Please WAIT! Then SCROLL DOWN for Bill and Kareen with Leo and Sam. [ Are you in this picture? ]
Bill and Kareen with Leo and Sam.
Now settled in as a Northcountry resident, Bill makes a return visit to New Camp with girlfriend Kareen. They hike, eat well and take it easy. Kareen writes a Journal of the visit.
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(On this page.)
Guest Book Entry. "I absolutely fell in LOVE with 4peaks."
More about their Fourpeaks visit. "your camp served as a gateway to my new life in the ADKs, I will never forget my time of solitude there with my dog."(An Email Exchange.)
"I LOVE this photo on top of camp rock, what a great view of New Camp!" (A Facebook Exchange.)
Kareen's Fourpeaks Journal, April 20-23, 2009
Meet more Fourpeaks guests? CLICK HERE for Meet Our Guests! Home Page.
[Click on thumbnail for full view. Scroll Down for more photos.]
Kindling for fire.
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Check the grill.
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Bill and Leo.
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"Norman" (Willie's maple, 1987).
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Bill and Leo . . .
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Guest Book Entry:
From: Kareen
Date: Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:01:57 EDT
To: martin@4peaks.com
Thank you again Martin for your help with Bill and me for taking the time to make our stay so wonderful. I absolutely fell in LOVE with 4peaks when I was there. If i was rich, I would probably stay all summer (if you'd allow).
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[Scroll Down for more photos.]
Bill's pig shack (horse barn).
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View from . . .
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. . . Sugar Camp.
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Bert Williams farm.
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Kareen.
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Native marker pile C1600
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Bill and Leo . . .
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. . . at Great Rock!
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Wainwright Mtn at Gypsy.
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Cozy fire ast New Camp.
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Leo.
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Sam eyes shut, Leo eyes wide open.
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Sam eyes wide open, Leo eyes shut,
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Candlelight dinner . . .
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. . . at New Camp.
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Yummy.
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Hammock time.
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Up to Camp Rock . . .
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. . . for a nice view (With Van).
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Vanless (For Maggie).
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"your camp served as a gateway to my new life in the ADKs, I will never forget my time of solitude there with my dog." (An Email Exchange.)
Subject: Tollfree Phone Inquiry
From: wj******@yahoo.com
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:57:51 -0700
To: martin@4peaks.com
Your_phone_number: 518-*******
Best_time_for_us_to_phone: anytime
Your_Name: William ***
Your_City_or_Province_or_Country: Willsboro NY.
When_and_how_long: April 20-23
Who_will_be_visiting_with_you: Me, my dog, Leo, girlfriend Kareen, her dog Sam.
Your_Message: My stay at 4 peaks was very special to me last Spring. last spring your camp served as a gateway to my new life in the ADKs, I will never forget my time of solitude there with my dog. I have come a long way since rolling up to New Camp from Florida last spring. And my 8 nights at new camp is where my new life began, and where I got my crash coarse on Adirondack living.
It's now one year later, and I would like to visit again, this time with someone special to share it with. Maybe a start of a tradition of yearly reunions with 4 peaks.
thanks! Bill
From: wj******@yahoo.com
Date:
Wed, 29 Apr 2009 23:51:35 +0800 (SGT)
To: martin@4peaks.com
Hi Martin.
Here is Kareen's email. Ztinnh@****.com We had an amazing time at New Camp. I know she just completed writing her journal, and we are working on getting our photos "screened" and organized so we can send them to you as well. I know she wanted to speak with you about us possibly returning this summer with her two boys, and maybe staying at Gypsy for a few nights.
From:Ztinnh@****.com
Date:Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:01:57 EDT
To: martin@4peaks.com
Hello again Martin!
I'm so glad Bill gave you my email address again so we communicate. Regarding June: We would like to know if Gypsy is available on June, 29, 30 and July 1 (3 nights). We would have with us, Bill and I. My two sons Zachary and Trevor and our 2 dogs Leo and Sam.
I completed the journal just last night and noticed a few typos or missed words. It's all about the editing, isn't it Martin? So, I am working now on putting the pics on the disc as well as the journal. Please let me know if you have microsoft word and what version you have if you do indeed have it. That will help me format it for you to read easier.
