COVEWOOD IS OPEN MAY - OCTOBER

Fall Foliage Digital Photography Workshop Offered at Covewood

Make Your Summer Reservations for 2008

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM

Nature Photography Skills Workshop Offered Last Year

Big Moose Lake, NY, (August 11, 2007)   Indian River Photography is offering a 5-day workshop in digital SLR photography during the first week of October. Enhance your photography skills during the beautiful, peak fall color at Big Moose Lake at Covewood. This enjoyable, yet intense, workshop is designed for experienced photographers transitioning to digital SLRs, as well as seasoned digital photographers seeking to improve their photographic techniques.

Led by Vici Zaremba and Steve Diehl, the workshop is limited to an enrollment of 12 to ensure each participant access to and personal instruction. The program features lectures (optimizing camera settings, understanding histograms, digital housekeeping and more), critiques in class, in the field, and after the workshop along with demonstrations and varied shooting opportunities. The workshop will provide extensive field experience and technical guidance that only professionals can provide.

Locations for shooting have been chosen with diversity in mind. The Covewood property features inspiring lake views, a wildlife blind, and the outlet of Big Moose Lake. Before breakfast you can also photograph the mists of South Bay or the skimming dawn light at nearby Moss Lake. Extended field trips may include Otter Brook in the Moose River Plains, Twitchell Creek, Andes Creek, and the Independence River among others. There will be opportunities from landscape to close-up, the grand sweep of color to the intense red of a single leaf, lake views to cascading brooks, fog banks lifting while loons call to reflections of molten color around the base of a moss covered stone.

The $870 fee covers Covewood lodging and food (breakfasts, lunches, and Monday night welcoming dinner), lectures, printed materials, individual instruction while shooting, and critiques during and following the workshop. The registration deadline is September 12. All arrangements must be made through Indian River Photography (please do not call Covewood to register for the workshop or to make lodging reservations). Download the workshop registration form here (the form is in PDF format; you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print it). Additional information can be obtained through Indian River Photography by calling Steve at (315) 659-8205. Feel free to email Steve at stevediehl@localnet.com.

Space is limited for this fun and educational event, so register as soon as possible. Remember: make both workshop and lodging reservations through Indian River Photography, not Covewood.

Summer 2007 (a)Musings

Weather & Friends Make It The Best Week Ever

South Bay Sunrise

Big Moose Lake, NY, (August 20, 2007)  Returning to the real world from Covewood is a risky proposition at best; this year was downright foolish. I made an appointment with my therapist on the trip back to Virginia, even before I got to Utica. The lack of everyday concerns of work (a job I absolutely love even) and geopolitical maneuverings was especially evident as beautiful, ever-changing weather and friends/family conspired to keep me in Covewood's alluring hold. First off, the annual rituals: (1) 6am swim from Lakeside to Floating Dock - check; (2) Visit Buzz Point gazebo - check; (3) Circumnavigate the camp with camera - check; (4) Order doughnuts - check; (5) Watch Perseids meteor shower from Lakeside dock (no moon this year!) - check; (6) Crag Point Swim (twice, skipped the Waldheim-to-Covewood swim this year) - check; (7) Keyes Pancake Bike Run - check. From then on it was bear watching, loon listening, kayaking, and lots of reading on the dock (and under trees when the rain came through). Oops! Left out water skiing this year (much to Di's relief, I'm sure).

Rafting on the Outlet

The weather was incredible, distinctly different each day, but tremendously beautiful. It ran the gamut (excepting snow) and stayed pretty much in the 70s. This meant no flies. I told my wife that if I wanted temps in the 80s we would have gone to the Caribbean instead, a statement that didn't make me very popular. This year the wildlife was especially abundant. In addition to the usual ducks and deer, the loons were plentiful and fearless, often coming well into the Outlet. Many black bears, coyotes barking at night and even a family of turkeys!

Although we don't have kids young enough to participate in the daily recreation program, it looks like it was creatively planned and run. The raft-building results were particularly fun to watch. From the screams and yells, it appeared the kids certainly enjoyed it.

