A great cigar, a great trip.

[Jack Straw]

So this past weekend, I went to the Adirondacks to the secluded Elk Lake Lodge (near Scroon Lake) with my Mom, Dad, Uncle, Uncles gf, and Grandparents to celebrate my Grandfather's 90th b-day (he is very active for his age). I had a great time. I have had a real busy summer, and this is just what I needed - no cell phone service, no computer (although I found out they did have wifi there...what a world). Not only did it refresh me, but it reminded me how much I love being in the wilderness, where the only things you can see and hear are God's natural beauty and the sound of your own thoughts.

The place has been there for quite some time, in fact some of the significance of the event was that my grandfather had been there on a hike through the Adirondacks in the late 30's (it was interesting hearing his stories, since the place is basically the same as it was then), and then taken his family there in the 60's. It was beautiful. I had a great time talking shop with my Uncle and Grandfather, and went on some serene canoe trips and dayhikes. It's crazy to think about how much the cities I've lived in and the things people do have changed over the years, it's hard to imagine when canoing across the crystal clear water "this is exactly what my Grandfather saw 70 years ago, just as I see it now."

Anyway, for the cigar content. I brought along 6 cigars, knowing that others might want one (of course 3 long, 3 robusto to time it right lol), but as it happened that didn't play out. So on Saturday night I took a Padron 40th Natural which was graciously gifted to me by Shawn (SSutton) down to the dock and layed back on an Adirondack chair. It was a cool night, with a light fog over the mountains, and seldom a sound beyond crickets and the occasional loon. Needless to say, it was great. After a bit my Dad came down and talked with me for a while (he probably would have had one but cigars make him break out/become ill), and other than that I just thought about family, nature, and life.

So here are some pictures, just to give you an idea:





Took us an hour of canoeing and 2 hours of hiking to get to this waterfall:






My dad and I:



Someday, I hope to take my grandkids here!

[tmanqz]

Looks like a great place.

[scottw]

Looks awesome brother, thank you for sharing.

[commonsenseman]

Wow what a beautiful area, that looks like a ton of fun!

[Cigary]

Perfect place to light up a great cigar. That would be a wonderful memory.

[TMMT]

Beautiful!

My goal is to retire in a cabin with a view just as grand!

[Tarks]

Ahhhhhh, gotta love the lake! Thanks for sharing.

[smokin nightly]

Thanks for the great pics! It looks like you had a nice time...

[SMOKE20]

Thanks for sharing. Looks like a great place

[Delsana]

Ahh family bonding... brings back memories.

I've always liked the water, and it looks like a great place.

I'll support that venture for your grandkids, get to it!

[Walking Stick]

I love this stuff. Keep it coming.












~

[tx_tuff]

Just plan awesome Andrew!! I love places like that!

Enjoy the dad and granddad while they are around!!!!!!!!!!!

[Herf N Turf]

My Friend, I've been wondering where you've been hiding and have thought of you; your kind generosity, our mutual affinities, etc. This thread is an inspiration. So many things going on here; a gentle and remote place, great family ties, a great smoke in the perfect setting, your insights...

In none of these did you spend a cent, have to run anywhere, or please anyone. It was a beautiful and simple time. I am so glad that you have the wisdom to appreciate it. Carry on, my Brother. Carry on.

[Arnie]

Thanks for the pics and the memories. I used to live north of there. Spectacular scenery! Loved it. Glad you enjoyed your trip. And Happy B-Day to your grandfather.

[ssutton219]

Looked like we all could use a get away!!


I am glad you could get away and enjoy some family time!




Shawn