Adirondack High Peaks

LAKE PLACID

ADIRONDACK HIGH PEAKS REGION

A quaint little village run by generation-after-generation. The small family owned businesses and the pride taken, the brisk breeze of the wind off the lake, my first cross-country ski attempt, a vast mountain viewed from the local motel, the feeling of the inside of a moccasin slipper (my daughters first shoes were also purchased here). I recall these family vacations here (not that long ago), I walked down a quaint main street; holding my fathers hand as he pointed out each tiny detail of the village. These recollections of a laid-back attitude, a family getaway laid with a Norman Rockwell appearance, and the attention given to each catered shop.

These memories lay etched in my mind like a finely detailed plan that I will treasure forever in their glory. I have returned to this village now with children of my own; for them to experience the memories, the quaintness, the family atmosphere... and was devastated. My family memories rapidly moved from a warm family bonding to a glorified shopping mall, minus one large building. All GONE GONE GONE in less then 6 years time.

The High Peaks Region, the mountains of memory, now crumbled within seconds. The laid back atmosphere now a world of rushing technology. A cobblestone roadway now too congested to cross. The sweet smell of chocolates and bakeries, now overrun with exhaust.

I remember the small motel in which we stayed, it was in the middle of nowhere. We arrived at nightfall, with our skis and I ask if I could go outside and try, this was the first time. THE ANSWER WAS YES! I fumbled to apply them and then made for the door of the small local motel. It was dark and cold and the wind stung my face, but I still remember how awkward the skis felt on my feet. There was a small hill in the parking lot (made of snow I do believe), I headed there first, made my way up the small mound and felt the skis bend in the center as I headed down. This was new to me, and I thought they would snap instantly.

THEN THERE IT WAS across the street a mountain so vast. It came out of nowhere and stood so alone. I wondered as I stood there, if that is where our destination was to lead. I didn't understand the concept between cross-country skiing and downhill skiing at that time. I attempted in my small mind to make a reference: I looked at the glory and then at the small mound I just conquered with pride, and decided that the mountain that stood majestically alone was not to be conquered but to be respected. It stood vast and long and told a tale that many would never know, it knew too much and must be respected for its knowledge (my father would love to hear this one come out of my mouth). I retired that evening without saying a word. Tomorrow would tell.

Before I proceed with this tale. I do want you to know that I am not telling you this, to drive you here, it is based on my own personal recollections and opinions. It's what I saw, what the mind saw, what I felt, and what I remembered. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and these are mine.

If you feel the need to try the High Peaks GO it is a beautiful area, I cannot debate that in the least! What I do debate is the change.

Finding that the small carefully catered shops have now been (what seems magically) transformed into large shopping companies bothers me. For most it would not even cause a blink of an eye. There our those that seek the outlets and technology.

I also find it very ironic that what was once referred to as a "hiking" town does not even have any services and only minimal supplies to meet the hikers needs. FUNNY THAT WE ONLY REQUIRE THE BASICS.

The changes I have personally seen over the last few years have disappointed me greatly. I will provide you with one example along with many reasons to why the disappointment. They again are my view.

We left for the NLP October 2002 and planned our route heading from Upper Benson to Lake Placid. We were greatly looking forward to ending in the High Peaks Region at the conclusion of our 133 mile thru-hike.

Unfortunately, I did not get to see the high peaks during the last stretch of the trail. We mostly traveled through bogs and low terrain. I recall viewing the higher hardwood ridges to each side of us, wondering why we were placed in the gut. We determined during this part of our journey that no Indian in their right mind would of walked this path. TO DANGEROUS, NO FOOD, NO SIGHT, AND EASY PREY - NOT THE MEANS TO SURVIVAL.

We did realize during our journey that the Northville-Lake Placid trail has had revisions and detours due to private land owners and safety reasons, but did not expect the extreme.

Upon our return from the trail. I did try to research the original trails path and it seems to have disappeared from the face of the earth or never existed (wonder why)? If someone does know the original path of the NLP, I would love to compare the current route with the original route traveled (or should I say the road less traveled).