Quick question: Ridge Camp---If we decided to stay there, would we have to hike all of our "stuff" up there? This sounds like a dumb question but I am simply not sure. Thought I would ask. Also the pics of Ridge Camp arent loading for some reason on your website. It's probably my error that they arent working, so don't be alarmed.
Thank you again Martin for your help with Bill and me for taking the time to make our stay so wonderful. I absolutely fell in LOVE with 4peaks when I was there. If i was rich, I would probably stay all summer (if you'd allow).
Write anytime at all, I look forward to talking.
Kareen
About the Van (A Facebook Exchange.)
Maggie Schwalbaum on May 7 Thu 10:30pm
I LOVE this photo on top of camp rock, what a great view of New Camp! The car is in the way, photo shop!
Kareen Hannon at 6:36pm May 8
it's a gorgeous spot
Bill Rock at 9:13pm May 8
You can't photo shop my van!! Pictures tell stories. The van is signifigant.
Martin Schwalbaum at 9:15pm May 8
Maggie is right. The van screws up the picture. But I'll leave it in for you, Bill! OK?
Maggie Schwalbaum at 9:17pm May 8
Haha, but photoshopping it would just tell a different story...there can be two versions!
Martin Schwalbaum at 7:00am May 9
It's Bill's van. He has his rights. (Version without van may be available just to show off my photo altering skills. I do it all the time. Did I ever tell you about the computer facelift? I can remove wrinkles, neck sag, etc. Computer liposuction? More.)
Kareen Hannon at 8:08am May 9
I like the van! lol Maggie doesnt.... Please dont photo shop the feet! Now that would break my heart :-(
Kareen's Fourpeaks Journal, April 20-23, 2009
ARRIVAL IS 3PM!
4/20/09:
The arrival time is noted up front here in part because it is the accurate timing of our arrival to 4 peaks but most importantly to pay homage to the incredible amount of forethought Bill gave and tremendous effort he put forth to prepare for all of us to experience 4 peaks as he had envisioned a year ago and to get us there as promised to Martin on time. To me this is the heart and soul of our trip (Bill’s return) and vision for how he had hoped it would have been when he first discovered 4peaks a year ago and fell in love with it.
As we drove up the “easily miss able” road that leads to this beautiful place of peace, solitude and natural magnificence Bill noted with a boyish grin that we must stop at the “camper” to call Martin and ring the bell. “Funny, right?” Bill asks me in his statement/demand way that he is fond of using. I call them Bill –isms. He makes me laugh yet he thinks I look at him cross when he uses them. He will soon learn that I am actually fond of these Bill-isms they surprise me often, as did this camper we are parked at. It is a small dark camper on the side of the road. Nothing fancy at all and I am wondering if Bill isn’t pulling my leg. He isn’t. Call made! We are headed up the old dirt road. We pass “Thoreau” camp. Bill tells me we could have stayed there but he preferred the setting of New Camp. I like Thoreau, it has running water and electricity and it looks just “fine” to me. Until, we turn past a fence and through a gate and a beautiful pasture opens up to pine tree clusters and mossy rocks scattered here and there. Above this awe inspiriting field are “the” four peaks for which this place is aptly named. As my eyes see this spot for the first time, I realize Bill knows best…what a site! It’s amazing to see!
Martin is waiting at New Camp when we arrive and is busily preparing candlesticks, trash bags and the like. I hang back a bit, Sam at the end of my leash. Bill holds tightly to Leo’s “rope” (as I call it) and heads up to a seemingly tiny brown cabin with red trim around the windows. It has a porch with real log posts and two wooden Adirondack chairs, a picnic table sitting upon a giant bolder nestled between two beautiful trees and a woodpile.
