Whiteface Mountain

Whiteface Mountain is the fifth tallest in the Adirondacks. This mountain is special for several reasons. It stands alone, which offers a 360 view around, with views of Vermont and the skyline of Montreal on a clear day. It also hosted the downhill ski events of the 1932 and 1980 Olympics. What makes it a popular tourist attraction is the easy access. The Memorial highway to the parking area several hundred feet below the peak is a relatively easy drive. Along the way are a number of scenic overlooks with picnic areas. Biking up the highway is a popular activity and going downhill can only be described as exciting.

Once you reach the parking area, you have a choice between hiking up a trail to the summit or walking to the center of the mountain in a 450 foot tunnel and riding an elevator up 27 stories to the top of the mountain. It is a great way to spend several hours.

While in the area we camped in a 100 acre woods that is part of the North Pole Resort in Wilmington, NY, the sites are large an can easily accommodate any size rig. There are only approximately 60 sites with the rest devoted to wilderness with hiking trails. Many of the sites come with full hookups.

Several folks have asked how we decide on a campground. This is one of Anneke’s specialties. She starts by checking the usual campground books, with membership parks and Passport America being a prime consideration. Then she checks online at rvparkreviews.com to check others reviews. We also use a big rig book to see what may be available. After comparing all the options, including reading between the lines on the reviews, she then makes her selection. We have recently started using a site called allstays.com that has campground, highway info, truck fuel stop, and other useful information. In the northeast we have found a number of otherwise unmarked low bridge clearances that had we been driving the motorhome would have been a big problem. On this site, you can check, among other things, clearances on all roads by state.

Lake Placid, NY

The Adirondack region of New York is a large area in the northern par t of the state, perhaps generally best known for the winter Olympics held in Lake Placid in 1932 and again in 1980. After leaving the seaway we headed into the Adirondack Park and stayed just a bit northwest of Lake Placid in Wilmington, NY. The region is noted for all the large and small lakes, mountain views, hiking, skiing, fishing and hunting.

Since we have never been in this area, we first wanted to see Lake Placid and the Olympic Center and Museum and the town itself. This turned out to be a bit of a disappointment, as the only thing really to see was the 1932 and 1980 ice rinks and the museum. We have been in any number of museums over the years, but this one gave a real glimpse into how this town operated. For six dollars each we got to look at one small room of left over tourist products, and a few old costumes and sleds. While we were only mildly annoyed, I would imagine someone really interested in the history of these games would have been really upset.

Once we had that out of the way, we walked the whole town. If you love expensive gift shops and restaurants, this place is heaven. If you looked up tourist trap in the dictionary, there would be a picture of downtown Lake Placid.

Next on the list of Adirondack must see items was the High Falls Gorge on the Ausable River. When we checked in the lady at the counter explained that we would get a discount since only part of the trails was open. Spring storms had rushed thru the gorge and destroyed a number of the walkways and damaged one of the bridges. The water had reached almost to the top of the gorge. The water was still fairly high and there was a good view of the falls. We also spent some time watching the workers redoing the walkways and bridge. It was well worth the time and we enjoyed the several views of the falls and the potholes which are formed by the fast moving swirling motion of the water over extended periods.

Aug 4th 1790 to Aug 4th 2011

221 years and going strong! On Aug 4th 1790, President George Washington created the Revenue Cutter Service which was the start of the modern Coast Guard. I am no doubt prejudice, but this organization continues to provide a tremendous service to this country. It has numerous roles to play both in peace and wartime and can be found in many unexpected places. The men and women of this service work hard every day to make our lives better and safer.

It is a bit shocking to me that with 30 years of Coast Guard service, how few pictures I have of all that time.

Once again I am happy to say: Happy Birthday Coast Guard.

Still near the water

Before heading into the Adirondack Park area, we wanted to spend a bit more time along the coast of the seaway. We have found this area to be a great place to spend time. Anneke found a campground on an Island at Henderson Harbor called Association Island Resort. You can reach the island by a winding, slightly narrow road and then across a short causeway. It is a huge place that was formerly a conference center and resort for the GE Corporation. It has literally 360 degree water views, pool, entertainment facilities, and marina.

On arrival, we found that the place was not more than 50% full. So we had lots of space to ourselves. There were really only two negatives. There is a good size flock of Canadian Geese in the area with the accompanying leavings. Then there is the huge number of small bugs that seem to be everywhere at certain times of the day.

Negatives aside, it is a great place to enjoy the water views. The nearby towns of Henderson Harbor and Sackets Harbor offer additional places to access the water http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifand enjoy the local ambiance.

Taking a break from lounging around the campground, we headed to Sackets Harbor to take a look at the reenactors on the Battlefield at the edge of town. Sackets Harbor was a key port on Lake Ontario during the War of 1812 and several important battles occurred here. Most people do not know much about this short but important struggle between the USA and the British Empire. After their defeat in this war, the British presence on the USA shores was finally over. There are two names associated with Sackets Harbor that will likely be familiar to everyone. General Zebulon Pike, who is famous for exploring what is now Pike’s Peak in Colorado, also commanded the successful attack on Toronto during the war of 1812, but was killed when the British blew up their munitions without warning during the surrender discussions. He is buried in the military cemetery in Sackets harbor. Secondly, Ulysses S. Grant served in Sackets Harbor as a Lt.

We think this area is a gem.