Photo taken and adapted by Hal Raven.
BY MEGIN POTTER, PHOTOS PROVIDED There’s a gleaming treasure, full of unimaginable riches, right here for you to find. Rising from the depths of a long era of limited use, the shimmering waters of Saratoga Lake are now open to more people wanting to take in its regal beauty. “The lake is the hidden gem of Saratoga,” said Hal Raven, cruise operator and owner of Adirondack Cruise & Charter Co. Last year, 82 years after the last touring steam ship, the S.S. Alice stopped running, Raven began offering cruises aboard the Kaydeross, a 22’ pontoon boat that seats nine. Despite it being their first season in business, more than 800 people toured with Adirondack Cruise & Charter Co. around the lake and the adjoining Fish Creek. The company’s waiting list grew as many more wanted to have a seat aboard the lake’s only public touring vessel. “We make it so it’s not just a cruise, it’s an experience,” said Raven. To help keep up with the demand, a 50’ fantail launch boat is being added this year. Built by Paul Raasoch in 2003 to tour Rock River, a tributary of the Mississippi, the boat’s charming 1900’s replica design features a white hull, mahogany decking, polished brass hardware, and a fully-enclosed canopy with detachable side curtains to protect passengers from sun and wind. With the capacity to seat 30 passengers, it also has the added convenience of a restroom on board, as well as a small bar serving drinks. Its shallow draft means that it can operate in just 8” of water, and its low profile allows it to fit under Fish Creek’s bridges.
Launching
INTO CRUISE MODE Captain Hal
“When I saw this boat I said, ‘It’s perfect for Saratoga’”, said Raven. An experienced boater since childhood, Raven was a captain at Lake George Shoreline Cruises before starting Adirondack Cruise & Charter Co. He loves the history of steamboats on Saratoga Lake and has plans to one day convert the boat’s clean 4-stroke concealed motor to steam and therefore bring the golden age of steamboat touring back to Saratoga Lake. In addition, Raven also plans for the boat to serve as a living history local classroom for area students. An active board member of the Saratoga Lake Association, he feels that teaching students about invasive species and how to preserve the lake’s physical integrity will ensure that it is a valuable resource for years to come, he said. “We make it fun for the kids; for a lot of them, it’s their first time on a boat. We make sure that it’s a unique experience,” said Raven. Fantail cruises are scheduled to begin in June with Lake, Sunset, Moonlight, and Sunday Brunch Cruises happening throughout the summer. The fall season will also include a Foliage and a Ghost Ship Cruise. The Kaydeross will be running Fish Creek, Coffee, Sunset, Fireworks, and Fall Foliage cruises. Ticket prices range from $20$75 for an approximate 1 ½ hour cruise. Private charters for parties and corporate events are available. Shuttle service runs from Waterfront Park to Brown’s Beach midmorning to early afternoon in July & August for $15/roundtrip. For special event cruises, offers, and giveaways, follow Adirondack Cruise and Charter Co. on Facebook and on Instagram at Adkcruise. For more information, cruise schedules, and to buy tickets go to www.AdkCruise.com SS
MARCH/APRIL 2017 | SIMPLY SARATOGA | 99