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August 20, 2010

Lakesider: Aug. 20, 2010

Press-Republican

Since the 1800s, ths Adirondack guideboat has sliced through the tranquil waters of our mountainous region.

This classic and unique design evolved from a hunting skiff into what would become one of the most versatile and beautiful boats in the world.

It was the old time Adirondack guides, like the ones working out of Paul Smiths Hotel and dozens of other famous resorts in our region, who influenced the design. These boats had to benefit the professional guide who carried the boat and provided all the propulsion for his paying clients, or "sports", who traveled to our region from New York City and other metropolitan areas.

These crafts had to be lightweight and easy to carry over the many portages, yet they also had to be extremely durable and capable of handling heavy loads in rough water, while still being fast. Although they resemble canoes, Adirondack guideboats are built like a skiff and are primarily intended to be rowed, although guides often kept a "sneak" paddle in the boat for added stealth when approaching fish and game in certain situations.

These boats were equally useful for taking the female guests, dressed in their fancy attire, on evening cruises along the shoreline.

Willard Hanmer, of Saranac Lake, was among the most famous of master guideboat builders and a race is held in his honor each July near the village. While the classic boats are made of wood, modern hulls can be purchased in kevlar or fiberglass. I had a 16-foot Kevlar boat that I used for guiding, but I foolishly sold it several years ago. No harm though, as I have a classic wood boat on my long term wish list and I can already imagine myself rowing it across the glassy surface of a pristine lake.

My wife doesn't know it yet, but she'll be sitting in the stern fully decked out in old fashioned garb. Better yet, she'll be rowing and I'll be sitting in the stern wearing a Speedo with a cigar in one hand and a scotch in the other. Luckily, old Willard is not around to see that spectacle or he'd have to modify his classic design to include an enclosed cockpit.

In the meantime though, the extensive collection at The Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake is a tremendous reminder of an iconic Adirondack classic, rich in unique history and steeped in rugged tradition.

The Common Loon serves as another ancient and majestic symbol of the great north woods and inhabitants of the region protect them as if they were family. A few weeks ago, a foolish teenage girl made the mistake of steering her personal watercraft into the middle of our resident Loon family. Upon first glance, I gave her the benefit of the doubt and chalked it up to an accidental close call. By the second and third attempt to run them down, I was on my feet along with several other neighbors, shouting and running along the shoreline as if the world was ending.

Luckily, no real harm was done, but hopefully the uproar and chewing out will leave a lasting impression of respect for these birds and all the other natural wonders surrounding us.

Interestingly though, Geese have not commanded the same level of respect as they over-populate our waters. Messy and aggressive, these birds have become a nuisance on many lakes and rivers in the region, causing many people to chase them off of their property. My English setter, Toby, an accomplished bird dog, actually turned tail and scooted this spring as an aggressive pair honked loudly in strong pursuit.

As the summer winds down, I find myself reflecting on a life enriched by time spent on the water with family and friends. From my own boyhood to living vicariously through my boys, a lakeside setting and its residual lifestyle has continued to add immense value and pure pleasure to a life already blessed. I'll see you when the snow flies! Until then, keep your nose in the wind and your eyes along the skyline!

John Bernardi is an avid skier, outdoorsman and freelance writer. He can be contacted through his website www.slopesider.net.

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