Regrettably, the week came to a close and all I have to look forward to now is 51 weekly visits to my shrink's couch. Sigh. Maybe I should work on convincing my wife that two weeks at Covewood is the way to go (might cost me a trip to the Virgin Islands, though). -- Jim Dunning

Make Your Summer Reservations

Major & Di Return From Antarctica to Ready for the Summer

Big Moose Lake, NY, (January 22, 2007)   Big Moose Lake is iced over and snow is flying, but Major and Di are busy taking reservations for summer 2007. Their trip to the South Pole (or at least near it) was great fun and they are looking forward to sharing their adventures with returning and new guests in not too many months. New season rates are posted on the Lodging page. Call 800-357-7530 today.

Get in on the fun and call for summer reservations now!

Lake Expansion Underway

Nature Increases Big Moose Size & Fun

Big Moose Lake, NY, (June 29, 2006)   With a little help from Mother Nature, Big Moose Lake is looking to increase its size from its normal 1,265 acres to something even more impressive. The recent rains that have deluged the Northeast have added significant volume to the lake and Covewood already has plans for the added surface area. Sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and waterbikes will be available to take advantage of this unexpected boon to water recreation. Major and Di also expect the demand for water-skiing lessons to increase significantly this summer.

Covewood Summer 2005 Retrospective

Our Summer Photo Album

Big Moose Lake, NY, (September 8, 2005)   The Summer of 2005 was full of hikes to Russian Lake, sailing and swimming the waters of South Bay, Covewood Picnics, Grace Brown floating over the waters of the Outlet, Bobo the Bear revisiting us, the Covewood Olympics, building sand castles at the Children's Beach, tie-dying and raft races and doughnuts on Mondays and Thursdays, and not to mention a lot of time spent on the Lodge porch perfecting our swings in the Ring Toss Game. We also closed out our wonderful summer with another "Can You Top This" competition over Labor Day between Covewood and the residents of the West Bay of Big Moose Lake.

This summer we were fortunate enough to have many of our guests share their Covewood photos with us and now we're sharing them with you. Enjoy reliving some of your best summer memories or see some of the Covewood events that happen during the weeks you're not on Big Moose Lake. Our thanks to Bill Adams, Linda Mikula, Heidi Post, Jack Williams, Debbie Sirot and Eduardo & Maria Arreaza for sending their pictures in. Click on any photo to see its larger version. (Refer to instructions below the pictures if you have difficulty getting the enlarged pictures to appear in a popup window in your browser.)

If you have any trouble getting the large versions of our photos to display in a popup window of your browser, make sure you are not blocking popups (you may need to adjust settings for your browser or a third-party popup blocker). Also, your MS Internet Explorer settings may need to be changed to allow javascript programs to run.

All pictures are the property of their respective owners and may not be copied or distributed without their express permission.

Strange Happenings at Covewood

Is It The Heat or The Doughnuts?

Big Moose Lake, NY, (July 13, 2005)   The warm temperatures at Big Moose Lake must be putting the staff and guests in a strange state of mind this week. It was a good thing this was happening up on the tennis courts, far from eyes of boaters and skiers on the lake -- we wouldn't want word of these strange goings-on getting around the lake.

MYSTERY SOLVED!
MORE PHOTOS!

Our investigative reporters are on their way to Covewood and will provide our loyal readers with the key to this mystery and more photos as soon as possible. For now, we suggest that you stop in to Covewood and find out for yourself what's happening (and stay for some recreation and relaxation). Speaking of photos, any guests with more photos of these weird activities are invited to send them in for publication.

THIS JUST IN -- The mystery behind this event is solved! Click here for our latest photo essay.

Big Moose Temps In 80s & 70s

North Woods Wildlife Bigger Than Ever!

Big Moose Lake, NY, (July 9, 2005) Is it the wonderful temperatures we're enjoying or is it that the local bear population has been more successful in its foraging lately? Or maybe it's just "Bobo the Bear" making his second annual visit to Covewood. Regular guests will recall that Bobo made his first appearance here in Covewood a year ago when early risers found him camped out on the floating dock, sunscreen and all. It looks like he had as good a time as the rest of the guests and decided to come back.

Now we'll just have to wait and see if Earl Covey or Grace Brown make similar returns. Our thanks to Linda Mikula (of the Griswold Clan) for this photo of Bobo. Check out the Covewood Photo Album for more of her pictures of Bobo and smaller guests. Feel free to contribute your own photo memories of Covewood.

In addition to Bobo's revisit, other annual traditions continued on the shores of Big Moose Lake. Over two dozen kids (both large and small) took on the challenge of the Raft Race, churning up the warm waters of the Outlet. We can't tell from this photo what happened to their transportation, but judging from the smiles they all had fun in the rickety competition.

