Museum of the Adirondacks

On Sunday afternoon we came upon the Museum of the Adirondacks.  It was 45 min before closing but what the heck?  After viewing an exhibit on logging, we sought out some of the exhibits on vernacular architecture, boats and lifestyles of the rich and famous.

Here is a typical lean to.  These were allowed in the Park as long as those who put them up did not claim ownership and made them accessible to all.  Kind of a cool place to crash on a hot day.

And here is a cute tent.  Nothing but the basics.  And a small oriental rug.  Nice touch, huh?

And here is luxury of the first order.  A private Pullman car.  Really, this is the way to go. 

And my personal favorite, an all wood racing shell.  As we passed so many lakes with long stretches of flat water I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to scull across a pristine blue lake -- a far cry from the Harlem River I row on.

Except for the boats being made of carbon fiber, the design hasn't changed all that much.  But the aesthetics sure have.

And this was Daniel's favorite.  And I have to admit, it looks like so much fun.  A canoe for two with sails.  They knew how to recreate in those days.  Today, as you drive around the area you see lots of tacky plastic inflatable toys for sale.  Even the famous Adirondack chairs are made of (gasp) plastic.  Maybe there are grace notes like this, but surely they are from a bygone era.  How gorgeous...

And some things haven't changed.  Rich men like to go fast and do it in style.  This is an historic boat that won many races.  Top speed on the water exceeded 70mph!

For contrast there is this...the piece de resistance...Daniels's soon to be realized dream of a roving botany RV.  He hopes to get a used moving truck, the size shown, and totally kick out the interior for specimen prep, kayak etc. storage and sleeping, even a solar shower.  Marie wants to pretty up the exterior.  See glam Marie -- she is totally on board.  It's a great idea and bypasses the need to always inspect mattresses for BB's!  Forget about a private Pullman car -- Pimp my truck!