Lake George Revisited

Last weekend the time traveling machine was in motion as all four of the boys came back east, enticed by the invitation from great friends, the Adlers, to spend a long weekend at their home in Lake George. Since we all have fond memories of "summering" with the Adlers for about 10 years of the growing up period, no one could resist. Davey with Sarah Smith, Tyler, John Will and I drove up on Thursday and spent 4 glorious days totally enjoying the lake at good friendships. The Adlers and Andersons had not reunited like this since mid 90's.

You know you are getting older when your kids are experiencing that wonder of friendships of being able to pick up right where they left off.... after 10 years on not seeing each other! Ah- the bitter with the sweet.

The Adler hospitality was stupendous. Only Anne could be organized enough to seamlessly feed and direct 20 plus adults through a weekend of water fun, hiking, great eatting and the best fresh air ever. She wasn't at all flustered when the numbers for dinner inched over the 20 mark as was counting plates. A bit perplexed on the bed arrangement but it all worked well.

Here are some pictures of the fun.

This is our crew checking out the flotilla collection. John is in "the AMY" which has been around as long as he has and has many adventures to tell from their childhood. Davey, Sarah and Tyler are testing the Hobie. Will is swimming and I am in the Kayak with my buddy Gracie who enjoys going along even if she has to balance in a Kayak.

This is looking north from the Adler's property.

Here's a shot of the Anderson boys and Sarah on a boat ride - this is essentially the view looking south down the lake. Davey grabbed the alpha dog seat quickly on this trip.

John and Will hiked up the Black Mountain and were rewarded with this incredible view. The islands you see in the distance are the scene for our picnic on Saturday - as Davey rented an island to have a repeat of the picnic opportunities Anne and I took the kids on almost daily while we were running our "family camp".

This is our group - which was only a third of the total picnicers. No one seemed too anxious to spend the night there - although the afternoon was just right. A crew of kids went to the jumping rock down the lake a bit and apparently Will took alpha dog status in jumping off the high rocks reserved for crazy college students. I have no pictures - they wouldn't share- Will did admit that his toes split a little on the landing and he is still recovering.

After a full day of water play and hiking, repairing and firing up the sauna was the perfect thing to do. Tyler moved to alpha dog status when he repaired the ceiling of the sauna which seemed to have run into some candle accident the weekend before. Sauna building ready - a bondfire was build and guitars were made ready for after dinner campfire and sauna. the music was quite phenomenal as four musicians joined voices and instruments. John moved up in alpha dog status as he joined in the entertainment.

Tyler, the newly christened "arbor Barber" was called into service more than once during his visit - as a professional, he alone was qualified to stand on this ladder with a saw. He would have been the one to try is 10 years and more ago, but we all felt a bit more confidence in his doing it now. Although, there are still more pictures I have not been shown of some incredible tree climbing of this same man when the rest were berry picking. Some things just don't change.

It was an awesome weekend of family - families together. All the boys are headed back to their homes and I am savoring the memories and sharing them here- so we can return to them when we choose.

the wonders of blogging!

One more thing - for those who might be interested.... Lake George is big on recycling but since even before that, while islands were available for rent, the garbage needed to be picked up by park services. We always enjoyed seeing the garbage barge with it's elongated bow. The driver steers the bow over rocks at a point on the island as the partner garbage controller walks onto the island to collect the trash - no tying up, messing with docks - just efficient and you never could mistake the garbage barge! This picture was taken on the fly as we were on our way to get out 'island permit' and this vision pleasantly surprised us all. Little boys and big ones somehow are fascinated with garbage.