chapter 453

11/21/2016

Lake Placid

it was an olympic effort

Have put on a physical rehab surge since Cape Cod, one year post op. Hip had seemed more sore than I wanted but doctor says there is nothing wrong with the implant, bone, or soft tissue so I have been attempting more vigorous exercises and stretching which seems beneficial. For my birthday we attempted to climb Whiteface Mountain with it's longest vertical drop (3400 feet) in the East and 2 mile run. By luck we had a beautiful 65 degree day.

Our goal was to go from the base lodge to the top summit and weather station. We were sneaking up along the Face Lift chair since we didn't ask permission (turns out others had asked and it was ok). It was plenty arduous and we were proud of ourselves till we saw two 3 year old twins frolicking in the snow. They had also climbed the whole way to that point. It's amazing what kids can do. Snapped the selfie at the Mid Lodge Boule's Bistro, then stopped at the top of the chair for a 1300 foot vertical rise. A 2-1/2 hour round trip 3 mile jaunt. The upper section would have been too much at this point.

Next day we got a foot of beautiful snow. It was no problem for us the hired help had troubles and the Olympic mountain venues were closed. We managed to get in and walk around the the bob and the luge run. I rode the bob sled years ago and Colleen rode the luge a few years back.

The ski jumps are impressive, 70 and 90 meter I believe. We've ridden the elevator up to the top previously.

Had the place to ourselves since the attendant was just locking the gate. We found a way to get around it.

Walked down main street in Lake Placid quite a bit. This was just along the walk and overlooks Mirror Lake next to the village. Hockey arena too of course, few figure skaters, bunch of kids hockey teams competing earlier I think, boring after being in so many rinks.

Stayed at the Hampton Inn, very nice and short walk next door to the Lake Placid pub & brewery. Ubu specialty there. Great steak dinner at the Great Adirondack Brewing Company. 

A quick stop at the Adirondack Mountain Club's ADK Loj at Heart Lake. In June 1979 about 5 co-workers and I climbed Algonquin Mountain from this spot, might be a good time to document before the memory fades.

At the Wildlife Rescue in Wilmington we were in awe of three lovely wolves. So stealthy, quiet, curious and beautiful.

Yes, you could say Nature is beautiful up there, if you like that sort of thing.

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