M is for Marinas

The Adirondack Park, located in New York State, is the largest in the country. The original park, consisting of 2.8 million acres, was created in 1892. The "Blue Line" became the accepted term for the park boundaries. The size of the park has increased over the years, so that by 1983 the "Blue Line" encompassed nearly 6 million acres. It is an area the size of Vermont, larger than Yellowstone and Yosemite. It takes up 1/5 of the entire state of NY.

The park has 1,500 miles of rivers, and 2,800 lakes and ponds. Lake Champlain, the 6th largest freshwater lake in the country, borders the eastern side of the park. Lake George, "Queen of American Lakes", is located completely inside the park, is spring fed and 32 miles long.

The ice on Lake George becomes 6 feet thick in areas over the winter. When spring comes to the Adirondacks the ice doesn't melt, it sinks! The ole timers here call that "Ice Out"!

Well, the ice is "Out" here in the North Country, and while most people here are starting to enjoy the "May" flowers, I am gearing up for another boating season on Lake George. To me May means the Marinas are open and boats are in the water!

While the winter ski season was winding down in April, I was busy not only swinging my golf clubs, but also preparing my boats for summer! Since I have 2 boats, sail and power, it's twice as much FUN for me. The sail boat must have all its rigging checked, the hull washed and waxed (twice), the teak cleaned and oiled, the safety gear inspected, and the trailer given the once over. I have found Rigging Only to be a helpful site.

In the meantime the power boat has a whole different list of items to take care of. Since I am relatively new to power boating, I check everything very carefully to make sure the engine has weathered the cold winter successfully. I have found valuable information at Marine Do-it-Yourselfer . You can also e-mail questions! The little 6 horse 2-stroke on the sail boat is simple in comparison. Once the power boat's engine is squared away, and the drain plugs replaced, the rest of the list is much the same as the sail boat.

The boats are ready, I'm ready, is my wife ready? Of course!

We're off to the marina! Twelve years ago, we were lucky enough to meet John and Marion DeMarco. They own and operate a small marina of about 50 slips named Warner Bay Dockage on Lake George. They are two very warm and friendly people, and have been like family to us ever since. Our 222 O'Day sail boat, Dream Maker, has had a safe and snug berth there ever since.

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