The outlet of Pink Pond becomes narrow in spots, but overall is navigable. (Provided photo — Spencer Morrissey)

I sure am glad I took full advantage of the sun while we had it, before the moisture settled in for an overextended stay; which seemed to be the story of this spring and early summer.

We decided to only get out the kayaks at this point to see what kind of trouble we could get ourselves into on the waters of the Saint Regis Canoe Area.

We had our thoughts focused on a small paddle in waters not typically visited, but plans changed, last minute, as they so often do. We set sights on Long Pond and a couple secluded gems to the north: Lower Pink Pond and Upper Pink Pond.

On the map, you will see upper labeled as Pink Pond. I took the artistic license to name them for reference purposes.

The carry isn’t all that long from Floodwood Road, but when you have a 12-foot behemoth of a boat on your shoulder it seems like an eternity. I have yet to invest in a lightweight kayak. I’m sure I will someday as my body breaks down and I start walking tilted to one side from muscle overgrowth. Until then, I enjoy my vessel.

Long Pond provides a refreshing interlude on a hot day. (Provided photo — Spencer Morrissey)

After we got in the water, the peace soothed my mind and I forgot all about the carry that I would have to do later (uphill I might add).

I love, Love, LOVE the Saint Regis Canoe Area. No motorboats allowed on these waters make paddling such a worry-free sport. Then with the peaceful sounds of water breaking against the bow and the faint cackling laughter of a pileated woodpecker in the background, I could almost melt.

It doesn’t take much time to get to the Lower Pink Pond outlet, but it is a bit tough to see until right on top of it (the GPS sure helped).

I have to admit we had never been here before and were looking forward to exploring. The outlet on the map doesn’t look float worthy but it truly is. Very narrow in spots, but plenty deep enough for the draw of any canoe or kayak.

Lower Pink Pond, as majestic as it can be, opens up wide to swallow my imagination. Lined with conifers, you could hear the rustling in the trees of creatures not used to seeing such a large orange fish. Aside from that, no sounds.

We worked our way across the open water to find the outlet of Upper Pink Pond and the narrows that welcome those willing to go the extra. I first found the outlet of Ledge Pond, which was not navigable.

The true outlet I wanted was just a bit east: Upper Pink Pond, a bit smaller in size but just as large in heart. It might have taken us two minutes to paddle the perimeter if we wanted to, but that just seemed silly. So we did.

The day was getting late due to my impeccable morning commitment to slapping the snooze button, so we retraced our steps back to the carry. It was such a good day; I don’t even remember the portage back to the car. Maybe next time I will swing over for a short hike back to Slang Pond.