Keeping things on the water here on the blog...why...because we have so many amazing water possibilities in upstate NY, and because as you already know, I love the water. If you've been around the blog for even a year of its four year run, you know that one of my favorite ways to enjoy Saratoga Lake is aboard one of the Adirondack Cruise & Charter vessels. Since it's inception, John and I have been frequent passengers - first on the Kaydeross, a 22 ft. pontoon boat and then the General Schuyler, a 50 ft. replica fantail launch. We've enjoyed the sunset cruises and the coffee cruises on both boats and I have to admit besides the sunset cruise, my favorite has always been a coffee cruise on the pontoon boat up Fish Creek. Now that Adirondack Cruise and Charter is practically a household name in these parts, most of the cruises go out on the General Schuyler because that vessel holds a lot more passengers. The downside of that is that it can't travel as far up Fish Creek as the pontoon boat. I'm probably in the minority in that I'd prefer the serenity of the creek over the lake so in order to get my 'creek fix' this year, we decided to do a private charter coffee cruise on the creek. Let me say, it was worth every penny and was everything and more than I hoped it to be.
Hal Raven is the owner of Adirondack Cruise and Charter and while he has a few other capable and friendly Co-Captains helping him man his vessels, Hal has become a good friend over the years so we were thrilled to have him as our Coffee Captain. Little disclaimer here.....while I longed for an early morning cruise on the creek, the 'coffee' part of it was never important so we just brought along our own donuts and pastry and beverages. Most coffee cruises do include coffee and beautiful souvenir mugs which we've enjoyed on previous cruises. In fact, I have a collection of 4. Today's cruise included my husband, John, and our daughter Laura and husband, Eric and our two granddaughters. My mom had planned to come along but a bout of sciatica caused her to cancel. Katie, Mike and Alex (15 months old) didn't partake this time since Alex is a little too young and adventurous to let his mom and dad get the most out of the experience. Alex's first adventure on the General Schuyler was Father's Day 2017 when he was only 6 weeks old! We start 'em young.
Despite the less than perfect weather recently, this cruise landed on a perfect morning and let me say, this 90 minutes of peaceful, smooth glide along what I refer to as the New York everglades (you'll see why) was just what the doctor ordered.
 |
| Captain Hal |
 |
| Green Heron waiting for a snack to happen by. |
 |
| Great Blue Heron |
 |
| Some early morning yoga... |
Looking for some creek-side real estate:
And last but not least, the beautiful General Schuyler....
Whether you're in the market for one of Hal's regular cruises or are interested in a private charter of your own, the Adirondack Cruise and Charter can accommodate! Hal and his team have hosted bridal showers and bachelorette parties, corporate events and seasonal specials. Whether you have a party of 2 or 22, Adirondack Cruise and Charter can accommodate your sailing needs. There's still time left this season to get out there and enjoy one of New York's finest attractions. In fact, the Adirondack Cruise and Charter was voted one of Saratoga's Fab 5 attractions. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Saratoga Lake, not just from the shoreline, but from the middle of the lake! Hal has lake and sunset cruises running all Labor Day weekend as well as throughout September and October. For more information and to see their schedule of cruises:
http://www.adkcruise.com/ To follow Adirondack Cruise & Charter on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AdkCruise/ If a coffee cruise sounds like just what the doctor ordered, those run every sunday morning at 11:00. Check the website for reservations. You won't be disappointed. To read earlier posts about Adirondack Cruise & Charter:
And if you're wondering if I have some sort of financial stake in the company since I write about it so often...no I don't. But I DO have a genuine passion for it having grown up on Saratoga Lake. It's my only means to get out on the water to enjoy my old stomping ground and savor the memories of days gone by. I promise you'll come away feeling relaxed and satisfied and longing for more too. Get out there and check it out soon! Thanks for stopping by Life As I See It.
