Lake George 2020
I feel like I have been dating my boat for the last 7 months. We met last July and got to know each other. We figured out some quirks and got to be comfortable together. We found some limits and got angry a few times. We had some great dates but now things are progressing and we are getting serious. The small talk and cosmetics are past - its time to go out for long few days and discover what we are about. Its time to go to Lake George for 5 days……
The Adirondacks are a special place for me on a number of levels. There are so many things to do, such a beautiful part of the Northeast and can provide an outlet for anyone who heads there. I have been going up there with my buddy J.P. for 20 years and it has always provided some needed respite from whatever is going on in my life. This year would be the first time that I would be taking the Ranger out on the lake. For many years we had been using JP’s bass boat. it was perfect for the trip and we had explored the lake by towing our Kayaks out and camping and kayaking for a few days. Rainy days or colder weather meant we would spend more days ashore. Having the tug on this trip made such a difference. We were able to sleep at different sites each night since there was little setup and take down of a full tent set up. We would pull up to the dock at an island and go ashore to cook dinner and have a fire. One of us would sleep on the boat and the other in a quick set up tent ashore. In the morning break down was quick and we could be out on the lake quickly. Even if it was cold or raining we could be in the cabin for the trip. I have always wanted a boat where i could be out of the weather and the tug is perfect. We had great weather for the week but the option to be out of the sun and have some shade on the deck. We used the boat for a week and spent 4 nights and 5 days. We sipped fuel and fished and ran up the lake. It really is a terrific place to go especially with the ranger tug. If you hear that in the on-season your experience may be completely different. With over 300 campsites throughout the islands there is no increase in noise and boating activity. If you can get the chance to go in May or in fall you will have a much better experience although the summertime experience will also be special especially for families what's off the water there is plenty to do in the local area. the village of Lake George caters to Summer tourist with lots of shops on Main Street and plenty activities for children too.
Those wanting to go in the summer time should make sure that you have reservations for campsites as they fill up quickly. Also launching your boat will require some planning ahead of time. Submarine is will allow you to park your car and trailer and launched from there. The fees are usually about $40 to launch the boat and $40 to keep the boat at the marina each day so you should budget for this. There are no public boat ramps on Lake George that allow overnight parking but there are several public access points for both car top and regular phones where you can watch for the day. Make sure that you bring all the supplies that you need for the duration that you'll be on the campsites as there are no easy accessible stores once you were on the sites.
The fishing on the lake is amazing. People both go shallow shore fishing in deep water downrigging fishing. well we're out we caught Plenty of Fish from trolling on the boat and also from Shore. Be advised that you do need a New York state fishing license and there is a regular presence of law enforcement on the lake for a boater safety.
After the trip I realized how I had made the right decision in buying the boat. I cant wait to spend more time out on the water.