Bill is busy doing the “business chat” that men do when greeting each other after quite some time. He is nodding his head frequently and quietly muttering “yeah-ok” while Martin lays rules down and provides information (that I’ll probably need more than Bill as this was his home for eight days last year). I am hanging out at the picnic table with Sam. We are the two newbies here at 4peaks and I am letting him settle us in and take care of business before I walk in his direction. Finally, Bill gives me the “come on up here” look. I step up on the porch via a very large rock. I am expecting to see inside a barren cabin; wooden floors a chair and a bed. I am not expecting much else. I think I am prepared for this stark reality when I step through the door. What I see surprises me and makes me smile in Bills direction (even though he’s far too busy with Martin to notice my smile). I am taken aback with delight. I see a bed, a brass bed with a beautiful antique quilt and matching pillows in the corner. There is a tiny woodstove right next to the bed, two chairs in front of the wood stove, a tiny table in the center of the room and the walls and ceilings are adorned with woodsy knick knacks. It is the quintessential romantic cabin. I couldn’t be more pleased. While my eyes are busy taking all of this in, I am awaken out of my little romantic fantasy when Bill announces, “there is work to be done!.” Martin bids us farewell and good luck.
Bill is focused and I must keep up. My job assigned-I am to unpack and give everything its place! Bill is something of a cowboy. Well, that’s the best way to describe it I suppose. He is not your typical “backyard” outdoorsman. He is methodical and aware of every little detail. The plan is in his head and I am given the “job” to help carry that vision out. I must learn he is not bossing me he is in fact, managing. This fact makes me smile. I admire this about Bill but my fiery side cannot resist pretending to be obstinate. When I question him he stops short and assesses my attitude. His face is quizzical, “am I being insubordinate? Should he let me have it? He realizes quickly that I am a character to deal with too. We learn a little more about each other, and we begin to find our way. His return to 4peaks is also our beginning. This whole “dance” that we do reminds me of Ethel and Norman in the movie On Golden Pond.
SETTLING IN-BILL NEEDS TO MOVE
Presented the evening before we arrived with a beautiful, handmade walking stick that Bill had picked up for me I am a tiny bit intimidated when Bill (after looking around the cabin checking my work) hands me this stick and says, “It’s time to move! Let’s go for a walk!” Of course I am nervous a bit. Hiking and I are new to each other. I am looking forward to hiking but I am also concerned as I am in fear of dying (essentially of a heart attack). This fear is not vacated as Bill points to an absolutely enormous boulder and proclaims, “THAT IS WHERE YOU’RE GOING!” My mind, is thinking, “You are NUTSO Norman!” A little side note here: Bill finds it boyishly entertaining to tease me about my never ending fear of death by pointing out all the various and as sundry ways in which I could do so. Perhaps I will come across a bear in the woods (he says) or “Maybe you’ll fall down and cut yourself and bleed to death. “ He’s funny right? NOT.
Anyway, fear aside and trying to live up to my NH license plate “CURAGE” LIVE FREE OR DIE I put on my brave face, grip my walking stick and with my hot pink painted fingernails I head off across the field trotting behind Bill like a bear cub follows it’s mother. We arrive (after an arduous um, 200 foot journey) across the field to “Camp Rock”. Camp Rock is an enormous boulder stuck in the side of a hill. Martin has created two trails that you can choose to get to the top. The trail on the left is steep, very steep and obviously the most expeditious route. The second trail goes around the right side of the rock and meanders slowly through the woods to the top. Bill is heading to the steep slope and me? Well, I’m preparing myself mentally to fall on my face in front of him. I look at Bill whose boyish grin has returned and he announces, “Up you go!” So, up I indeed did go. Up and up and up some more until, I go to the top. Side note here, I love Martin! He has put benches and a foot rest at the very top of camp rock for resting. I am certain Martin was thinking of people just like me when he hauled these benches up there. I made my way to the bench overlooking our cabin and sat right down! Bill is mulling around with the dogs and his boyish grin has turned into a focused look of determination. He is going to climb another boulder that is essentially on top of camp rock. Job assigned again, I am to take pictures. I enjoy Bill’s job assignments. He climbs, I take pictures. Let’s face it, it’s a win-win.
While I’m fidgeting with my back pack getting the camera ready to take pictures, Bills dog Leo decides he has pretty much had it with climbing. He doesn’t appear to be cooperating with Bill who is barking Bill orders at Leo. “Leo, climb!” “Leo up”, “Leo!” Trying not to giggle I watch this exchange amused. I see, one stubborn pit bull blinking silently all the while ignoring his owner who is very animated and flailing arms and barking louder than his dog. Meanwhile, my little dog Sam, a “chick” dog according to Bill, bounds up that higher boulder with glee in his little chick dog face. I am so proud! Bill turns to Leo now and say’s “That’s IT!!! Sam has just called you a “bitch” Leo…move it!” I am laughing so hard I can barely focus the camera as Leo finally (silently) agrees with Bill and up they climb. All three of the testosterone filled climbers at the top of the top of Camp Rock. It was a very good first climb for me. And only 200 feet from a dinner that Bill is about to create while I rest. Does it get any better than that? This newbie doesn’t think so!
