Join me for a relaxing camping weekend over Memorial Day in the Adirondacks.  This will hopefully be an opportunity to meet some new GayOutdoor members!  We'll use the Lake Durant Campground as our base.  This campground sits on the southern shore of Lake Durant just east of the hamlet of Blue Mountain Lake.  The campground includes basic amenities, including hot showers.  

This weekend is meant to be social and fun with no specific itinerary.  That said, there are plenty of possibilities.  I'm thinking the following:

• Canoe/kayak Blue Mountain Lake with a short hike from the shore to Castle Rock (rentals available)
• Hike Blue Mountain (4 miles roundtrip and 1673' elevation gain)
• Visit the Adirondack Museum ($18pp) or the Sagamore Great Camp ($16pp)
• Nightly campfires

The group will decide by concensus or coordinated beforehand.  All planned activities will have ability levels of MODERATE or LESS.  Any water activities would require decent swimming ability.  There will be plenty of opportunities to relax or to take one of many short trails out to wilderness ponds.

Camping:  We'll camp at Lake Durant DEC Campground for the 3 nights.  Reservations can be made online at ReserveAmerica.com (I've already booked Site 44 and there are plenty of nearby sites available).  NOTE:  You will be responsible for your own site reservation, but I encourage and will help coordinate sharing of sites.  A maximum of 2 tents/cars and 6 people are permitted per site.  If you would like to join the weekend, but aren't a camper, there are plenty of cabins nearby in Blue Mountain Lake.

Food:  There are limited choices for food in this area...aside from a convenience store and deli.  The last opportunity for a grocery store will be in Old Forge or in North Creek.  Bring most of what you will need or want.

What to Bring:  Some of the camping supplies to consider would include cooler with food, camp stove, clothing, toiletries, tent, sleeping bag, pad/mattress, camp chair, swim suit, towel(s), aqua socks, hiking boots/shoes, daypack, etc.  No firewood should be brought into the Adirondacks.  All firewood must be sourced locally.

From Old Forge its 35.2 miles along NY-28 N.  In Blue Mountain Lake, turn right onto NY-30 S and continue for another 2.9 miles.  
From the Northway (Route 87) take Exit 23 towards Warrensburg.  Follow Route 9 N for 4.2 miles.  Turn left onto NY-28 and follow to the campground in 41.7 miles.
For GPS Users:  43.839591, -74.380526 (8821 Route 30; Blue Mountain Lake, NY)