Chase Lake

For my last and final trip of my retirement I went to Chase Lake in Glenfield, NY. This lake is part of the Adirondack Foothills. The camp I stayed at was built by my great grandfather in 1938 for $500. I got to paddle in the canoe that was my great-grandmother's "pride and joy." I was able to spend time with my Great-Aunt Catharine, her daughter Nancy and my mother. They were super nostalgic, talking about days gone by when they used to come up to the camp every weekend and enjoy it. There are no motorboats allowed on the lake and it is crystal clear. I spent time kayaking, canoeing, picking wild blueberries, floating on the water, playing chess, staring into campfires and generally being peace.

The best moment for me was waking up on Wednesday morning and heading down to the lake at about 615am. I sat there and looked out at the fog rolling off of the water and realized I was alone. No one needed me. I didn't have to be anywhere for days. I had no internet, no cell phone, no tv. I was alone. Just thinking of that moment now relaxes me. My mother told me it was heaven on earth and now I know she is right. I am so zenned out from that trip.

I should also mention that the 3 hour trip up to camp is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL summer roadtrip I have taken. You take a left from Leroy St. on to Rte 12N and just truck on up. Rolling hills and gorgeous small towns. On the way I got to salute the graves of all of my maternal great-grandparents.

All in all it was a centering, calming, perfect end to my travels these past 2 weeks.

ducks on the lake