On the way here the weather was amazing. Once we got here it changed to cold, rainy and windy. We ended up still going hiking.

The ground is made up of light brown clay shale and tons of rocks. I can imagine trying to farm on itm. Nothing like the amazing fertile top soil we have back home.

Our cabin is in the middle of the forest at the top of a mountain. From the hiking trail you could see the larger cabins at the main resort. I tried to get a pic but the camera kept focusing on the trees.

I had no idea before but we are in the same town as Dolly Parton.

Camped there for the night with (e:mike) and (e:libertad). It was mikes first tenting trip ever. The theme was cowboys and Indians. Spend the night dancing and the day lounging poolside. I would totally go back. My neck wishes I had remembered my pillow last night.

It was such an amazing, peaceful time full of swimming, grilling and running around naked in the forest like a bunch of monkeys wrestling trees to the ground for fuel. I wish I could have stayed another week so bad. Maybe next time. Someone posted a great video of the road up to jabe

We had one really rainy storm that was borderline terrifying but it was beautiful most of the week.



The water was so crystal clear and amazing. It was the perfect combo of warm when it was cloudy and cool and cold when it was too warm in the sun.



Can you eat the clams from the adirondack lakes? I have never seen this kind in stores before. Many of the shells were pitted, I think it may be caused by acid rain. UPDATE: they are mussels are they are an endangered species. Here is an insteresting story of their past
::READ PDF:: Here ia another interesting PDF with all of the rare NYS animals as of 2007
::READ PDF::























Its tamer than other years but you can almost see my junk in this one. Just stop here if you are afraid....

Stayed at a state park along the way to the Adirondacks. The place is called Fillmore. They have an interesting swimming hole from a dammed up spring and nice bathrooms. Can't wait for more rustic conditions.

After 17 years I found the book with the directions and we hiked out. Should make for some nice camping later in the season.

I don't remember there being a bathroom before. I also thought there was more brush/tree between the leantos and the water. Maybe its just tall grass that has been cut down.

There were so many old carvings on the leanto walls. I can't believe we didn't make any.

I don't even know what this is but I want one.

We decided to camp at windmill point rock quarry for (e:Terry)'s birthday. I wish everyone could have come. I swam for like 3 hours straight.

.

For a completely different kind of camping experience than usual, we met (e:hodown) and her friends (Lisa and Max) in the middle of the state at Betty and Wilbur Davis state park. Unlike, our normal tent camping this cabin had it all - it came wirh dishes, utensils, sheets, hot water -even a refrigerator and dishawasher. Had I realized how it was ahead of time I would have invited (e:Mike). It would have finally been a camping experience he could handle :)

It was a great time.

Last week I went to little dirty in Warsaw with (e:keithT) and (e:terry). I think one of the best moments was when I found the four leaf clover (e:paul,52778)















I got a few night time pics. I felt so old. Most of the people at the festival were like 19-24.





By the end of the weekend we were exhausted.

I can't deal with summer ending and me not having gone real camping for any extended period. It makes be want to kill myself.

I barely got to swim this year.