St. Regis Canoe Area: Canoeing to a remote Adirondack lean-to l Hornbeck Canoe l Storm l Military

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"The Bourbon Brothers" consisting of Scott Ireland, Gary Sharp & myself adopted a lean-to on a remote pond in the Adirondacks of New York. Our brother Scott recently had dual knee replacement surgery and could not join Gary & I for our overnight journey to inspect the lean-to.
Our trip into Fish Pond consisted of short and long carries. Our route began on Long Pond in the St. Regis Canoe Area as we paddled through Slang, Turtle and Clamshell Ponds in order to reach Fish. Originally we had planned to return the following day via another route but had heard the mud on some of those carry trails was knee deep, so we opted to reverse route instead.
So please join us for our journey!
Canoes:
Hornbeck Boats "New Tricks" 14
Camera:
DJI Osmo Action Camera
"Recently the United States Military has been training over the Adirondacks. The roar of fighter jets could be heard above the clouds. Just as we arrived at the lean-to on Fish Pond an Army UH60 Blackhawk flew over. Although this stuff is neat it also disturbs the solitude that we seek in the wilderness."
Short video from last years trip into Fish Pond via Little Clear Pond: • Adirondack Mud: Canoe ...

[@BackcountryPaddler]

Ah, yes.. Rule # 1 when we meet up there someday - pack enough beer so that I don't leave you for dead on the portage trail. 😂 Great video Joe!

[@mrgjoe]

😂 thanks pal and you passed the test!

[@AndyandRachel]

Wow! These are some incredible views here with perfect lighting. What a great place to camp. You didn't even need to put up a tent for shelter. I'd love to experience all of this. Thank you for sharing! Hopefully we could do a trip like this without getting soaked 🤣

[@mrgjoe]

It is a great adventure, thank you for watching! The Adirondacks are a great place to explore.

[@rcote1234]

Nice little adventure. It’s not complete without a little Adirondack rain…. Thanks for the terrific video.

[@mrgjoe]

Thank you for watching... Off to the ADK this weekend for a little paddling hopefully.

[@jimwortham8634]

Thanks for posting noticed you did not show getting in and getting out of canoe

[@DaxWoodsWanderer]

That is awesome that you guys adopted a lean to. I have not stayed in that particular one, but I really appreciate all the work that people who maintain them put into them. Awesome video!

[@mrgjoe]

thank you for watching and thank you for your kudos. This is the first year we have done this, would have loved to get out there another time but life has been hectic. And for me it is a 5 hour car ride to the launch and then I still have to get to the lean to!

[@slmjake]

I would think a guy by the name of Adirondack Joe would have all wool clothing and a birch bark canoe! And a real wood paddle! But then again I am anything but slim. Enjoyed your videos sir!

[@mrgjoe]

This made me chuckle. In all reality I'm not a fan of wool but that is just me. I prefer the light weigh moisture/quick dry material. As for wood paddles I have many different paddles and some are all wood.

[@mrgjoe]

Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and glad you enjoyed them. Sadly I won't be getting out as much as I would like this year.

[@vincentperagine]

Great video Joe...Looks like a fun trip

[@mrgjoe]

Thank you for watching and it was a really fun adventure

[@terrymclaughlin6533]

Great video Joe! Loved it!

[@mrgjoe]

Thank you Terry! And a big thanks for taking the time to watch, cheers.

[@hike-bike-paddle-and-drone]

Great vid Joe! You need to spend a couple more nights out! Can't wait to do this trip whenever I get the time.

[@mrgjoe]

Yeah I do.. Thank you for watching..

[@AdirondackAdventures]

Your vids are getting better, Joe! Keep them coming!

[@mrgjoe]

Thank you for watching and the kudos. Slowly getting better and I hope to tweak them more as I progress. One thing I really do not want to do is forget about why I'm on the adventure and obsess about the video. So I'll have to find the balance point!

[@AdirondackAdventures]

@@mrgjoe Just be yourself and every video will be great!

[@mrgjoe]

@@AdirondackAdventures thank you my friend I truly appreciate that.