A VERY IMPORTANT LIFE LESSON A ROMANTIC DINNER and a CORKSCREW
After our trip to the top of Camp Rock, Bill is hungry. Bill (a cook by trade) has something yummy in store for dinner. Having had spent the day traveling and lugging “stuff” into our cabin he is intending on making us a simple dinner of wine and cheese and bread. I learn very quickly that my idea of “simple” and Bills idea of “simple” are actually two very different things. To me, simple is opening a box of wheat thins and crunching away until I feel full. Thank goodness I am not assigned –cooking.
I’m learning quickly that being around Bill is sort of like being near a tiny tornado. He whirls around with purpose, picking up this and that and placing it down elsewhere (which he almost never remembers doing). Job assigned to myself, I will make note mentally of where Bill forgets to put his “things”. Over the next few days, I become very, very good at this job assignment. Anyway after acquainting myself for the very first time with the privy (an outhouse without a door) I return to the cabin to find Bill slicing bread on a cutting board on the edge of the table. The woodstove is open and I don’t see a flame. I only see a large log inside and some red coals underneath. I sit down in front of the fire. I am cold and the wind is starting to pick up outside. As cold as I feel, I notice I am not really experiencing all that much warmth emanating from this little woodstove. So I turn my head to enquire as to whether or not Bill would like me to throw some kindling wood and paper under this log. I want to see a big blaze! Well, you would have thought I had asked Bill if he was really a man. “What’s wrong with my fire?!” Answering his own question he says, “that right there ..THAT is the perfect fire!” I am stunned. I literally do not know what to say. I smile instead. I just sit there and smile at Bill. There is nothing else I can say or do but sit there and gawk at his pouting “man” display of disbelief at my lack of faith in his fire. I relent graciously and blink and nod where appropriate until finally there is a pause in the uproar. “I was just wondering where the fire was.” I say, trying to explain calmly and suppressing a hardy laugh at Bill’s histrionics. Apparently taking notice of my girlish and feigned innocent grin, Bill’s tantrum starts to wane and he gathers himself and says, “The fire is fine.” And so, the fire is indeed fine. I grab a sweater and sit back down. Lesson learned: Don’t ever doubt a man’s fire.
Back to the cutting board slicing thin slices of fresh mozzarella and cheddar cheese Bill asks me to set the table. I dig into my bag and return with two wine glasses. Martin has provided us with many candlesticks and holders and I place them center in the table and I take care to light every one. I am starving! Never once complaining about the wind or the chilly crisp air, Bill heads outside with a pan, some olive oil and ciabatta bread. I slice oranges and apples at the table and wait to see what he has been up to. He returns shortly with perfectly cut and toasted slices of ciabatta garlic bread. The cheese is placed on paper plates along with the fruit and I am looking around our cabin for the corkscrew. Where is it? I am pulling drawers and rechecking bags, I cannot find the corkscrew anywhere. Bill is incredulous once more. “Where is the corkscrew?” He asks. “I don’t have a clue!” Oh no, his dinner of wine and cheese and wonderfully toasted bread and fresh fruit is about to be compromised. Until I find that Martin has provided us with a corkscrew. Ah ha! I am so pleased to have found this. I hand it to Bill, with pride and relief on my face. And there is that boyish grin again. Our pinot noir is a screw top!
I dig in to the most delicious meal of wine and cheese and fruit I have ever had. I feel lucky to be here. I feel very lucky as I notice the fire is blazing and the cabin is now warm and toasty.
