up at the huge pine trees whose branches all point one way to see that you will be in for a battle. The fight begins the minute you round the first turn in the river and intensifies all the way to the main body of the lake at which point it explodes on you.
For this trip we chose to bring only one canoe, which turned out to be good decision for me. I spent most of the trip resting in the middle while the kids did the paddling. This is something I have never experienced before and wouldn't mind trying again. It wasn't all fun and games though. I had to keep the troops motivated to paddle in order to keep my spot, as well as navigate and hand out drinks and snacks.
We spent our first night on the east end of an island, nicely hidden from the wind. The next evening after a day of exploration on the Lake, we moved to the west end of the same island directly exposed to the wind. I opted for the more sheltered site but was out voted by the kids in search of a better beach area. Well at least we wouldn't have to worry about the bugs.
One afternoon we got to test out a new sail configuration for the canoe. Totally empty of all gear the three of us paddled directly upwind out into the lake for about a mile. Gingerly we spun the canoe 180 degrees in the 3-foot swells. The sail (a 6' square tarp, two corners tied to the front seat, hoisted like a spinnaker with the kids each hanging onto the other corners) tossed up to the wind and we were off. A pretty quick, impressive ride I must admit.
We enjoyed some great meals during our trip. I would have to say the 5-alarm chili left the most lasting impression. Josh, at least, had reminders of it for several days after the fact. The trip itself was a relaxing one. Lots of swimming, fishing and just hanging out. We survived a typical Adirondack thunderstorm our last night out. On the paddle home, just to cap things off we were treated to an impressive wildlife display. While watching 5 loons swimming along above our heads an osprey chased a bald eagle across the bay. Both took up a perch facing each other in separate trees and continued their discussion for quite some time.
Until next time, HAPPY PADDLING!!!
Have a question? I'm happy to answer it - just email me at hpcanoes@gmail.com
hpcanoes@gmail.com
603.667.5112
We specialize in ultralight solutions and offer expertise in canoes and Wee Lassie boats, as well as all the related equipment. Our favorites are Wenonah canoes and Wee Lassie boats. Although we will work with any material we like to get folks set up with lightweight canoes so you can dedicate your time to the joy of being out on the lakes and rivers instead of struggling to move your boat between car and water.
Scott Edwards, "Hemlock Pete" himself, offers you decades of paddling expertise. He is friendly, down-to-earth, and provides superior customer service. You won't find a better, or more pleasant, deal elsewhere.