2019 06 10 - 2019 06 16. Lake George, Battle of Saratoga, Fort Ticonderoga "Scot's Day"

Lake George, New York - 10 June 2019

Arriving at our new campgrounds we were gratified to see a continuation of the fantastic Adirondack region. Having only been to New York City once, we had come away with what is probably the typical thoughts - washing the entire state with the same brush of skyscrapers, concrete, steel and hordes of people.

While the Seneca Lake area was a lovely contrast to this out of touch concept, it in no way compares to the majestic vistas of tree covered mountains we saw marching on all sides of our drive to Lake George. Our trailer in the picture above is just under 14 feet high and the surrounding trees are 8 times that height. Behind our site flows the Schroon River. Such beauty and serenity called to us each day to sit outside, relax away the hectic pace of sightseeing, slow down and enjoy the quiet of nature in all her glory. A little wine with some New York cheddar cheese and crackers. 

Battle of Saratoga, Stillwater, New York - 11 June 2019

The significance of the Battle of Saratoga during the War for Independence cannot be overstated. It is here, in 1777, that American troops battled and beat a British invasion force, marking the first time in world history that the British army had ever surrendered. This crucial victory secured foreign recognition and support, affirmed American independence and changed the face of the world. 

Along the Park Tour Road are more than a dozen memorials to participants in this battle. Colonel Daniel Morgan's corps of Virginia and Pennsylvania were the first to engaged the British. After 3 hours, the British lines wavered under blistering American fire until German reinforcements steadied the breaking line, gradually forcing the Americans to withdraw. 

John Neilson farmed this land on the summit before and after the war and joined the American troops to oppose the advance of General Burgoyne. His house was used by Benedict Arnold as quarters during the campaign and has been restored to look much like it did. 

American river fortifications, designed by Col. Tadeus Kosciuszko, a Polish military engineer and volunteer to the Patriot cause, was constructed overlooking the Hudson River to support infantry and cannon posted here. This closed off the British route to Albany and forced them to attempt to attack the American line on the summit. 

Americans captured this hill, charging the breastworks 100 yards long and 7-8 feet high being defended by less than 200 German soldiers and officers. They were no match for the more than 1300 Americans under the leadership of Benedict Arnold.

It was during this action on Breymann Redoubt that General Arnold was shot for the second time, received just as the Americans captured the position. The Boot Memorial commemorates his bravery. Since the Memorial was erected in the late 1800s, long after his treasonous activities in New York, it commemorates his service without mentioning his name.

Hackensack Mountain, Warrensburg, New York - 12 June 2019

A very warm, sunny day for a hike under the tall trees at the Hackensack Mountain Park just north of our campsite. It started out as a nice peaceful walk in the woods. With some uninvited guests, the mosquitos drove us back to the truck where we thankfully had some repellent which held them at bay. Restarting the hike, we were now more interested in our surroundings. The fauna was very nice, including Moccasin Flower, Interrupted Fern and Sensitive Fern.

And then "Yikes!" What happened to our lovely walk in the woods. I guess we should be thankful the trail wrapped around the mountain instead of going straight up. But does it really look like a moderate rated trail? I took the middle picture after I had descended from that perch. So Bob and our dogs are still trying to figure out how to get down. The right photo is looking back up after working our way down using the rope. My sister said, "That's not a trail for people. It's for goats."

But we survived and were rewarded with splendid views from the summit, about 560 feet of elevation gain. But it sure seemed like much more to my legs. The dogs were very happy to return to our site for some much needed rest and sleep.  

Fort Ticonderoga "Scots Day", Ticonderoga, New York - 15 June 2019 

Originally built  by French forces in 1755 and named Fort Carillon, it was used during the French and Indian War to attack the British forces in Fort William Henry. Surrendered and captured British soldiers were masqueraded by Native Americans in 1757. It wasn't until 1759 that British forces finally forced the French to blow up Fort Carillon's powder magazine and retreat. The fort was renamed Ticonderoga. Scots' Day commemorates those descendants of Scotland who fought for the Crown. 

Brimming with cannon power which were taken by Americans in 1775 when Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold's men captured the fort's small garrison. Fifty-nine of the cannon were disassembled and moved by sledges on a 300-mile journey to Boston in less than two months beginning early December. After being floated down Lake Champlain, the 40 sleds and 80 oxen hauled the 5400 sleds with the captured cannon to Boston by January 24, 1776.

Most of the buildings are reproductions of what researchers believe was present when the French blew up their powder. First floor rooms display barracks of ordinary soldiers and officers quarters plus craftsmen necessary to maintain the soldiers readiness including gunsmiths, shoemakers, cooks, blacksmiths.  

Upper floor rooms house an extensive collection of weaponry including swords, guns, halberts, pikes, knives, dirks and rifles. 

For Scots' Day, the Leatherstocking District Pipe Band performed on the Fort's Parade Grounds.

Boarding the Carillon for a boat tour of Lake Champlain. A breezy day to be on the water but the boat handled it well without anyone having tummy troubles. 

Lake view of Fort Ticonderoga. Across the lake is Vermont where the Green Mountain Boys led by Ethan Allen captured this vital installation which was only held for two years until General John Burgoyne's British offensive forced the American evacuation.

Honoring his Scottish ancestry, Bob wore his tartan. 

David uses his muscles, a tripod and winch to hoist a small cannon.  

Mount Defiance is an 853 foot high hill on the New York side of Lake Champlain overlooking Fort Ticonderoga. This is where the British positioned their artillery which caused the Americans to withdraw from Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Independence without a fight. 

On our drive back home, Bob and I were so enthralled by the scenery along the west side of Lake George that we got lost. We were looking at all the resorts and B & Bs along the lake shore and missed our turn. But sometimes these kinds of detours are well rewarded. And this is one of those times. From quaint family run resorts to 100 year old hotels and hidden private homes and mansions, all nestled amongst the trees and perched on the hillside that makes up the lakeshore. Suddenly, we drove into the town of Lake George, a town in the protected Adirondack region of mountains and old growth forests. The "Million Dollar Beach" is a State run public beach among the private areas with lifeguards, boat ramp and picnic areas. Wineries, historical sites, walking and hiking trails, festivals, restaurants, boat tours, caves, shopping, museums and an amusement park are just some of the things to do in this idealic town.

We have been asked repeatedly what is our favorite place since we have been on the road. We believed the Ashville, North Carolina was ideal. There is little doubt that, for now, the area around Lake George and Lake Champlain have become our favorite location.