There’s little more pleasant than a leisurely paddle on some of the Adirondacks’ most picturesque lakes. This event, however, is not that paddle. The route covers three days and 90 miles, beginning on a Friday morning in Old Forge and ending sometime Sunday in Saranac Lake; it follows the route taken by some of the area’s early European settlers and guides. More than 500 competitors typically participate – either solo or in groups - racing canoes, kayaks, and guideboats to the finish. The route includes about 5 miles of carries. You don’t have to be a world-class athlete to participate; multiple age classes are welcome. But this is a heady challenge.