2 GOURMET MEALS ANOTHER WONDERFUL DAY AND ONE LUCKY GIRL
4/21/09:
After sleeping soundly next to a very warm fire which Bill stoked several times in the night, I awoke to Leo snoring and Bill up and dressed and ready to move once more. There is a percolator on our tiny cabin stove perk, perk, perking up some delicious coffee for me (still in my camp jammies) while Bill is preparing to take Leo for a quick morning walk. After he returns Bill decides that today is the day we’re going to have pancakes for breakfast. I am feeling rather spoiled. I have had coffee and gotten dressed, I’m lounging by the fire and Bill is digging into his kitchen supplies. I am asked to chop up a few apples. “Apples?” I think to myself. Well, after the fire incident and the delicious meal I had the night before, I’m not about to ask what the apples are for. I just get to chopping and wait.
Somehow, miraculously Bill has made us a breakfast of apple pancakes with cinnamon and butter and the thickest crispiest bacon I’ve ever had in my life. MMMMmmmmm these pancakes are fabulous and the bacon is to die for. This is a spectacular way to start the day. I can hardly wait to get out into 4peaks and see what there is to see. After cleaning up our little cabin I have my walking stick in hand and am ready to go. The air is crisp today and there is a threat of rain. The pine trees in front of our cabin are swaying and to me, this seems to be the perfect outdoor weather. It is spring in the Adirondacks. Everything is recovering from a long cold winter and I feel that I am as well. It feels good to be out here. It feels really good. Today is the day we are going to hike to the “look out”. We hike up the old road past camp rock and we come across “Bert’s Farm”. Bert’s farm is an old abandoned homestead and Bill and I take our time wandering around looking at old cellar holes and abandoned farm equipment. We try to picture what it was like here so very long ago. I admire how they lived and I picture myself there at Bert’s Farm hauling water from the creek and making biscuits for breakfast. I can picture Bill outside with his hatchet chopping firewood. It feels nice here. As Martin is so fond of asking on his website “Are you in this picture?” I find myself answering, “Yes I am Martin. Yes I am!” After taking several pictures we continue up the road that runs past Bert’s Farm. We check the map that Martin provided for us and look for the off trail that ascends to the look out. This will be my first “real” hike here at 4peaks.
The trail starts out fairly easy for me, then quickly becomes rather steep. My little dog Sam runs back and forth between Leo and Bill in the lead and me huffing and puffing in the rear. Despite my heart racing and my lack of breath and desperate thirst, I have to say, I am enjoying myself. With each step I find myself thinking of how picturesque and painstakingly maintained 4peaks is. The trails are clear of debris the views are breath taking and the serenity I feel here is unparalleled to any other trip I’ve ever taken. I am impressed by the work and love that Martin has put into this oasis to real life and its noise and bother and stress and bustle. Here, trailing behind Bill with Sam darting over rocks and around tree trunks off the trail, I feel peaceful. I also feel as if I need to rest! Bill must sense this as he turns to suggest we rest for a bit. I take him up on this offer and lower myself to the forest floor reclining up against a tree trunk. Bill and I talk about Martin and how much work he must put into making 4peaks enjoyable for all of his guests. Bill and I admire Martins life and his work. We feel honored to be here. I am grateful that fate had Bill find 4peaks a year ago.
After a short rest, we are up and moving again. For me, the trail is becoming very steep. I soon learn why Bill never climbs a mountain without Leo. Noticing that I am focused on making this stretch without dying Bill decides not pick on me about my fear and instead offers me the end of Leo’s rope. Leo to the rescue! He is so powerful he literally pulls me up the hill. Up we go, very quickly and with ease it seems. Leo is now my hero. Bill encourages me to keep going. I am happy and proud of myself and the look on Bills face reminds me of my own years before when I watched my son’s take their first steps. Bill is proud of me for not quitting. Soon we are high up the mountain and approaching yet another large boulder. Bill and Leo have snuck past me again (as I have stopped a few times to catch my breath) I curse my idiotic decision to start smoking. I finally meet the “pack” at the boulder. I can see for miles all around me. We take pictures and talk about the future hikes we intend to take together. I am tired. I am a good tired. I am beaming with pride, I made it! Apparently however, I am too quick to celebrate. Bill gently reveals to me this is not the top. He wanted me to get to the summit of the look out so badly but the truth is, we meandered so long at the old homesteads that the sky is growing dark. Bill doesn’t think it will be safe to continue hiking. He suggests we go down before it gets dark outside. I am so disappointed in myself. Bill is quick to note how impressed he is with how far I did make it. His enthusiasm makes me feel better and I gather my stick and trail behind once more. This time, we are headed back down. I make a vow to myself. The next time, I will summit the lookout. No matter what!