The other tradition which is more popular for those guests wishing to stay on (semi) dry land was the Great Sand Castle Building event. With moats connecting to Big Moose Lake these young architects and builders did a splendid job leaving their mark on the sands of the Children's Beach last week. 

For an idea of other recreational things you can do at Covewood, check out the Recreation page.

 

Meet The Summer 2005 Staff

Big Moose Lake, NY, (July1, 2000) The Covewood staff has been hard at work getting the place ready for all of it regular and new guests. We're looking forward to an incredible summer on Big Moose Lake. The cottages are waiting, kayaks have been put out on the dock, and the doughnut-making schedule has been posted.

Ready to make your stay at Covewood the best are: (1st Row) Banning, Ryan and Josh; (2nd Row) -- Tomas, Zuzanna, Major, Di, Judy and Eric.

Summer 2005 In Full Swing

Make Reservations for Summer And Fall Now

Sequestered among the Adirondack balsam firs, spruce and cedar trees on the secluded shores of Big Moose Lake, Covewood Lodge provides accommodations for about 100 guests -- mostly families in the summer, and adventurers and nature lovers in the Fall. In the style of the famous Adirondack Great Camps, Covewood has 20 cottages arrayed in the woods and on the lakeshore around our historic Main Lodge.

Covewood offers a complete range of accommodations  
All hotel rooms and apartments are equipped with private baths and some have glassed-in porches overlooking lake or woodland. Deluxe cottages face the lake and have large living rooms, fireplaces and one to four bedrooms. Smaller cottages can accommodate one to three persons.

To explore Covewood from the perspective of our loons (at least when they're not underwater), click here for the Loon's-Eye Tour (be patient -- it may take a few seconds for the page to load, but it's worth it). 

Recreational activities include canoeing, sailing, swimming, water-skiing, volley ball, tennis, badminton, pool, ping-pong, horseshoes, and boating. Of course, hiking the extensive and beautiful network of trails surrounding Covewood is always a year-round favorite. If you're looking for more relaxing options, Covewood has a cozy library, and there is always just sitting and gazing out across South Bay or the Outlet. Covewood Photo Album

Of course, children are very welcome at Covewood. Experienced counselors plan games, trips, crafts and picnics for various age groups during summer stays. There is a sandy children's beach, as well as a rumpus room. Togetherness is great -- but parents deserve some fun for themselves knowing the children are safe and having a great time. 

If you're interested in making reservations, you should know that our summers are usually taken early by our "regulars", although you should still feel free to call -- you never know when there's going to be a cancellation and many times we have rooms available in the Main Lodge. We start taking reservations for the Fall during the Summer months and into the Autumn.

Skaneateles Lady Kayakers Represent Covewood In MS Walk Fundraiser

Big Moose Lake, NY, (Oct 10, 2004) The Skaneateles Ladies Kayakers Club took time out from their annual Big Moose Lake retreat to represent Covewood Lodge in a Walk for Multiple Sclerosis. Covewood regulars for years, the Club is a fun group of women who have been together for eight years. Covewood is proud to have the kayakers represent it in the fundraiser.

This group of two dozen strong from the Onondaga County area joined a "full house" of Covewood guests to experience the beauty of the Adirondack foliage this year. Nestled on the shores of Big Moose's South Bay, Covewood offers its guests the envious options of colorful fall sight-seeing from both land and water. Needless to say, the large contingent of kayakers added to the foliage flotilla of canoes and other water craft on Big Moose this past week.

Enjoying the Covewood Autumn

Big Moose Lake, NY, (Oct 8, 2004) Taking advantage of the more spectacular viewpoint, Covewood guests have been taking to the waters of Big Moose Lake to enjoy the incredible Adirondack foliage this year. While some guests have been hiking the trails surrounded by the collage of reds, oranges and yellows, Covewooders like Bill Adams (right) grab a paddle and find themselves instantly in the middle of the colorful panorama.

The days lately, like today, have been beautifully sunny, offering hikers and canoers alike wonderful views of the brightly clad hills and mountains of the Big Moose area. Of course it's been chilly at night, but that gives guests reason to share a quilt while enjoying a roaring fire in their cabins. And the cool night air just makes the stars all that much brighter.

Interested in joining Bill on the water? Call 800-357-7530 for reservations today!