After 11 days on the trail in temperatures ranging from 16-50 degrees (one close call with hypothermia, 10 days of rain, 1 day of sleet, blisters beyond repair, a burned pair of boots, and knees the size of grapefruits), we arrived safety in the Lake Placid High Peaks Region.

We hitched a ride into town and were dropped at the local IGA shopping store. The first call we made was to Martin at 4 Peaks. Martin not only held the key to our comfort for the night, but is one whom we also consider a great friend.

We arrived a day earlier then expected and had let Martin know our whereabouts throughout our travels. When we phoned him from the local IGA and told him we were out a day early he told us he didn't get to the cabin yet to get the local "dust bunnies". We laughed - - after being on the trail for 11 day with only 1-2 frigid baths, we assured him any "dust bunnies" were not an issue.

Martin, arrived within minutes at the local IGA and greeted us like the proud father. George (martin's dog) was also along to greet Popcorn (our family lap dog at 90 pounds). Popcorn was happy to see George, but was just as tired as we were after 133 miles.

Upon Martin's arrival, he recommended or should I say insisted on a congratulations dinner. I was ravenous, but filthy as well, but finely consented to a meal. Any meal would of been welcoming, we thought either pizza, or Martin does has a specialty in cooking Asian foods. WHAT WOULD IT BE?

I remember driving into town and parking along side one of the small buildings that use to reside on the quaint Main Street. I recall Martin pulling over and stating "I don't know if we will get a closer parking spot, YOU DON'T MIND WALKING DO YOU". Martin has a great way with the sarcasm.

We arrived at the restaurant in our 11 day wind pants, fleece jackets and mud cleated hiking boots. The restaurant we pictured in our mind did not mend, a quiet atmosphere, candles, and white tablecloths - OH BOY!)

I do think Martin had this event planned, he appeared as disheveled as we did, maybe to make us feel better or we just caught him off guard. I do have to say the owners and restaurant staff were very accommodating and respectful based on how we presented. The general public, however, gave us the evil eye. I did look down at self several times to see what they were looking at, and did determine I was a mess. I knew I was not appropriate to present in such a place, but had also not viewed in a mirror for 11 days.

I cannot help but recall a feeling that I ruined their meal, but also recall their demeanor. The brand name clothing, their so called "hiking boots" (not a speck of dirt to be found and my estimated guess was there never will be).

She presented with hair done up, face painted, and the scent of perfume (to me luxury items, I had not had in two weeks). I am sure that I did not present the sweet scent of perfume but was rather offensive, but it did anger me that we were being judged for what they had no clue of. I myself had no clue to their whereabouts, but I did come to a conclusion - they did not travel with us.

We arrived after our fabulous dinner (by the way I ate like I never had before - Chicken Parmesan - Tossed Salad - Mushrooms - Spaghetti and Dessert).

I am sure most would of chosen the "Ritz" at this point, but we choose a wilderness camp (no running water, no electric, again Back To Basics), and were here for another week of doing on our own. That evening we unpacked the car, heated the water (god knows we needed to wash), treated the blisters and wounds, and fatigue set in instantly.

The last four days of the trail, I repeated over and over, "when we finish our journey, all I want is a "fuzzy" pair of slippers. My feet had grown two-three sizes larger then normal from swelling, along with my knees and the blisters were now beyond repair.

We awoke to frost and knew it would be a couple of days before the children's arrival to meet us, we made great use of our time. EAT, SLEEP, EAT, SLEEP, EAT SLEEP. Martin whom we usually saw regularly during our visits, was no where to be seen - - knew we needed the catch up.

We did however, venture into town the morning after our arrival in Lake Placid - FOR "FUZZY SLIPPERS", considering I could not get my feet into my boots anymore or the extra shoes I had packed for arrival.