Once back at New Camp we clean up a bit and visit the privy. This privy really cracks me up. Here I am, in the middle of the forest peeing in a wood box with a quilt blowing around in front of me and I don’t even mind. In fact the privy is part of the charm. And let’s face it; it is far superior to having to scout out a private location on my own to do my business. Bill has begun to tease me about my infatuation with the privy. I plot silently to snap a picture of his ankles under that quilt if he doesn’t stop picking on me. Bill is a stubborn one but on this, he seems to realize I mean business and behaves himself, ha!
All cleaned up and we are hungry again. Bill has tended to the fire and the chill in the air soon leaves our small cabin. The menu has been announced: Rib eyes, grilled onions, sweet potatoes and zucchini. I am absolutely certain I have never eaten better than I have here with Bill at the helm of our “campfire” kitchen. “We’re having Rib eyes?” I say out loud. Bill smiles at me. He nods and says, “yes, we’re having rib eyes, how do you like yours?” I AM IN HEAVEN!
The table set once more with wine filled glasses of pinot noir and candles lit, I sit down to the most romantic dinner of my life. The rib eye steaks are so tender I cannot even begin to imagine how he does it. The meal is so delicious I actually ask Bill, “Am I really here?” He nods between bites and I am staring at him wondering how come he isn’t as impressed with this meal as I am. I think maybe he is being humble. This day has been one I will remember for a lifetime. I grab my notebook to take notes I don’t want to forget a single moment. A warm fire, delicious gourmet meal, good wine a budding relationship and one happy girl from New Hampshire, does it get any better than this? ----I know I keep saying that.
OUR LAST FULL DAY
4/22/09
Three days into our trip, our routines have been formed. The percolator is doing its thing, Bill and Leo are on their morning jaunt and I am rolling out of bed with Sam at my feet waiting patiently for me to slip on my sneakers so he can walk me to the privy. Back in the cabin, enjoying my coffee Bill returns. He has been thinking on his walk with Leo and he suggests we take it easy today and just check out some of the other camps here at 4peaks and make a picnic lunch to take with us. I love this idea. I am anxious to see the other camps and to do some non-steep meandering with my walking stick and my new 4peaks “pack”. First we will have breakfast and clean up the cabin. I am assigned the cleaning up and I am grateful to do something. Bill does it all and won’t really let me lift a finger to assist. I am beginning to worry he is going to get annoyed at me. Okay truthfully what I’m fearing is that he wont cook anymore. Nothing to fear, he is busy doing this and that and declares; “biscuits, sausage patties and pork gravy for breakfast!” I honestly feel as if I’ve been taken away with a contestant on top chef or something.
A short time later, we sit down to eat our breakfast. This time, I think Bill is actually impressed with himself. I know for sure there is a secret ingredient to Bills pork gravy recipe but I have been sworn to secrecy. Let me just say this, if this breakfast was on a menu at a restaurant, it would be winning awards! God that was a good breakfast and our day was only going to get better.
This day, will be my favorite day at 4peaks. I am going on a picnic, taking a long meandering walk through 4peaks and spending time with Bill and Leo and Sam. Simple pleasures are my favorite type. This day appeals to me on all levels. With my trusty stick in hand, the camera and the back pack safely on my back, we all head out through the gate on stonehouse road. We are heading first to Sugar Camp where we discover the camp but also the old remains of the sugar house. It is so beautiful here. There is a little stream running through this location and old building Bill and I dub the “Pig Shack”. We notice there is a trough inside and a tiny door. Bill is talking to me about the Pig Shack at first and explaining to me that a long time ago the people weren’t very tall. I am skeptical of this explanation. I mean, I know folks way back when weren’t tall but this door is teeny tiny. Then there is the matter of the trough. I point this out to Bill and start to laugh. The look on his face of disappointment in his “little people” theory is priceless. I have completely taken the wind out of his sails and despite having been raised with good manners; I cannot help but laugh out loud. To ease his pride, I offer to take pictures of him in front of the Pig Shack. I am a smart girl! This ploy works and Bill is quite pleased once more to share his love for 4peaks and its relics and rambling and sprawling camp sites with me. What a great stop we had. Sugar camp is beautiful and I have to admit, my favorite of all, (Although, I haven’t yet seen Ridge Camp so my favorite might change when I do).
