LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 23 very few pre-existing beaches, where one of the few hiking trails already exists. Rafting or any river travel is definitely the least invasive way to experience the outdoors." It's not uncommon to have both hikers and boaters at the same beach at the same time, and everyone seems to be respectful of each other, making for en- joyable experiences on both ends. From the historical rides men took upon trees when the lumber industry was booming in the 1800s, to the adventure tour industry we have now, the Hudson River Gorge has always given people an intimate look at some of the park's most pristine landscapes. Some haven't been touched by human feet in over a century. That being said, the industry has grown the multigen- erational families and traditions that rely on the area. From river rafting to being in the woods hunting on the endless acres of State land, local families flourish. Colin Cunningham, a guide and contractor, has a long family history in the Adirondack Park. His family has been fishing near the Gorge, hunting the woods, and guiding on the river for as long as rafting has existed here. In a brief conversation, he said, "Hunting the Ad- irondack Mountains isn't like hunting anywhere else in the state. It's difficult terrain and much fewer deer per square mile than the southern and western parts of New York. But for the dying breed of hunter that loves hunting the big woods, there is no place they'd rather be. It's a seemingly endless country where you rarely have to worry about a property line or another hunter cutting your track. Every time I go out for a hunt in the big woods of the Adirondacks, it's much more than the pursuit of an animal. It is its own unique experience with the woods and everything in them." Abraham Gadway, licensed guide and Master Ser- geant in active duty with the New York Air National Guard, grew up in these woods, too. Having spent time hunting and fishing as a kid, He got into whitewater rafting in the late 90's. It was natural for him to be- come a guide. Echoing what Cunningham mentioned, Gadway said, "There is less than one deer per square mile estimated in the Central Adirondacks," so Gadway agrees it can be a challenge, especially to get a deer out in front of one of his clients. When I asked him why he calls this place home, Gadway said, "Having grown up here and having traveled the world the last two decades with the military, there is nothing more sat- isfying than to live where people choose to vacation." He added, "The Adirondacks are my home and, in my opinion, hold some of the most diverse scenery east of the Mississippi River!" Abe and other locals can all agree on one thing: the " The Narrows" of fers thrills for all, from paddle-raf ters and inflat- able kayaks, to heav y oar-rigs.

• Cover