On the Road: Adirondacks, Part 1

Hi, hi. I’m back in England, the kids are off at school, and I finally have settled back into my routine. Have you been following the shows at New York fashion week? I have a bit. After years of going to as many shows I could fit on my calendar, it’s a luxury for me now just to look at the ones I really, really love. Of course it’s better to be there in person, but looking at them on style.com is enough fashion for me at the moment. But more on that in a few days…..

First, I want to show you the end of my summer in the Adirondacks. I have been spending August with my family in Keene Valley since I was 5 years old, and it means the whole world to now share it with my husband and children. For me, it is the most beautiful place in the world. And I love our lifestyle there – we are always outside, right smack in the middle of nature, being active, our bodies feel useful and happy, and we are focused on each other. I also love that everything is totally old school – nothing is more complicated than it needs to be, and nothing is pretentious or fancy. Simple and functional is a way of life in the Adirondacks – everyone drives an old car, wears the same Patagonia jacket and Teva or Keens shoes year after year, and passes down canoes within their families from generation to generation. We often sleep outside in a three sided cabin facing a fire pit, wake up before light to go fishing, or climb up a mountain with three generations of our family in tow. We also read and cook and swim, a lot. And of course, I am always on the lookout for style – whether its a trail sign or a pile of hiking shoes or a 1930’s Abercrombie and Fitch canoe. Here’s what I found:

One of the guest cabins at the house my parents rented this August. My sister and her husband stayed in it. I’m a scaredy cat and was very happy to be in the main house with my parents. Just a week before a bear had broken into this cabin!

The cabin was so charming though…….

Here’s the main house. And, yup, that’s a sour cherry tree right in front. We spent most mornings just drinking coffee and hanging out on this porch.

Our first day there, Coco discovered a hill that was covered with thousands of blueberry bushes. We made a blueberry and peach crumble that night to celebrate our abundance.

Zach and my mom,  reading a very old comic book they found in the house.

The boat house on the lake. They’re called guide boats and what makes them unique is that you row them instead of paddling them like a canoe. They are all made by hand and are incredibly beautiful inside and out. Many of them have wicker chairs built into the interior so you can sit comfortably while you ride or row.

The lower lake, where we swim and row.

The board where all the guide boat keys are kept.

My favorite guide boat.

The East River Trail, while walking home from the lake after a picnic and swim.

Hand made signs along the trail.

Despite being warm in the day, the Adirondacks are chilly most August evenings. We only got to eat out on the porch a few times. I love how simple and classic the table and chairs are.

Coco, discovering more blueberries up high on a mountain. Do you remember that children’s book “Blueberries for Sal?” This picture reminds me of it.

This summer we discovered America’s oldest weekly rodeo was just over an hour away from us. It was hilarious! I can see this definitely becoming an annual tradition.

One of the most charming things about Keene Valley is the airport. This is it! (If you don’t believe me just look at the tire marks from the last plane that landed).

Every Monday all the local kids get together to play Capture the Flag on the golf course. All ages from 2-18 join in while the parents get a roadie from the bar and hang out on blankets.

My sister Kim, having an afternoon read on the porch.

The Ausable River, with storm clouds rushing in. Parts of the river were absolutely devastated by Hurricane Irene. Experts say it could take 40 years for the whole river to look like it used to. This section, however, was pretty unscathed.