It has happened – the 24th consecutive year of the Pig Snout adventure. The highlights continue to accumulate. For example, how many men have you seen swim across the Hudson River and then swim back? How often have you seen a tarp with multiple holes used for shelter from rain and supported by a camper, rope, twigs and logs? How about four adult passengers in a canoe? Maintaining a campfire during a sustained rain? A fisherman building a fire to dry his clothes after falling in the creek? A gin tasting in a commemorative ceramic-coated metal mug? A vicious swarming stable fly that will only bite below the knee?
Pig Snout 24 is in the books. It was another successful weekend of fellowship, adventure, and rugged outdoor activities. All this was accomplished without any significant injuries requiring professional medical attention. Which, by the way, we know is available if needed. Fortunately, we also had professional legal representation when confronted by an Environmental Conservation officer regarding noncompliance with a specific no-parking sign.
Our campsite on the Boreas River was outstanding as we traveled to the eastern side of the Adirondacks. Hiking the rail tracks to the confluence of the Boreas and Hudson Rivers resulted in the above-mentioned swimming feat, as well as some productive fishing and exploring. Prior to this hike, our animal behavior specialist, John S, provided training on interactions with less-than-friendly bears. He was even willing to share his bear spray. Fortunately, this group did not encounter any furry beasts, unlike a hiker who a month earlier was attacked by a black bear not far from our location.
The gin tasting, as determined by last year’s winner, Uncle Jim, elicited interesting comments on the submissions. Again, the discerning palates of our group were able to overlook the marketing hype and pick a fine product provided by John S. His description of his selection process affirms the high level of quality exemplified by the products tasted. He has decided that the 2016 Pig Snout tasting shall be Red Wine. Qualifiers include: 1) Must not be able to see fingers behind a clear 3″ glass cylinder containing the wine; 2) Alcohol content less than 15% by volume. Based on this year’s tasting, I expect John S to be very focused on compliance.
It was a pleasure to have Dan, my son, join us for the first time. I have to say that I did my best to prepare him for this trip, but how could anyone describe this group? He did behave pretty well with only a close call in an encounter with two other canoeists. There were no agenda items or committee reports, so a formal meeting of Pig Snout was not called.
I’m running out of space, so I will summarize all our meals as outstanding, with a fine variety. Pig Snout 25 will be held on September 9, 10, and 11, 2016. Save the date! So from our family to yours – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
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