We spent an overnight with friends Jane and Rick at 13th Lake. Friday afternoon we messed around on the lake as Eric tried out Jane’s kayak, Kathryn tried out their Hornbeck Lost Pond canoe and Jim tried out the Seda Scout canoe. Friday evening we went through pictures and re-lived old camping stories.

On Saturday morning Jane & Rick left to stuff envelopes for the local library and we hiked Balm of Gilead Mtn near the Garnet Hill XC Ski Center in North River, NY. Balm of Gilead Mountain is a hike of less than a mile to summit at 2,145 feet. It ranks as the 581st highest mountain in New York and the 39419th highest mountain in the United States.

While the hike up was short it was humid as all get out and we sweat profusely. We were glad to reach the summit ledges and the views of Thirteenth Lake, Peaked Mtn, Bullhead Mtn, Puffer Mt, and Eleventh Mtn.

On both Friday and Saturday our ‘water time’ concluded with Eric and Jim having tube wars. Eric declared himself as ‘un-dunkable’ and Jim took up the challenge.

Great time and we hope to get a chance to canoe camp with Jane and Rick soon.