Write-up: Roger Felske
Leader: Roger Felske
Co-Leader: Mary Pat Connors

This kayak outing was a literal “Bon Voyage” for one of our reigning princesses, Karen Bernard. Meg Higgerson began the day by presenting to Karen: a royal blue princess cape, T&T princess tiara and princess wand/bug catcher. Thus began the fun of the day.

Seventeen tramps left Barneveld for Raquette Lake Village and the start of our kayak.

The day was warm with a fairly strong westerly wind. Our plan was to cross the Raquette, paddle up the Marion River to a trail leading to Lower Sargent Pond.

With the wind at our backs we easily crossed the lake passing the big island, rounded the point past St. Williams Church and meandered up the Marion River.

The original plan was to have lunch at Lower Sargent Pond, but because we were running late, we ate at the trailhead. As we were eating, four people came out of the woods and one woman had a fly patch COVERED in horse flies. At that point, as a group, we decided to forego the hike to Sargent Pond and instead find a place to swim. We did not have success on that front, but instead, a group elected to stop at St. Williams Church for a tour. Disembarking from his kayak, Roger slipped and took his own little swim. Wallet and all got soaked.

Crossing back to Raquette Lake Village, the wind was in our face and there were some substantial waves and wakes from boats, tubers and skiers. Fortunately, though tiring, it was an uneventful crossing.

After the kayaks were reloaded, Mary Pat provided delicious, chilled watermelon, perfect for rehydrating on this very warm day.

Then it was on to the Raquette Lake Hotel Tap Room for adult beverages. We sat outside enjoying our drinks and the weather, and reminiscing about the day. We toasted our departing Princess and wished her well with her move to the Baltimore area.