We ventured a bit farther afield today, to the village of Tupper Lake (which is not actually on Tupper Lake – more on that later). Our main destination was the Wild Center – think top quality science museum focused on ecology and nature with something for everyone. The main hall featured some impressive exhibits, including a set of very playful otters, a 15-foot tall model glacier wall, and a well-sealed plexiglass box containing swarming beetles that were actively consuming animal carcasses. The outside grounds were woven with nature paths around a scenic pond (where Ben even spotted a shy young deer), and an ethereal forest walk interwoven with steel sculptures and music from speakers tucked throughout the trees. And everyone enjoyed the “Wild Walk” tree-top structure that had an super-sized spider web and human-scale bird’s nest above the tree line.

Known for its high peaks, the Adirondacks region also sports an immense collection of water bodies. There seems to be a convention we don’t quite understand that guides the assignment of lake-based names to villages and towns. For example, the village of Lake Placid abuts Mirror Lake, the village of Saranac Lake is on the shores of Lake Flower, and the village of Tupper Lake is alongside Raquette Pond – go figure!

Names aside, for the afternoon we decided to take to the water. Given that lakes and rivers abound in the Adirondacks, paddling is a commonplace activity in the area. The region just south of Tupper Lake holds a complicated mix of low islands, waterways, and marshes. In our rented canoes we explored an oxbow and the open waters of Simon Pond. At the beginning, our canoe speeds were somewhat mismatched but after a carefully choreographed mid-water personnel exchange, we managed to even things out.

We forgot to mention yesterday’s hike of the day, which came early in the morning and was actually half trail run, up Cobble Hill, near Lake Placid. The highlight was a long slab climb near the top, complete with a convenient rope option along the steepest part. Today’s installment was an easy ramble up Coney Mountain. This hike was recommended by a friendly staff member at the Adirondack Mountain Club store for its accessibility and 360 degree views at the top. We’re happy to report that it did not disappoint!