u/SenoraDroolcup

We're planning an Adirondacks trip later this summer (late Aug/early Sept most likely) and the main thing we want to do is see and hear loons. I can't find any info online on specific lakes they frequent, so I'm having trouble deciding where to stay. I did find a blog post from Lake George that the loons have returned there for the season, but we were hoping to stay somewhere a little more centrally located.

Is it likely to see loons on basically any lake in the ADKs? Or are there certain ones they frequent?

There are hikes/other activities that we're interested in around Loon Lake and Sarnac Lake - are there loons in those areas?

Quick backstory in case it's relevant - Invisalign for 3 years, switched to braces in November 2025 with an estimated 9-12mo timeframe to finish the job, looking like we'll be more towards the 12+ mo mark at this point (😞)

Had spacers put in for molar bands on my 4 back teeth on Wednesday (2 days ago) and these things are taking me out for real. I'm 36 years old and I sobbed in the chair getting them put in, and I haven't been able to chew anything at all, like not even eggs or banana or the usual go-to soft foods.

How bad are the actual molar bands compared to the spacers? I don't mean getting them put on (I'm sure that will suck bc my teeth are so tender), I mean the day-to-day of wearing them once they're in. I know they're thinner than the spacers, but do they still constantly give you the sensation that something is stuck between your teeth? Do they hurt anything like the spacers do? Can you chew with them on? I feel like I'm staring down the barrel of another 6+ months of a fully liquid diet.

I was actually having fun with my braces until now, looking forward to the results and being proud of myself for doing a good thing for my health, but man these spacers are really doing my head in.

Has anyone taken bagpipe lessons in the area and could recommend their teacher? I have googled around and reached out to a few folks in the top search results, including the Balmoral School, and only one person got back to me. I had my first lesson with him today, but I was not super impressed with his teaching style. I would really like to keep learning to play as it's been a lifelong dream of mine, but I'm coming up against a wall here when it comes to finding an instructor.