Just got back from another awesome camping trip in the Adirondack Mountains. This time, the boys and I joined my folks at 8th Lake, in the Fulton Chain of Lakes region. And, I’m happy to say… another weekend of BEAUTIFUL weather! All of us- myself, the boys, my parents and their 3 rambunctious pugs- had a blast.
Hiking to the 8th Lake Inlet. Looks warm but brrr, nights and mornings were CHILLY!
Hike to Eagle's Nest Lake
Hike to Bug Lake with Jack. We were gunning for Black Bear Mountain, but after almost 4 miles on the trail, we never found the offshoot to it.
We had some great hikes- Eagle’s Nest Lake and Bug Lake with Jack (too long for Cliff) and another visit to Ferd’s Bog, which I thought would be a nice short (.5 mile) hike for Cliff. Unfortunately I forgot how rooty the trail was! He was super excited to hike, but because he can’t control his back legs very well- well, he stumbled a lot. I felt super bad. So not only were the roots a problem, but Jack was gung-ho to be ahead of everyone and kept shoving us around to get in front. Appalling behavior, Puppy! On the narrower parts of the trail, I made the executive decision to put Cliff in front (to set the pace), then me, then Jack. Needless to say, Jack wasn’t very happy! If he had expressed this kind of desire to always be in front at the track… jeesh, he could have been a superstar! Lol.
Hike down the floating boardwalk, on the final part of the trail into the bog.
Into the bog
A visit to Ferd's Bog is a must JUST to see all the mosses... truly spectacular!
Because of Cliff’s mobility, we had to choose shorter trails for some of our hikes. Ferd’s Bog was nice, and the trail from the campground to 8th Lake Inlet was beautiful. We also had a nice time walking around the campground, where Cliff got lots of attention from other campers. Of course, he loved being a hot shot and barking at the camper dogs as we walked by, as if he owned the place-!
Maybe he DOES own the place.
Another fun trip was our Saturday afternoon canoe and kayak trip. I grew up canoeing, and really want to get back into it (kayaking is super fun, but the way you sit so low in the boat? It KILLS my back. Plus you really can’t bring a large dog in a kayak… unless you squish, LOL. So I’m looking into buying a canoe sometime soon). Anyway, the 8th Lake Campground had canoes for rent, so I thought it would be a perfect time to acclimate Jack to boating.
Practicing on the beach. A few cookies tossed in, and Jack was excited to board the canoe! Adaptable pup, thankfully. 
(I wish Cliff could have come along! Unfortunately- despite his outward bravado- Cliff is a huge chicken. I fear he’d also have a horrid time getting aboard the boat with his back problem as well- he’s starting to stumble over the 2″ doorjamb of the dog door, sigh. But that’s another post. Needless to say, while we spent the afternoon out on the lake, Cliff caught up on his beauty sleep with the pugs at the campsite).
Boarding, boarding-~!
Dad offered to canoe with me, leaving Mom (in her kayak) our Official Expedition Photog. She was also the Official Expedition Goader. “Ted, I’ve never seen you wear a lifejacket in a canoe or kayak! You must not trust Jack. Ha ha. You don’t trust him do you? Do you think he’ll tip the boat? Ted?” Well, she was right- I’ve never seen Dad wear a lifejacket either, yet he kept his buttoned tight the whole trip! LOL!
All for naught, however. Jack was a superb boater. He did stand for the first 10-15 minutes of our trip, but eventually relaxed and enjoyed our exploration of 7th Lake and the 7th/8th Lake Inlet.
Out on 7th Lake, we found a series of small islands were we took a much needed paddle break. I let Jack run loose, seeing there was no way for him to get off and he was scared to wade above his little ankles (not even for treats! Chicken).
Jack explores the island, thankfully finding no chipmunks or squirrels to obliterate.
So, I think we can call this mission successful. I’m now on the hunt for a solo canoe for future expeditions with Jack.
Home away from home...
This might be our second and last camping trip of the summer, but I’m debating whether to hit the road one last time before the leaves change. Maybe Indian Lake? Brown Tract Pond? Moffitt Beach? So many places in the Adirondacks I’d like to explore! And having such wonderful, camp-enjoying pups makes it really fun. Have to think about it…hmmm, hmmm, hmmm.