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Camping On Indian Lake

I had planned June 14-15 to be my return to Watkins Glen with Patroon BMWCCA. I was going to camp at the state campground in town with my folks and the two dogs, just like last year. Instead, emergency repaving of turn 1 canceled the track event. So, despite a rotty weather forecast, we still decided to go camping – just a little closer to home, Adirondacks region to be specific. With two kayaks and plenty of other gear loaded on the truck, we set out for the Speculator / Indian Lake area, eventually settling into a site between Lewey and Indian Lakes, right on the water. The weather turned out better than expected, showering only Saturday, and I got plenty more time in our ill-used kayaks we picked up used several seasons back. Tuesday, the day before we left, my father and I (with my dog riding along as co-pilot) set off for the Indian Lake islands to plan for future trips. There are maybe half a dozen islands of varying size, and we picked out some prime spots for future visits – although we’ll need to rent a canoe to get all the gear over!

I was able to get my dog, Baja, to ride in front of me in the kayak last year, and he didn’t miss a beat this year. Our other dog was a little more hesitant and didn’t quite catch on this trip, but she ought to be game with a more spacious canoe. I’ve got some photos from camping which will be uploaded to my Flickr account in due time.

So I have a credit with Patroon for a future track event, which I may or may not cash in on their July event up at Calabogie. I need to see if any of these ongoing job application processes pan out, but it’s a track I’ve been wanting to drive ever since working the event last year. We’ll see what happens.

Pics From Bogie

Calabogie 32

I’ve uploaded what I could from my weekend at Calabogie Motorsports. As usual, I couldn’t find much time to take a lot of shots, and I also neglected to do any panning or shooting down the main straight. Anyhoo, what’s available is here at Flickr.

Calabogie!

So it’s been a month (how many times have we heard that here?) and I feel bad. Last weekend I spent three nights up in Calabogie, Ontario. Those Canadians up there built themselves a fine race car track, and I volunteered to help out with the combination HPDE and BMWCCA club race going on that weekend. We did the on-site tech inspections of student cars, and then grid for the DE. The weather was unpredictable and the work tiring. I snagged time for two ride-alongs, and the track definitely lives up to its reputation. Surfaces are buttery smooth and the scenery surrounding the track is worth taking in. Too bad I didn’t get to drive. But my room and beer were largely paid for, my only real expense being gas money, and being there means I’ll be at Patroon’s October date at Lime Rock, this time driving again.

Oh yes. There was an autocross back there too. A few actually. Since last posting about the National Tour at Seneca Army Depot, there’s been two local autocrosses and a Saturday test and tune. On June 28th I placed 2nd, and on July 12th, 3rd. The V710s continue to heat up and have yet to cord; I’m not entirely sure if they’re as grippy as they used to be, though. The bigger issue is my driving. Specifically, I’m not as impressed as I used to be about driving around cones in anger. I’m less interested and driving sloppier for it. I need to clean up my act and focus out there. As-is, I’m a leading cone killer this year(!)