Chillin’ with Stoners

I recently had a wonderful weekend celebrating our 50th high school reunion with about 63 friends. We were/are the Potsdam Sandstoners, which, as it naturally aligned to the times, became shortened simply to “Stoners” (because it’s faster to say, right?).

It was an unexpected weekend filled with connections and stories that we all shared. I’m reminded of the line from Stephen Stills: “Don’t let the past remind us of what we are not now.” As everyone arrived at this later stage of life, we seemed to connect on a much different level, on a different wavelength than we were on 50 years ago. It was simply a gathering of friends in one place for this special moment in time.

C’tait malade! It also shouldn’t have been surprising that there were stories of French Canadian families who moved from Canada to Northern New York to take up farming. It was fascinating to think that some ties extended even further back in history than the half-century connections that brought us together for the weekend.

After the reunion, we made our way to a primitive campsite in the Adirondacks, a location I had previously visited during one of the cousin Pigsnout events (which is another story). Tucked away somewhere in the Moose River Plains is a site right next to Otter Brook. It’s about a 30-mile drive along bumpy dirt roads that will leave you feeling well shaken by the time you arrive, but it is definitely worth it. A short hike downstream leads you to a stunning waterfall with a pool at the bottom that is just the right size for a refreshing dip.