Had an opportunity to tour the USA Luge practice facilities and the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, NY

We woke up early and found the trailhead for Algonquin Mountain.  I believe it was the Macintyre trail that leads to the summit.  The trail was only moderately strenuous and the views from the top are well worth the hike.  We stopped and had lunch at the top.  This is when I found out I am allergic to something in an energy bar I ate (maybe flaxseed?).  It certainly made the hike out unpleasant, especially since we did not return the same way we came.  Istead, we continued down the south slope of the mountain to avalanche lake.  At that point I had already lost my lunch and was feling very sick and drained of energy.  That is when we saw a sign that said "Adirondack Loj - 7 miles".  I thought it would be a very miserable 7 miles back to camp, but was pleasantly surprised by the views on the return trail through Avalanche Pass.  This is an area where you can see the aftermath of an avalanche that devastated the entire side of a mountain.  There are literally thousands upon thousands of trees piled up next to the water at the bottom of the mountain.  It was a pretty impressive sight.  Unfortunately, I was feeling too ill to bother with my camera, so I didn't take any photos.  I think I will try to see if my friends have any pictures so I can post them in this blog.  Overall, even with my bad lunch experience, it was an excellent day on the trail and I HIGHY recommend this route to anyone.   

Climbed up Hurricane Mountain late in the evening to catch the sunset on a (very) cold winter night.  The trail was very steep and icy, and pretty much goes straight up the side of the mountain.   It was well worth the climb, as you can see from the images I took with a cheap point-and-shoot camera.  I highly recommend this hike.  I actually liked the view from Hurricane Mountain better than the view from Algonquin Mountain, and it is much less effort to reach the top.

I went back to the Adirondacks in the spring to hike some of the larger mountains.  We reserved a camp site outside the Adirondack Mountain Loj, since many trailheads were located in the area.  We arrived late in the day on the 16th, so we decided to take an easy hike up Mount Jo, which overlooks Heart Lake.  It was a pretty decent view from the top, considering how easy of a hike it was. 

I spent a few hours trying to snowboard at Whiteface Mountain, but it was much too icy and dangerous.  I actually went there once more after this trip and had even worse results.  I guess that's why the locals refer to it as "Iceface Mountain".

You want good beer? I mean GOOD beer.. you gotta go here. Ubu (their signture ale) is 8.5% dark dark brew. It's sold in growlers and if you want they even have a 'milk' club for them (every 10th or so if free). The food is pretty good too. If you're in the area, I recomend you stop in. Rumor has it, Bill Clinton ordered Ubu by the case to the White House during his terms in office.

Have you always longed to do what the Olympians do? Have you ever wanted to feel the curves of a bobsled track, with the wind whipping through your hair? Have you ever wanted to feel the rumble of pure power surging beneath you? Head to the complex where real olympiads train during the winter. Ride for a bobsled for a reasonable price and cherish the memory for the rest of your life. At the young age of 9 years old, I had the privaledge of riding a bobsled on an olympic track in Lake Placid, NY (the adirondacks) I hated Roller Coasters, but this experience was nothing like it. I was amazed as we rode on 10 foot high walls, rushing through the track. It was an incredible experience and I would recommend it to anyone.

What could be more relaxing than a vacation to the beautiful adirondacks? What resort could make this more enjoyable? Staying at the beautiful Mirror Lake Inn, right on Lake Placid was an amazing experience. Our hotel had beautiful plush bedding and a lovely view of the lake. The rooms were so beautiful, that you didn't feel like you were in a hotel at all. The main lobby is decked out in beautiful adirondack relecs. Hungry? Choose from one of the three delicious restaurants... The Cottage (an outdoor restaurant), The View (fine dining) or Taste Bistro. The food is incredible. Join other guests in the tea room and enjoy freshly baked cookies and biscuits with a cup of tea. Or head down to the spa and soak yourself in relaxation. Enjoy the private beach on Lake Placid. Take out a canoe or paddleboat. Head to the indoor pool, or even the outdoor heated pool. Play some tennis on the private courts.. Mirror Lake Inn makes you feel like a King or Queen as you sit in the lap of luxury.