[@freeheel748]

Lol. I was there just prior to you! That is how it looked when we left. I live in Saranac Lake and go often.

[@mrgjoe]

If you ever find yourself back there and see something please let me know. I live 5 hours from any of the ways into Fish Pond. Scott lives the closest in Schroon Lake and Gary in the Albany area. Don't see us getting back this year.

[@fireyourrocketts]

Awesome! I have similar boat but used only few times, tippy in anything other than flat water, not very stable but I may be carrying too much weight as well; usually around 270 pounds myself plus gear; mine is only 12 feet long and weights 19 pounds; I thought they made it to the asked specifications but I was not happy with it after using it couple times; the only good thing I find to like is how light it is; how much weight total you were carrying and did you noticed anything odd with the boat? I got a Swift pack 13.6 after this one and it is a little more stable but I paid 3k instead of 2.5K for the Hornbeck including the awful delivery fee!

[@mrgjoe]

In this video I'm probably 240# plus gear so I figure in the 270# range as well, I'm also 6' 1". I've had a Hornbeck "New Tricks" since 2015. My first one was the 12' model mid profile, my current version is a 14' mid profile, I feel it is pretty rock solid. I've also had an Adirondack Canoe Company "Boreas" pack canoe and that is a great boat as well.

[@matthewsleva6813]

Love your videos just discovered this morning I'm very curious about the Hornbeck canoes I'm in the market which ones do you guys have? Any info is greatly appreciated 🙏 and keep up with videos 👍🏼new subscriber.

[@mrgjoe]

Hi Matt, glad you liked the videos. Thank you so much for taking the time to watch and subscribe. As for the Hornbeck those in this particular video are the 14' New Tricks series. I love mine and it is a great boat. I also paddle an Adirondack Canoe Company "Boreas" which is a 14' pack canoe. They are both very similar and both companies are close to one another if you plan on going for a test paddle.

[@birddogmason9862]

Joe, been looking at the Hornbeck Pack, your thoughts on classic vs. trick and size for fishing?

[@mrgjoe]

Hello! I personally love the New Tricks model because of its zip. If you are planning to do a lot of fishing most people opt for the Classic which is a little wider in width. As for length I would say the 14' is pretty perfect. If you are planning on test paddling both the Classic & New Tricks at Hornbeck 10 minutes down the road is the Adirondack Canoe Company as well. Their "Boreas" model is 14' and 24#'s and an excellent choice as well.

[@jccapwell]

Thank you. I am not sure why I missed this one but I enjoyed it. What length paddle are you using in the video? I wish you could have stayed out longer. I have trouble giving up my backcountry days.

[@mrgjoe]

Hey John, thank you for watching! I use a 240CM paddle. I know what you mean looking forward to getting back out sometime this year. Trying something different and staying at Rollins Pond campground and tripping from there. Headed up the day after Labor Day

[@nathanbrown8515]

Great video. Love the hornbeck boats. I have two of them myself. So I would like to ask you where you got you carrying yoke. The carry yoke is the only thing I'm not happy about with my hornbeck. Thank you

[@mrgjoe]

Thank you for watching Nathan, love my New Tricks! As for the yoke I kind of made it. I bought the clamps and a 36" yoke. Cut it down and then cut the slots. However you can get one at St. Regis Canoe in Saranac Lake, NY. I believe there are other places as well. Might want to contact Essex Industries www.essexindustries.org/canoe-yokes-thwarts/?sort=alphaasc Yeah I have the Hornbeck yoke as well and not fond of the small wing nuts that are easy to lose.

[@nathanbrown8515]

@@mrgjoe thank you sir. Safe paddles and hope the wind is always behind you

[@mrgjoe]

@@nathanbrown8515 haha me too pal. Good luck in your search for a yoke.

[@slmjake]

Any recommendations on a hunting and fishing canoe that is stable yet lightweight for a guy solo or with a hunting dog, etc.? Thanks so much

[@mrgjoe]

If you want to go really light weight a Hornbeck Classic might fit the bill. Can handle a dog and definitely can fish from. Super stable boat as well.

