Our last tour of New York was a ride around Lake George.  First we went south and west to Fort William Henry.  This fort was built in 1755 on the southern end of Lake George in response to Fort Ticonderoga which was built on the north end at the juncture of Lake George and Lake Champlain.  Whomever controlled the lakes controlled the continent.  Unfortunately, Fort William Henry was smack in the middle of a large tourist section of Adirondack Park.  The fort had been rebuilt in the mid 1950's, but seemed to lack the funds necessary to make it historically correct in every detail.  It seemed to us to have the air of a theme park attraction.  

One of two costumed interpreters, both of whom were girls.  Their demos were detailed yet entertaining.

Everything historical was aimed at attracting tourist dollars, such as this historic steamboat.  The old railroad station was chock full of kitsch with no mention of its railroad history--very disappointing.  After our visit we rode back to Whitehall via a side visit to the local Harley-Davidson dealer.

Next day we rode north along the east side of Lake George to Fort Ticonderoga.  

As we entered the parking lot we were immediately drawn into the past by costumed soldiers reinforcing the palisade--the outer defense of sharpened stakes.

View of Lake Champlain from the parapet.  

Before the fort was completed work came of a British attack.  French general Montcalm order everyone across the bay and up mountain to build a trenched defense.  It worked.  Outnumbered 3-1, the French held off the British then returned to finish the fort. 

Loyal colonists, or Loyalists wore these blue coats.

Parade ground and barracks

The blacksmith (Duane) couldn't resist a few pix of good ironwork.

The tops of the andirons held candles for more light.

A fife and drum demo.  Each tune and drum sequence relayed information and instructions to troops either in the fort or in battle.

A short walk from the fort is the King's Garden.  It was restored also.  During the wars the garden provided fresh vegetables for the fort.  They didn't say, but I think that the area around the garden was used to keep the beef and sheep.

After our visit we stopped in the town of Ticonderoga for lunch then cut over to Lake George and rode south.  We saw a this waterfall as we passed a park in town.

A view of the lake.  

We enjoyed our ride until we got about 30 miles from home when we ran into an area of misty drizzle that covered the whole south end of the lake.  We made it home fairly dry and tucked in for the night.

Next stop--Vermont!

Louise and Duane