Life is good: at Camp!

"Then followed that beautiful season...summer....filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape lay as if new....created in all the freshness of childhood".        -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

My favorite childhood memory of summertime was hanging out at our camp at Okara Lakes (photo above) Yes, the Indians named it. We'd go swimming in the lake, fish off the dock, take the row boat out on the lake and drop anchor, and watch our mom swim the entire length of the lake. She was our hero. Dad was too, he built the camp. We had large black tire tubes that we floated on. Our grandparents would visit with their Shasta trailer (now vintage), and we picked berries and made pies. The neighbor's camp had tennis courts. We played all day, built forts, climbed trees and were occasionally rewarded with a glass bottle of soda that we retrieved from the freezing cold ice chest. 

When dad built our camp in the mountains we had no idea how much this place would mean to us. It’s become our place to escape to take long walks in the woods, breathe the crisp cool air and listen to the magic of Mother Nature. A place to ponder and find moments of joy. Just look at that smile.  

No filter neeed, just downloaded these pictures from the weekend. I remember when I would take photos as a teen, hope for the best, send the film away for processing. It's so much easier today, and sometimes I don't bother to edit. All photos were taken at our camp or just down the road where they offer miniature golf and a walking path. 

Thanks for stopping by!

xo

Deb

I am back to add these wonderful photos (not mine), but I think you will enjoy this. 

A day in Old Forge: Photo essay of people, places in Upstate NY hamlet

Updated Oct 22, 2019; Posted Oct 22, 2019

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By Kathe Harrington | Contributing photographer

Old Forge is a hamlet in the Town of Webb, in Herkimer County. Known as the Adirondack base camp, its central location is perfect for day trips to surrounding areas. Old Forge has an abundance of hiking and biking trails, as well as the Moose River’s world-famous Class V rapids. There are plenty of restaurants and one-of-a kind shops, as well as The Enchanted Forest Water Safari, and McCauley Mountain ski center; truly something for everyone here!

A beautiful day for The Adirondack Mountain Bike Festival held in Old Forge. McCauley Mountain was filled with bikers, ranging from toddlers on training wheels to those in their 90s.

That feeling when you’re riding up a mountain! McCauley Mountain offers scenic chairlift rides. Best six dollars you’ll ever spend!

Stunning views surround riders on the chairlift to the top of McCauley Mountain.

The Lavalle family from New Hartford stops to take a photo at the top of the mountain.

From the observation desk you’ll enjoy an incredible view of the Fulton Chain of Lakes, and the Adirondack high peaks on the horizon.

Historic Hemmer Cottage was built in 1930 as part of a former cottage colony. In 2002, the cottage was moved down the street to its current location on Park Ave, and restored by volunteers and the Town Of Webb Historical Association. Today, “The Cottage” is a private rental, overlooking Old Forge Pond.

Old Forge Pond is a peaceful spot to have a picnic, swim at the public beach or rent a boat from Rivett’s Marine. The pond opens into First Lake, the first in a series of eight pristine lakes, known as the Fulton Chain of Lakes.

People lining up to board an Old Forge Lake Cruise.

A bright and charming boathouse on Old Forge Pond.

Great place for guests to unwind at the Water’s Edge Inn.

Adirondack Hot Dog House and Subway restaurant on NY 28.

Pied Piper Restaurant and Ice Cream shop and The Factory Store, on NY 28.

A water slide at Enchanted Forest Water Safari- where the fun never stops! It is New York’s largest water theme park, and was named the #4 water park in the United States.

All hail the Adirondack Moose!

Fulton Chain Craft Brewery at 127 North St., is a New York State farm brewery offering small batch craft beers.

Hipster Moose, outside Life is Good shop on Route 28, is a selfie magnet, despite the warning to stay away (bees!)

The lobby of the Strand Theatre, a 1920′s era neighborhood movie theater in downtown Old Forge.

The massive Old Forge Hardware (“The Adirondacks’ Most General Store”) on Fulton Street.

The second floor of Old Forge Hardware has Adirondack inspired furnishings and decor, and great views of downtown Old Forge.

Plenty of cafes and restaurants to grab a bite.

The 3063 has an eclectic array of merchandise, and a cafe serving coffee, bubble tea, specialty bagels and more!

Make sure to glance up at the 3063.

Ozzie’s Coffee Bar is a nice spot to rest your feet when you need a break from all the shopping!

The lawn statues are so lifelike!

The colors invite you in at Gallery 3040, a boutique specializing in handmade, artisan wares.

Cedar Mountain Mercantile is ready for Fall.

Montezuma Winery has an Adirondack themed tasting room. They sell a variety of Finger Lakes wines, and have a small gift and souvenir shop as well.

ADK Home Wilderness Interiors. Things you never knew you always wanted.

I need a butler bear.

View Arts Center, founded in 1951, is a multi-arts center in Old Forge. It is housed in a 2011 facility designed for arts programming. It also serves as a community center, a conference facility and a venue for special events.

Enjoying the fall colors while walking the dog.

All creature crossing.

Ticker’s Canoes on Riverside Lane offers hourly and daily rentals of canoes, kayaks and stand-up boards. They also have group outings and team building activities.

The Mill is a restaurant and bar right on the bank of the North branch of the Moose River.

Thendra/Old Forge Station of the Adirondack Scenic Railroad.

Perfect fall day for a paddle on the Moose River.

Kelly and John Filliman are the artists behind Beaver Hollow Chainsaw Carvers, 2923 State Rt. 28. John does the carving and Kelly the finishing. It all started when Kelly said she wanted to buy one of those carved bears, and John knew he could do better. So he gave it shot, made his first one, and he said it just kind of snowballed from there, and he hasn’t been able to stop!