Nothing beats a hot cup of coffee on a chilly morning with a million-dollar view just outside your "home"! The gushing river welcomes me to the start of another day. I would stay another day, but my power station is draining too quickly, and I need to find a place to charge it.
It is a beautiful sunny day, and I have two hikes in mind as I travel to explore more of Ferris Lake Wild Forest.
My first hike is to Nine Corner Lake. I love it when a trail leads me to a beautiful lake. I love anticipating what I will find at the end of my path. The last few feet, when you know you are almost there, are exciting, and then you let out a deep breath, appreciating the simple beauty of a blue lake hugged by trees and fluffy white clouds.
My next hike is to Good Luck Lake. It's a clever name for a lake. I will surely hike for that. My luck is the pure smell of the forest brought in from the rain.
It's time to explore my options for tonight. I put aside a two-hour window for travel between my options in case none of them end up being good places. Then it is time for plan C.
My first option is on Powley Rd, just off Rt 10. It is another well-maintained dirt road. I drove for a while, enjoying the remoteness of the road. After 20 minutes, I found the first campsite. However, it is already taken. I continue on, but after another 5 minutes, a tree blocks the road. Oh, well, it's time to turn around and check out my next option.
I am not surprised to find that G Lake Rd is another dirt road, but this time, the road is narrow and not maintained, but it is certainly durable. I drove again for a while, going up the hilly road. Oh no, I can't go any further, as the path in front of me is a mud puddle.
It's time for plan C. Without reception, I feel blind. I continue driving along Rt 8, scanning the area. A small sign for a campground catches the corner of my eye. Point Comfort Campground rests on Piseco Lake. It is a rustic campground, just as I like it, and with a hot shower, it is an easy decision to make.
There are times when I feel I have an angel looking after me. Not long after I arrive and set up camp, the skies turn deep gray. A short thunderstorm comes along, leaving behind an all-night rain.
The dark skies gloom my spirit, and I find myself again in my old dance of fear. I am not a fool. I am only a dreamer who makes her dreams come true. I am aware that if I give in to my fear, I will take away the chance to bring my vision into reality. That is all I am doing, giving myself a chance. "Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart" — Roy T. Bennett. So far, every time I follow my heart, I find my dreams.
I must do much-needed homework if I want to continue traveling in the Adirondacks. I love being off the grid, but I need to be safe about it. I need to download hikes to AllTrails and save locations for boondocking from iOverlander on my Google Maps.
Today, I feel libraries are my second home. The closest library is in the little town of Speculator, and it is perfect!
Now, I feel like I have a better plan ahead of me. First, I will check the town of Tupper Lake, as there is a small park that someone parked at just a few weeks ago and added to iOverlander; that sounds promising. If not, I will drive another 20 minutes to my next option.
It makes me laugh at myself how I get into that "search mindset" when it is time to look for a place to park for the night. It's as if my brain turns into a game mode of finding Waldo.
The drive to Tupper Lake raises a question. Why have I never traveled to check out this area before? It is only 3-5 hours away from home. It is absolutely stunning here. So many lakes hide between the vast mountains; the landscape is raw and untouched. I am glad I am here now!
Tupper Lake is a gem. I can see why it is a popular destination. It doesn't feel crowded, but it could be that it is the middle of the week. I decided to stay and park at for the night. I have good reception and can use my hotspot to write. I open the side door of my van to enjoy the evening light as the sun goes down behind the mountains.
The reception also allows me to start listening again to The Untethered Soul—some books I need to listen to a few times to receive the gift they offer.
Another good night's sleep in my tiny home! By 6:00 a.m., I open my side door to welcome the early start on a quiet lake. The early fog slowly leaves the lake as the day breaks, leaving a peaceful dance of reflection and mystery. How magical.
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