Day 7: Campsite #78 on Middle Saranac Lake to Saranac Lake Village (13.8 miles)

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Wide panoramic early morning view from Middle Saranac Lake campsite
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Mother black duck cruises slowly by our campsite – note the very calm early morning water
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We passed through two set of locks today, both operated by lock keepers, which made for a quick passage into and out of the river above and below Lower Saranac River.  Margaret at the first locks said I had the lightest load she had seen so far this year, which made me feel good.  The day ended fighting power boats and wind to make it to Saranac Lake, NY and the end of Map 2.  Congratulations, Dad, who was a big help to me on what he called my shake-down cruise.  Knots, distributing my load properly, crackling campfires, taking endless photos of me, and some great company!  Now he and Mom will be my support team.

We stayed with Pati Peebles and Dave Staszak, who are hosting through-paddlers in their home where we had our own bedroom and half bath.  The NFCT has their contact information.  So thank you so much, Dave and Pati, for the healthy snacks, suggesting the Downhill Grill, the tour downtown, local history, ride to buy a flash drive, and yummy breakfast.  We had so much fun that I didn’t get much blogging done, but now I’m catching up!  Tomorrow I go solo!

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Dad has now finished Maps 1, 2 , 11, 12, and parts of 10 and 13 of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Here he signs out in Saranac Lake, NY.
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Yahoo…finished with Map 2 and so far have been self-propelled. Tomorrow I will start back at this same spot, carrying down to the Saranac River below the fast water at the dam.

TOTAL MILES: 90.5