Can You Top This Labor Day Treat?
UPDATED 9/7/04

Big Moose Lake, NY, (Sept 5, 2004) Harking back to the friendly Big Moose Lake rivalries of four decades ago, the Bowes family and other Big Moose residents put on a waterskiing exhibition over a beautiful Adirondack Labor Day Weekend. Long time Covewood guests will recall the waterskiing competitions between Covewood and Dunn's during the '60s and early '70s. For the guests of Covewood's this last week of the 2004 summer, the waterfront was the scene of a wonderful trip back in time.

While the whole story (and pictures) is yet to come out, an enthusiastic crowd on the Main Dock was treated to the sight of not one, not two, not even just three, but all four Bowes zipping around South Bay behind a ski boat at the same time. Wearing fashion-coordinated t-shirts that spelled out "Can U Top This", Di, Major, Kim and Becca help to resurrect a tradition that was once a summer staple on Big Moose. And in the true spirit of derring-do competition, the local ski kids answered with their own show. Apparently the Covewood performance was fairly impromptu, but when the Bowes made their pass in front of Dunn's Boat Service the gauntlet was thrown and phones began ringing around the shore of West Bay. Incredibly, by 2 in the afternoon, a group of very talented youngsters arrived in South Bay and put on a very skilled and entertaining show.

The ski shows of the '60s and '70s were also called "Can You Top This?" and consisted of one-upmanship displays of skiing skill alternating between the slightly crazy denizens of South Bay and West Bay. An entertaining account of these performances can be found in the recently published history of Big Moose Lake, Big Moose Lake in the Adirondacks: The Story of the Lake, the Land, and the People (Barlow, Jane, & et al. (2004), Syracuse University Press, 292 pages). The book is a must-read for Covewood regulars interested in the people and events that shaped the community we all know today. The names of the nearly dozen authors include familiar ones like Martin, Dunn and Carey. Covewood guests can also peruse the photo albums in the Main Lodge living room for the wild and crazy pictures of the events that include such sights as milk trucks and VW Beetles on the water.

Is this the rebirth of a Big Moose tradition? We can't wait to see what happens next year . . . .

Click here to see the complete Can You Top This? photo essay. Also, check out our online Photo Album for other pictures from the Summer of 2004. 

Covewood Autumn On Its Way

Big Moose Lake, NY, (Sept. 1, 2004) Here we are in the last week of the 2004 summer season and we're looking forward to an incredible Adirondack Autumn as the Covewood staff readies to close up the summer cottages. This past summer was great -- despite a bit more rain than we'd like -- as we had visits from Bobo the Bear, coyotes, deer and real bears at the Blind, and our wonderful regular and new guests.

The Fall promises to be a beautiful one as guests and visitors to Big Moose Lake come to check out the multi-colored foliage carpeting the mountains and surrounding the lakes and ponds. Covewood has 14 rustic and cozy cabins available during the Fall and Winter months for your Adirondack adventures. Picture yourself hiking the miles of winding trails around Big Moose Lake (or snow-showing once the snow starts flying) and closing your day with your feet up in front of a blazing fire. The days at Covewood late in the year are filled with beautiful views of the Lake and mountains, visits from herds of deer and migrating ducks and geese, as well as warm socializing with friends and family in front of your cabin's fireplace.

Don't miss out on a Covewood getaway weekend this year. The Adirondacks may be only a few hours drive away, but you end up a world away as you relax at this historic, rustic resort on the shore of Big Moose Lake. Contact Major, Di, Cheri or Erik today at 800-357-7530 to reserve your cozy cabin now. A canoe trip, a roaring fire, and a colorful sunset are waiting for you.

Check out our Covewood Fall, Winter and Lodging pages for more information.

 

Covewood on AARCH Tour This Summer

Big Moose Lake, NY, (July 27, 2004) Covewood's beautiful, rustic architecture will be featured on a tour sponsored by Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH) on August 10. Conducted by AARCH's Executive Director Steven Engelhart, the tour "Rustic Architecture of Big Moose" will focus on the unique works of Covewood's own Earl and Henry Covey, and the Martin family. Besides Covewood, participants will visit and learn about the area's distinctive vertical half-log construction techniques at the Big Moose Chapel, Brown Gables, Crag Point and The Waldheim.

AARCH, formed in 1990, is the nonprofit historic preservation organization for New York States Adirondack Park. Its mission is to promote better public understanding, appreciation and stewardship of the Adirondack's unique and diverse architectural heritage. AARCH offers a series of tours each year. 

