A POST LONG OVERDUE. I reported my return trip home from Lake George back on 1 September 2021, but I never got you to Lake George for my adventure there and on the water. So while relaxing at Kipling’s Carriage House in February 2023, and wanting to relive this trip to probably repeat, I will finally share as well.

While originally writing about this adventure I decided there was so much to share that I wrote of the return trip home on 1 September 2021 as a separate post, which I did on 9 September that year. On this trip during those three days I retraced routes I had not been on for awhile, and found new routes I will repeat and recommend. The focus of this trip was boarding the last six-hour cruise on all of Lake George for the summer. Lets get started heading to Manchester, Vermont. On this map are the roads traveled on these days. You can click it for a larger size.

I did truncate the map to the east. Arriving in Manchester, Vermont, I headed north on Route 30, and turned left on 315 toward Rupert. I stumbled into Rupert 9 August 2014 by accident, and just in time for a parade. I was sure I had not been to West Rupert, so I headed past the few buildings (one the closed country store) and the fairgrounds. Along the way was a rail trail. In West Rupert I stopped at the country store, and the young lady made me a sandwich.

I asked her about the rail trail, and learned it was the Delaware and Hudson (D&H) that ran through the area. Asking further she told me the station was at the end of Mill Street, next door, and the old mill building was the station (I am not so sure). I headed down to the trail, enjoyed my sandwich, and am impressed with the condition of the trail. The girl at Sherman’ General Store told me the trail is so good, and challenging in spots, that bicyclists come from all around to practice for major races. Take the time to visit.

I then headed back to Rupert to turn north on Route 153 to Route 30 and on to Poultney. Along the way a saw the Rupert station, passed through West Pawlet that I found on that previous trip (the D&H travelled right though, a dilapidated freight building remains), and once in Poultney I walked around the station and freight building.

I had delayed this trip because of the cost of staying in Lake George. First of all it has become “honky-tonk” and crowded, and sleeping accommodations very dear. I finally booked my cruise on Lake George, and continued my search for a room. The perfect place materialized – a train station – in Granville, New York, It was also on the D&H, and I had never been there.

Forty minutes to Lake George, but the cleanest B&B I have stated at, and extremely well decorated, you may wish to plan a stay here at the Station House B&B. My room, with a sitting deck, is on the left of the building. Linda and George are great hosts. Below is the main room, and then my room. Did I say I like Victorian?

A forty minute drive west to Lake George, but not wanting to “miss the boat” at 10AM, Linda fed me a tad early, and I headed on NY 22 to US 4 to Route 9, and into Lake George, arriving at the Lake George Steamboat Company dock in plenty of time for my “six hour tour” (six, not three, and without Mary Ann) covering 32 miles – south to north and back – on the entire lake. Below the dock on Lake George.

The history of the lake is so fascinating that I have pulled four books from my personal library to read in detail. Why haven’t I read them before? Well at least having them I learn by osmosis. The lake also played an important part during the French and Indian Wars and the American Revolution. Up to almost 200 feet deep, receding glaciers carved the valley between mountains, and upon melting deposited debris at the south and north ends, thus creating the lake. The lake is 341 feet above sea level and flows north into Lake Champlain at Ticonderoga which is but 90 feet above sea level. Fort Ticonderoga was built for control of this water route. My boat – the Mohigan – pulled away on time.

it started out as the perfect weather day. Here is another image to “hook you.”

We passed the Sagamore Hotel resort on the west shore north of the village in Bolton Landing (where Franz Boas once had a home). I have walked around there in the past, had lunch on the porch, and should just save my pennies and stay.

below is the dock at the hotel – they have their own tour boat as well.

below looking north.

swinging back to the east side of the lake there is an inlet and route between the mainland and this island. The gallery below the first image (which can be clicked for larger views) is traversing this narrow passage, and ending up back on the lake.

Below is the dock, and stop, at the northern end of the lake on the west shore. it is at this point the lake flows north, dropping 226 feet, into the Hudson at Ticonderoga.

heading back south, this happy group of vacationers were happy to see us.

below, looking north, almost back to the beginning point.

another view of the western shore.

another tour boat.

tied up, and debarked and done — until another time, yes, should do it again in 2023 as well as find tours on Lake Champlain.

I then climbed the hill to Fort William Henry which had its beginnings with the French and Indian Wars. After an important siege and battle it was burned. The site remained untouched for two centuries until in the 1950s a group wishing to preserve the site bought it building the replica below. I toured it years ago (pre-shunpiking writing days) and need to tour again. This time I just visited the gift shop.

Walking back out to head down the slope to the parking lot, I captured this view, which I was happy to capture.

Heading back to my train station B&B I did some antiquing. WOW there in a showcase was the Airstream by the Japanese company Bandai in the 1980s. In November 2020, I had purchased my 1965 Airstream, so had to have this – we agreed on a $200 price for the set, which I have subsequently discovered was a “good deal” for me.

If you have followed some of my recently writings you may know that I have, since late October 2022, been aggressively seeking and collecting vintage camper toys, preferably in the “canned ham” style. I had three once I bought the above set – but, today (6 February 2023) I have over thirty, and three “new” ones will soon be arriving at “Camp 44.” I urge you to look at my vintage camper toy page – AND – if you see something I don’t have – let me know. In case you forget to look, you may also click on the SSS Toys of Japan patio set below.

RAY RECOMMENDS
1-Write about your adventures so you can relive your adventures. And, when you share you may provide the impetus to someone to also get out and explore that path.
2-And, even if a year (or more) afterward, pull out those notes and write for your own memory, and for others to hopefully enjoy.
3-Passionately collect something, and have fun — and then passionately collect something else.
4-COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS and make the most of every day.
5-Stay safe and well.
As always, luv, RAY