Lake Placid

Lake Placid, The Adirondacks

About 2 hours further north from Lake George lies Lake Placid, home of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics.  Now a resort town, close to the skiing area of Whiteface Mountain, we were lucky to be able to get accommodation in a little separate cottage right on the lake shore.

 We stayed over a double holiday weekend, as it was Thanksgiving Weekend for the Canadians (only 2 hours drive away) and Columbus weekend for the Americans. Although it was quiet off the beaten track, the main part of town was packed with people and cars.  The weather was uncharacteristically fine, and so every man was out in his convertible or on his Harley.

Highlights for us were:

Climbing  Mt Algonquin, NY State’s 2^nd highest peak, at a breath-taking 5114 feet.  We got away early enough to avoid the crowds (the road-end car-park runs out of spaces) and enjoyed great views from the granite dome which caps the summit like a bald head.

Climbing Cascade Mountain, the easiest of the 4000 footers, with the best view, early again to avoid the crowds.  We were alone on the summit, but on the descent must have passed more than 300 people on their way up. Dara's boots were given a final farewell today and now reside in a bin at Lake Placid.  A nice shoe repair man in Lake George had a go at re-glueing the sole with something that looked like chewing gum.  It lasted just 2 hikes before coming off again..  This led to a bit of retail therapy for some new boots at the local well-stocked Eastern Mountain Sports shop.  Prices are about half those in NZ. 

A long bike ride, on a rented road bike, around the Olympic half Ironman circuit.  While very scenic, it would have been easier with bike shorts and proper pedals.

Another beautiful forest hike to the top of Scarface Mountain, and nearly stepping on another snake.  This began very near the local correction facility so we were a bit nervous about leaving the car in the car-park.  The hunting season has just begun and we passed a guy in full camo gear with serious looking bow and arrow set.

We have really enjoyed the Adirondacks, with the incredibly beautiful forests, granite top dome hills, and calm tree-lined lakes.  Lake Placid has lived up to it's name and would be an OK place to spend more time. The autumn colours and unseasonably fine weather has helped. 


 Next stop, Vermont...




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Click to see photos of Lake Placid