There's Cherry Garcia And Then There's Jerry Garcia

 

Big Moose Lake, NY, (July 22, 2004) The Dead continue to haunt Covewood, but perhaps now inspired by what's in the Lodge kitchen freezer rather than Grace Brown or Earl Covey visitations (see 7/1 story below). This week the tennis courts fence was festooned with a color cacophony of t-shirts as our younger guests drew upon artistic skills in tie-dyeing. More than a few will be properly attired now when raiding the freezer for Cherry Garcia ice cream (and who will be able to tell if the treat ends up on the shirt as well as in the mouth?).

Covewood's children's counselors were busy this week entertaining and being entertained by kids as they embarked upon a week of games, contests of cunning and skill, hikes and crafts. Tie-dyeing t-shirts (and socks, jackets and anything else parents forget to hide) is a Covewood tradition that stretches back to hippie times, and is one of the more popular craft pursuits (as you can see by the sheer number of shirts).

 

Covewood Haunted By Earl Covey?

Big Moose Lake, NY, (July 1, 2004) Is the shade of Earl Covey giving Grace Brown some competition? Covewood guests woke up this morning to a couple of surprise visitors, causing a bit of a stir around the lakeshore.  Early risers were greeted by what could be the spirit of Earl Covey, who was seen settled into the Buzz Point Gazebo, as well as "Bobo the Bear", who had made himself quite at home on the floating dock. Earl, Covewood's founder, who hasn't been seen in the flesh on this Earth, much less at Covewood, in over 50 years, looked resplendent in suspenders and a bright yellow shirt. Looking quite relaxed, he was observed gazing out at Crag Point across South Bay.

Of course, as Earl (or whoever he was) looked out over the waters of Big Moose Lake, he would have had a hard time missing the rather large bear enjoying quite a breakfast picnic on the floating dock. Some guests -- who are affectionately calling the furry visitor "Bobo" -- believe that the bear may actually be sunning himself. Because no one is willing to get too close at this point, various reports say he has sun screen in ample supply and he may actually be holding a marshmallow for roasting in one of his massive paws. One guest, who wishes to remain anonymous, believes he has a sign stuck to his barrel chest. If anyone can get close enough to safely read it we will gladly report its contents.

The origins of our visitors remain a mystery. Lodge guests reported no disturbances last night and Buzz Point denizens tend to blissfully ignore any strange nocturnal noises as best they can (as any Grace-sighting fan can tell you). Both sides of the Outlet are a-Buzz with speculation and we're sure any resident detectives will beat a path to the heart of the mystery quickly. Of course, as with other strange happenings at Covewood, we may never discover the origins of these visitors.

Fly-Fishing A Hit

Big Moose Lake, NY, (June 23, 2004) The month of May saw Covewood's first fly fishing clinic ever, as would-be anglers gathered in our historic Main Lodge for classroom study and then spent the afternoon wading in the Outlet practicing their casting. In what could turn out to be a regular event, Covewood Lodge, Old Forge Hardware and Orvis partnered to give novice casters an opportunity to learn the history and basics of the sport.

Saturday, May 22, turned out to be a bit rainy (which kept the black flies at bay -- always a good thing), but this didn't deter the full class of 8 or 9 participants from being lured to the South Bay shores of Big Moose Lake for a full day of education, lunch and fun in the rustic surroundings of Covewood. Feel free to click on each picture above for an enlargement. Keep an (fish)eye on this site for news of any upcoming clinics.

Summer Starts Early at Covewood

Big Moose Lake, NY, (May 14, 2004) Summer has already begun at Covewood, well ahead of the Summer Solstice. Of course, many people are convinced  that summer in the Adirondacks starts around July 17 and ends a few hours later, but at Covewood we know it starts when Di takes her read morefirst dip in Big Moose Lake and lasts as long as there are summer guests . . . .

Covewood Designated An Historic Place

Adirondack Great Camp Style Lodge with Fourteen Cottages on Big Moose Lake Will Be Named to National Register

 

Big Moose Lake, NY, (February 2, 2004) Covewood was unanimously approved by the New York State Review Board this past November for listing in the State and National Register of Historic Places. This caps a nearly year-long application effort that recognizes read moreCovewood Lodge  as a historic property with "significance to the Nation, State and Community."