Adirondacks 2022:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will we be staying?

We’ll be staying at Amanda’s Village Motel in Saranac Lake, NY. It’s just outside of town, across the street from the lake. It’s about a ten-minute walk to downtown Saranac Lake, which has restaurants, ATMs, shopping etc.

How difficult will this tour be? What should I be prepared for?

This trip will be fairly rigorous but have some creature comforts.  Be prepared for very early AM starts (3:30am some mornings to catch the dawn chorus and sunrise!) and a fair amount of driving (it’s a 5.5 hour drive to Saranac Lake from NYC). We will be staying at lovely & quaint motel, with a mini-fridge in each room and WiFi. We will be traveling in a comfortable high-top van with space for luggage. There will be short hikes, some over rough terrain, but all of which are optional. The region can also have fierce mosquitos, so bring your bug-spray!

Do I need vaccinations?

Just your Covid vaccine!

What about masks?

Masks are optional but encouraged in the confines of the van. I’ll probably wear one and keep my window cracked for air circulation. I will attempt to find eating establishments with outdoor dining options, but this may or may not be possible.

What is the food like?

Meals are not included. There are a number of nice restaurants in Saranac Lake (check out the Yelp reviews here); folks can walk into town and may choose to eat together as a group or to split up. I am also happy to drive everyone in the van to restaurants that are a bit farther, we’d just have to agree on a spot! For the first day, pack a lunch, which we will stop and eat on the road. Breakfast and lunch will be stops on the road as well; there are a number of nice rustic breakfast and lunch-spots that have excellent sandwiches, pastries, coffee, etc.

What is the weather like?

The weather in the Adirondacks in the summer can be quite variable, from hot & sunny to chilly and damp. Dawn on Whiteface Mountain can be quite cold - bring a coat, fleece or sweater, and warm hat. A bathing suit would also be good, as we’ll be staying right next to a lovely lake. Temperatures are typically in the mid-70s during the day and the low 50s at night, but on a foggy or rainy day it can feel quite cold. One never knows however: on this trip a few years ago, there was a record-breaking heatwave and it reached 100 degrees every day! Check the weather closer to the date and pack accordingly.

How should I dress?

Dress is very informal. While some people will change for dinner, it usually is just to a drier or cleaner version of what they wore during the day. Bring layers, and plan for a variety of temperatures and weather.  Bring T-shirts, a long-sleeved shirt or turtleneck, sweaters or a fleece, and a raincoat or even a winter jacket. Also a warm hat and gloves are a good idea for chilly mornings. A sun-hat or baseball cap is a good idea too. Bring comfortable, sturdy shoes as well, suitable for light hiking. Some people bring a mosquito head-net.

What else should I bring?

I also recommend bringing a small day pack, insect repellant, a flashlight with fresh batteries, sunglasses, sun screen, chapstick, a canteen or water bottle, a rain coat or poncho, an alarm clock, a wash cloth, your camera with fresh batteries, and of course binoculars. A spotting scope isn’t really necessary; I will bring mine for viewing distant waterfowl etc. and Joan will probably have one as well.

What about bugs?

The Adirondacks are famous for the enthusiastic population of mosquitos and black-flies that live there. Some of the wetland areas that have the most birds have the most mosquitos as well, so plan accordingly. Deer Ticks have also been found there, and Lyme disease has been reported, so common-sense measures such as using insect repellant and tucking pants into socks, and checking for ticks after a walk are recommended.

What are the accommodations like?

Accommodations are comfortable and modest. We will be staying at Amanda’s Village Motel, which has been locally owned & operated for decades. Think quaint and charming, but not luxurious. It is directly across the street from Lake Flower and a lovely town park. Coffee is provided, but breakfast is not included. Participants will be sharing rooms with two beds unless the single-room supplement option is chosen. 

Should I get Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance is not required, but is strongly encouraged, particularly for possible cancellations due to Covid-19. Late refunds are not possible for this trip as the hotel, van, and guides all have 30-day refund policies.

Expenses on the trip?

All guide fees, park entry fees, transportation, and accommodations are included in the price of the trip. Meals, gratuities, and personal purchases or mementos are not. Most places take credit or debit cards, and there are ATMs in town in Saranac Lake, but it might be a good idea to have some cash on hand nonetheless.

How should I pack?

Do not overpack! A standard, medium-sized bag should be ample. There is luggage space in the van, but the lighter the better.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any vehicle or during group activities.