FUZZY SLIPPERS were an experience in themselves. We walked (more walking goody), and proceeded into several shops asking about "Fuzzy" slippers. I did get two stores that told me they did not have slippers, but did have sandals (that would feel great rubbing against mangled feet). After several stores, I began to get aggravated with the situation, and loudly announced that "I thought this was a hiking town - seems ironic I can obtain sandals and high heels, but no slippers". They just didn't have a clue.

For future reference: there does remain one small business on the edge of town on your right, heading toward mirror lake inn. THEY HAVE FUZZY SLIPPERS!!!!!!!!!!!! You will pay about $40-50 dollars a pair, but well worth the money!!!!!!!!

There is a next step in preparation to "fuzzy slippers" you will get strange looks as you venture down Main Street in them (or should I say hobble). Point was I didn't care, I wore my slippers for almost three weeks after the trip due to the swelling and the blisters and now continue to slop around the house in them because they are too big.

While we are on the subject, I also want to address other disappointments along the trail.

The first was Tirrell Pond, a place we have frequented prior to our departure for the trail. A seclusion, a retreat, a mystery.

We arrived in Tirrell Pond at the Lean-To after a 14 mile hike and were devastated to find garbage, food left in the lean-to (after hanging bear bags every night), and approximately 30 empty gun shells that were fired from the lean to. Apparently sea planes companies are now flying anybody and their brother into these remote locations and not tending to any responsibility during pick up of their party.

We also did run through a section in Long Lake, after hiking 16 miles, a hunting group had a lean-to sealed with tarps and a whole gypsy camp set up, complete with kitchen. We were pushed to the next lean-to. What we found here was the area was picked clean of firewood, a dead blue-heron and a dead crow for no purpose at all - again the plane companies doing.

Upon our return to civilization, I did write numerous correspondence regarding the scenarios at Tirrell Pond and Long Lake, and after weeks of waiting finally received a reply. The end result was, THEY PAID FOR A PERMIT. Not quite the answer I was looking for, but I guess as long as you pay you can get away with just about anything.

Does also rationalize why Lake Placid is now in the commercial era.

Our High Peaks wilderness venture didn't end here, we returned. We decide to hike a high peak, packed and drove to Lake Placid for an experience of a life time.

We arrived at the first trail head, which crosses a 2' easement over a golf course, and we were greeted by a so called "gentlemen" and a gun. We could see the State markers across the easement, but he informed us we could not proceed over the section with the dog.

This gentlemen proceeded to tell us the alternative access route (an extra 8 mile trip on foot), we did drive to that trailhead, and we're informed we had to travel miles back down the road and pay a BUS to drive us there, no offense but what type of wilderness is this.

Nevertheless, THIS IS WHY BACK TO BASICS WAS STARTED.

We hope in our endeavors to be a large resource for the Northville-Lake Placid Thru-Hikers along with bringing focus back to the families. We strive for less bureaucracy and the rules and regulations that are now having harmful impact in the Adirondack High Peaks. The original rules and regulations set up, now require new rules and regulations for the damage caused by the first set. (i.e., SEAPLANE FLY INS).

We hope our small endeavors will stretch again to the HIGH PEAKS REGION. We understand that the commercialization will never cease, it is now beyond repair, but the importance of the family can easily be simplified and brought... BACK TO BASICS.

We returned this weekend to Lake Placid High Peaks (February 19, 2004) for a day drive from Back To Basics. We have been receiving emails asking how far we are located from the High Peaks region, and decided to take the time and a few Lake Placid Photos for your viewing. We are located about 2 1/2 south of the village of Lake Placid, New York.

Downtown Main Street in Lake Placid

THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE HIGH PEAKS REGION

BACK TO MAIN STREET

THE NEW LODGE BEING BUILT IN LAKE PLACID

SOME PHOTOS OF YOUR LAKE PLACID SHOPPING

I took this drive to begin developing a small reference manual for Back To Basics. I collected a lot of brochures and booklets from the visitors center in Downtown Lake Placid to begin our manual. When I arrived home I was astonished that not one pamphlet contains what I needed (I will keep you updated on this dilemma).

THANKS FOR LISTENING - - - KIM