- Business Takes a NEW Direction
- Lure of Autumn Bass Fishing, Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon
- Sights of Colorful Foliage
- Plans for Waterfowl Hunting, Stream Fishing for Brook Trout
By Forrest Fisher
My workday plan was busy with a business trip from New York City to Montreal. The airport traffic was heavy, the security lines long, longer than ever, the sky was clear and it was a beautiful day. I was not happy with bumper to bumper traffic conversation between the interstate roadway vehicles and the morning disc jockeys were in a rant about their bummed weekend. They made the congestion worse. Then I suddenly realized, “I can drive!”
About two hours or so up the northbound highway, the traffic was gone and I discovered a wonderful sense of peace and quiet. I left the long lines of airport security, the chaos of baggage, laptop checks and body scans behind. All gone. All replaced by a road trip drive that would change my persona for the day, maybe forever.
There was a faint sliver of fog rising from the valleys that appeared like slices of horizontal white pie resting among the high and very dark mountain peaks of the Adirondacks in the background. Driving down Highway 87, the road signs announced Lake George and despite the near-darkness, I noticed that the autumn scenery was stunning in this particular area. Signs advertised fly fishing, Hudson River rafting, rail trail bikes, historical sites, boating, biking, hiking and more. These diverted my mind and were tempting me to consider a new daytime destination, maybe as just a momentary, side-of-the-highway, homesteader. Yes, I thought, pull over, if only just to watch the enchanting sunrise.
Rocky bluffs jutted upward and outward along the freeway, as I tried to focus on driving and not the scenic beauty. That was just not possible. The scenic views were an immediate visual award, an instant lottery prize win, just for making this drive. I sensed myself grinning to the view, perhaps that was one honest measure of my sheer contentment.
A few minutes later, in the distance, the brilliant orange ball of morning sun began to tiptoe upward. It was only a dull orange color sky at first, and then the first sliver of the sun crest rose just above the lowest horizon in the east. I pulled off the roadway at Exit 21 and decided I needed a cup of java just to watch the morning light. Driving down Beach Road in Lake George Village, sort of exploring too, my business trip had become an adventure.
I continued along Highway 9L just for a few minutes, it was October and many business places were already closed for the season, but it was so quiet, so enjoyable. Then I came to Dunham’s Bay Resort (www.dunhamsbay.com). I went in and asked about coffee. Yes! They had fresh java and all the mixings, it smelled so good. I toasted a cup to my decision to drive and thought about those poor folks that were probably still waiting in the airport line, grinning again.
I moved to the front of the resort and sat in one of the outdoor lawn chairs. The warm Lake George water and chilly mountain air caused a fog to form on Dunham’s Bay right in front of the resort. It became thick and started to settle before it started to rise. I went back in for more coffee. With cup number two, I realized I was looking at the highest mountain tops to the west, visible above the fog. They suddenly emerged into a sea of brilliant color as the sun lit them up. A flock of ducks went squawking by in flight, high overhead, that I heard, but could not see. My brief adventure continued. The natural intense lighting of the sun was doing everyday work. I was inspired by the dazzling beauty and the coffee tasted so good.
An immediate urge for home ownership in the area seemed an almost immediate necessity. How did I ever miss this Lake George area before? Perhaps, if only for now, I might try for a short stay. No. Maybe on the way back, I thought, that way I could stay a day or maybe two. Today, back to reality, there were meetings planned and work to do.
I realized that with the flight reservation and airport plan from the start, my fly rod was not with me. On the next drive north, there might have to be a stopover. Imaginary fog would be the cause, I’d need to pull over to stay safe. Again, I’m grinning. What a plan. I realize that this drive to a brief coffee stop has me totally energized.
A new essence for realizing the seasons of the year was added to my list of “important things,” the autumn colors of October on Lake George are unforgettable. Perhaps I must remember to do this again, maybe when NOT ON BUSINESS next year, I thought to myself. It is a family type of destination, I could bring everyone, the grandkids too.
My cellphone is activated and the calendar is reserved one year ahead around the seasons and the scenery just recorded only to memory. Of course, I’ll never forget this day.
The backcountry is a new priority. I return to the ribbons of roadway heading north with a new vision of the stunning foliage and clean, spring-fed, waterways that are abundant here. These waters are filled with trout and untainted crustaceans. Pleasantly now, I’m in a new comfort zone for effective business and again, I’m grinning. Driving was such a good idea.
Time spent in the Adirondack Mountains of New York during autumn are positively special. October is the month of color transition in the Lake George area of the Adirondack Mountains and lush green leaves turn to brilliant colors of bright yellow, orange and red. They are unforgettable.
Color and visions from morning light to sunset are remarkable all around Lake George. Accommodations are at low rates and fishing charters are still running. The crisp air is right for a fall getaway.
Not sure I can wait for next time!
For Lake George information, visit www.visitlakegeorge.com or call the Warren County Tourism Department at 518-761-7653.