Up Into the Adirondacks

ski jump towers--12 stories

Thursday, Oct. 15th.  We pulled out of Henderson Harbor at about 10:00 after saying goodbye to Lake Ontario.  It was overcast with intermittent rain as we drove to Lake Placid.  Our campsite was actually in the town of Wilmington, about 15 miles east of Lake Placid.   As we drove from Lake Placid to Wilmington, we noted that the Au Sable River parallels the road for a portion of the drive.  It reminded us of Tumwater Canyon, west of Leavenworth.

After we got set up we drove back into Lake Placid.  For those who don't remember, Lake Placid was the site of the Olympics a number of years ago.  It is still the Olympic training site.  We saw the ski jump platform and landing area.  Although there wasn't any snow, you could appreciate how high the jump is.  It would be unnerving for me to be up at the top.

John Brown's tombstone

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We also visited the farm of John Brown and his gravesite along with the graves of two of his sons.  Between two wives he had 13 kids.  He left his wife to run things as he campaigned against slavery.  He was supported financially by abolitionists from New England and two of his older sons joined him in the campaign.  All 3 made the ultimate sacrifice.

Lake Placid itself is the largest town in this area of the Adirondacks.  There's lots of shops and restaurants...most of which have a skiing theme.  There's also some marginal housing which is home to all the ski bums who hang out in the area.  A colorful town.