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Paddling through the trees on the Saranac River

An easy paddle through the flooded Saranac River. (Photo provided — Diane Chase)

One annual activity we always look forward to is a slow and easy paddle along the flooded shores of a creek or river. With all the recent rain and late snowfall, this adventure creates our own Adirondack “Everglades” experience. Though many may choose to paddle to a particular destination we just relish the peace and quiet of the river.

This year we didn’t have to travel far or drive into the woods to enjoy a paddle through the trees. We just pulled over at the Saranac River canoe carry on Route 3. Depending on the depth of the water, the canoe carry’s purpose is to circumvent the pedestrian bridge. This year the water just laps over the bridge while the river claims any shallow land to its right. The canoe carry is submerged and now about five feet from shore. The Adirondack aquatic sign, reminding us to check our boat for invasive species, is mostly under water.

Besides a peaceful paddle, we are looking for a broad-wing hawk that recently visited our nearby pond. These hawks are starting to migrate back to the Adirondacks and our frogs apparently were a tasty fly-by treat. The river will provide even more hawk-approved snacks.

It doesn’t take much effort to propel us around the trees and in and out marshy segments. The current isn’t too strong so we can easily paddle upstream and to the far shore. We all look out for sunken logs and floating branches. We take pictures of birds and plants to identify at a later time.

The current pulls us around and we skirt under branches and around trees. At some point is seems that every whisper is magnified off the water and bounces back to us through the overhead limbs. It adds to the sense of mystic as we contemplate what lies beneath us as we continue to paddle over the flooded shoreline.

We see one osprey in the distance and numerous red-winged blackbirds while the broad-wing hawks and other wildlife are invisible to our eyes. Even though we could easily cross the flooded footbridge, we stay on the southern section of the river where the current isn’t as strong. The river will soon go back to its original winding ways so we enjoy all this water while we can.

At the intersection of state Route 3 (Bloomingdale Rd) and Pine Street in Saranac Lake, drive 4.3-miles north on state Route 3 toward Bloomingdale. The canoe carry is located in a small parking area on the east side of the road. It is just past Moonstone Farm and Forest where you can conveniently pick up some fresh farm eggs and greens. If you drive past the Saranac Lake School bus garage, you’ve gone too far. The canoe carry is less than two-miles from the town of Bloomingdale.

Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Time guidebook series.

For family-friendly activities, go to AdirondackFamilyTime.com.

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