Northeast Wild

  May 5/6, 2002 - W. Br. Sacandaga River, Good Luck, Spectacle & Dexter Lakes canoeing. Put-in on the W. Branch at westernmost (of 2) Rt.10 bridge between Canada Lake & Piseco. Paddled 300yds. upstream against noticeable current & then R into Good Luck Lake Outlet, often there is a beaverdam to go over but not today. Good Luck Lake is a popular camping spot due to its ease of access - did not notice any loons. Start carry at the SW end next to the marsh; a path leads SW gently uphill to a trail junction. Go straight on snowmobile trail which occasionally has some nasty muddy spots. Doubled the carry (i.e. carry the pack over then come back for the canoe) for a total of 1.5 mi. (4.5 mi. of actual hiking) from Good Luck to Spectacle Lake - 2 hrs. including lunch stop. Spectacle is about 1.5 mile long but has many bays, peninsulas, islands & bogs to explore. Headwind, so I place my Sealline ProPack in the bow & have an easy time of paddling into the wind. See 2 loo...

Finally! DEC has completed construction of a new paddlers' take-out site along the West Branch Sacandaga River on the Shaker Place Conservation Easement along State Route 10 (our usual downstream take-out spot after a one-way trip from the 1st or 2nd bridges). The new access provides a safer and more user-friendly experience. https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/114862.html   June 6, 2016 - WEST BRANCH SACANDAGA RIVER from 1st bridge on Rt.10 to just before Shaker Place. One of the Adirondacks' most scenic streams. Soon had to duck under a tree then carry around another; the only obstruction after that was a beaver dam going into Chub Lake. Brief visits to Good Luck & Trout Lakes. Recent rains had brought water level up - the current was going from the river into Good Luck Lake - usually in summer it is flowing out of the lake toward the river. Beaver, merganser, wood ducklings. Gusty wind - blackflies not an issue during the paddle but got a few bites at th...