[@martincuff154]

Fish via Ochre vs Fish via Clamshell which do you prefer? Nice video.

[@mrgjoe]

You know Clamshell is definitely harder but I kind of enjoyed it. Thanks for the kudos Marty, I appreciate it.

[@randallteal6408]

Question for ya Joe...i'm looking at a 1 time purchase (never have to buy another) for a new canoe. Been looking into a carbon Swift prospector 14. Also looking at a Hornbeck but i'm not sure it will meet my expectations? I like the carbon gunalls and seat associated on a swift. Is the wood alot to maintain on a Hornbeck and curious about the thickness of the hull? I plan on doing 5 day trips so i'm looking to be able to carry enough gear to get me through,any reccomendations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks...great video by the way!

[@mrgjoe]

Hi Randall! Thank you for taking the time to watch, I greatly appreciate it. I own 2 pack canoes (Hornbeck New Tricks 14, Adirondack Canoe Company Boreas) both are 14' long and weigh 24#'s. They both also have the wood gunwales. I usually lightly sand once a year and apply tung oil twice a year (Spring, Fall). I also own 2 solo canoes (Hemlock Canoe Works Peregrine and a Northstar Northwind Solo). The Hemlock has wood gunwales and the Northstar has aluminum. Now knowing what I do now if I personally had to choose 1 boat it would be the Northstar Northwind Solo. I think it is a jack of all trades. Mine is the starlite layup so it is 15' 6" long and weighs 27#'s. It is solid and can easily carry I believe 360#'s. They make it in the "Solo" version and the "Pack" version. The boat is solid, stable, quick and the glide is excellent. Also I firmly believe you cannot go wrong with the Hornbeck or the Boreas as well. All these boats except the Hemlock are at least a $1,000 cheaper than the Swift. At the end of the day I do suggest testing as many that interest you as you possibly can. Hope this helps you?

[@randallteal6408]

@@mrgjoe That's a huge help,appreciate you taking the time to reply. Sounds like you have a dandy collection of boats! Maybe one day we will catch up out there. Thanks for the help.

[@mrgjoe]

@@randallteal6408 some people collect cars, or baseball cards, I collect canoes. Glad my response helped and if you decide on a boat would love to hear about it. And yeah that would be great to catch up!

[@randallteal6408]

@@mrgjoe I've looked into the Adirondack canoe company already...so many choices? I've mostly paddeled a Coleman Ram X (rugged but heavy) and an Old Town Kayak. As i get older i'm looking for comfort,dependabilty and weight is the upmost factor. I'd like to countinue paddeling for as long as my body will allow and a light weight boat will assure me to do,just that. I honestly don't mind spending more $ or taking the time to research my purchase as i consider this a retirement investment. Love your videos,please keep them coming. My mom is actually from Newcomb,so i've spent alot of time growing up in the ADK's...i can't think of a better place or a more enjoyable time than spending as much time possible frequenting her waters.

[@mrgjoe]

@@randallteal6408 definitely Swift has the most comfortable seat on the market in reference to pack boats. My best suggestion is if you can paddle as many boats that interest you that way to make the best decision. Thank you for the kudos on the videos. Newcomb is a beautiful area and you were lucky to grow up in the ADKs..

[@robertbeirman107]

Good times joe. May I ask what footwear you like while wet and portaging? Second which yoke do you have? Tia.

[@mrgjoe]

In this video I’m wearing Merrell Choprock shoes and neoprene socks. Good shoes but I’d like to try another style. The yoke I made from a 36” yoke and added the removable hardware. Lastly shouldn’t you be more concerned about those counterweights 😂😂😂 PS Scott made me say that

[@robertbeirman107]

@@mrgjoe hahaha. Well Scott is just jealous cause they are Handsome looking. Hehe. Thanks for the feedback.

[@mrgjoe]

@@robertbeirman107 LOL hope the feedback helped..

[@robertbeirman107]

@@mrgjoe yes it did Joe. Thanks a bunch

[@boatman222345]

Extend those upper arms…you are losing half the power of every stroke!

[@mrgjoe]

Thank you