The first wave of swimmers cuts through the fog at the start of the Old Forge Triathlon.

Summer showed up again this past weekend, with indications it will hang around for a while. After early morning fog, Sunday blossomed into a beautiful day for the Old Forge Triathlon. Over 300 athletes participated, and over 1000 cheering supporters enjoyed a perfect August day in the Adirondacks. Most used the weather and support by triathlon sponsor Enchanted Forest Water Safari to cool off at the water park during the afternoon.



Triathlon bikers pass Bald Mt. Pond on their way from Old Forge to Inlet,
before returning on the South Shore Road.

People gather at historic Hemmer Cottage, the finish line of the Old Forge Triathlon.

 

In its second year, the Old Forge Triathlon shows all the signs of unlimited success as another family oriented event bringing active folks of all ages to the area. Many were just active spectators. The athletes, supporters, and spectators all seemed to appreciate the “perfect storm” of weather, natural resources, course layout, and close proximity to all the community has to offer.

Sunset over Old Forge Pond provided the backdrop for the
Gwen Tracy Band at the free Sunday Lakefront Concert.

The weekend started with Friday’s opening reception of the Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors at VIEW. The exhibit, now in its 32^nd year, is ranked as one of the ten best watercolor competitions in the nation. A tour of the exhibit and VIEW shows why this has grown to such prominence, and, with it, Old Forge. The community is vibrant and determined to succeed on service, not merely survive on entitlement. Old Forge has New York’s largest water theme park, VIEW with its national reputation, the historic Adirondack Scenic Railroad, McCauley Mountain (home to three skiers named to U.S. Olympic teams), and the Fulton Chain of Lakes, home base of the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Route and the 90-mile Adirondack Canoe Classic.



Later Sunday, an almost-full moon beamed in the warm, summer sky as Gwen,
her husband and parents lit up the Adirondack night with great music.