The many homes and camps that have remained vacant for the colder months, have been finding themselves filled and refilled with visitors arriving from out of town.
For some, the weeklong trip up to the Adirondacks has become a tradition; while others are getting their feet wet in the Chain of Lakes for the first time.
Old Forge has endless activities day and night to keep a visiting family entertained, but for most visitors their last day in Old Forge marks the end of their time in the ADKs.
With a little planning however, there may be one last sight to see on the way out of town.
For those headed towards the Northway, the Great Camp Sagamore is in the line of travel.
The Sagamore is located in Raquette Lake, ten miles north of Inlet. A sign on the right-hand side of the road indicates the turn.
The changing of the road from cement to dirt, sets the mood for the sight to come.
After four miles, the Camp comes into view. It can be described as rustic but grand, calm yet full of life.
A tour group here and there may be spotted, but the grounds are not overflowing with people.
The architecture is unique to a time period and place. A walk around the Great Camp Sagamore allows people to take a look back into a piece of Adirondack history.
All of this would not be possible however, if it were not for the immaculate preservation.
Although some modern appliances have been added to the Sagamore, historical correctness is its pride.
For example, renovations were being made recently to the two lane bowling alley. Years of use (it was built in the early 1900s) and wear and tear by the elements had rendered it unusable.
The plans to renovate began two years ago with a call to Andre Le Doux, a professional in alley restoration.
Some of his previous work has included the lanes at Swarthmore College and Georgian Court.
Mr. Le Doux is a fount of knowledge, with an answer to nearly anything regarding the history of bowling lanes. His expertise and appreciation of history made him the obvious choice for redoing the lanes at the Sagamore.
Le Doux and his team spent five days dutifully working, hand sanding where a machine would be inadequate and replacing damaged pieces with parts from other alleys made around the same time.
The foundation of the kickbacks was rebuilt, as it suffered from water damage, and original chairs that sat by the lanes were given back their luster.
An amazing amount of work was done in such a short time that would not have been possible if it were not for a grant from the Environmental Protection Fund and volunteers from National Grid to rewire the electricity.
The restored lanes now give another reason to visit the Sagamore.
Whether you are on your way out of town or a local who has not quite made time, a visit to the Great Camp Sagamore is worth your while.