We continue down Stonehouse Road and take pictures by the old tree stump that we name “Norman.” This big tree stump is bigger than Bill and I put together and I think it’s beautiful. It appears to me as if whoever was trying to cut it down simply gave up eventually. I can see the cut in the bottom of the tree but I am pleased that the task was never completed. “Norman” is amazing. I am glad he’s still here. The next stop on our walk is Gypsy Camp. Bill describes why it is given that name and points out its separate cooking facilities and its sleeping quarters. Together we decide that my children will love it here. I can see Bills wheels turning in his head. I am so glad to see this; it means I can come back to 4peaks soon.
We decided earlier to forgo lunch and take with us, snacks instead. Our breakfast was so filling we didn’t require a full lunch. Bill scouts out a spot for us to sit and listen to the stream. We sit down on the bridge Martin has built over this stream and we empty our packs. Water and trail mix are a wonderful treat as the dogs play and bark and we talk about 4 peaks and reflect on our short stay and all the laughs we have had already. After some time just relaxing by the stream we decide to go back to New Camp instead of walking further. On our way back I see more photo opportunities and take advantage of each one. I see relaxation on Bills face now. Even though he barely ever sits still, I can tell that Bill is at peace as well. This makes me so happy. His return to 4peaks is a successful one and he cannot hide this from me. I capture it in several photos along the way.
Dinner tonight is once again accompanied by candlelight and wine. We are having slow cooked barbeque pork ribs, garlic egg noodles and grilled acorn squash. It smells so good cooking and I am so impressed with the whole experience here I break “camp” code and call my mother. My mother was raised in the rugged wilderness of the Washington State and I was privileged to spend time with her there as a young girl. I want her to look up 4peaks on her computer and perhaps keep it in mind for herself as a vacation destination. I know she will love it! My phone call made and several trips to the privy later, dinner is served. The ribs practically melt in my mouth. Good lord this man can cook! After dinner I convince Bill that actually “sitting” in the Adirondack chair wont hurt him and we relax with wine and the stars above. The dogs are tired and sleeping on the brass bed by the fire. We both know our time at 4peaks ends soon. We want to savor it, and we do. Without the light pollution of streetlights and buildings we can stars like never before. Our time at 4 peaks is without a doubt a magical one. Bill has come a long way since his first stay and I have come to understand his love for this wonderful, peaceful place. We both want to emulate Martins life now and we ponder the idea in our minds silently but together.
I recently emailed Martin to ask if we could stay again sometime in June….I hope it is available to us then. There are two little boys that are about to fall in love with it like I did and I am happy inside to know that my next journal will be Kareen’s return to 4peaks. I look forward to writing it.
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Fourpeaks Adirondack Camps
are private cabins on Fourpeaks 700-acre secluded mountain valley with four 2,000-foot peaks. Authentic Northcountry furnishings with fireplaces, complete kitchens. For Northcountry vacations in the style of the 19th century wilderness or Great Camp. Pure luxury for campers or backcountry hikers. A satisfying adventure for those who have never lived "off the grid."
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Are you in this picture?
Fourpeaks hosts now welcome paying guests to a 700-acre rest and playground for vacations in the Adirondack Great Camp tradition. Couples appreciate Fourpeaks secluded settings. Outdoor loving families have fun exploring our accessible wilderness. Folks with dogs enjoy the open spaces to run their pets. A private nature rereat. For a vacation away from it all. Are you in this picture? CLICK HERE to find out! [More about this at Frequently Asked Questions.]
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"Hints of Balsam and Pine from our Corner of the Adirondacks"
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Whether you're an experienced webmaster or just a novice surfer, you may have feedback or suggestions to help us improve. We well remember the visitor who complained about the unpleasant glare from the HTML default royal blue links. That lead us to entirely revamp our background and link colors, making them softer, more eye pleasing. And the Florida expert who warned us about frustrating visitors with blind links. We followed his advice and now carefully identify links so visitors know before they "click" exactly where they're clicking to. Your comments or suggestions will be equally appreciated.
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