Saturday, February 25, 2023

Burst Pipe Adventure - Day 18

I was up at 0515 (still at my hotel in White River Junction) and got ready for my trip.  Since breakfast hadn't started yet, I ate a snack in the room.  While I was packing my car, I figured out that the temps below zero... Left WRJ at around 0600 and used I-89 and VT-14 as I drove west.  Along the way, I could see where state and town plowing "changed over" (most towns didn't seem to bother).  Next got on VT-107 and used it to reach Church Street, Camp Brook Road, Bethel Mountain Road, VT-100 and VT-125.  I could see ADKs on my way into the Middlebury area!  After that, I used US-7, Cross Street, College Street, VT-125, VT-22A, VT-125, VT-185, NY-9N, Water Street, NY-9N, NY-73 and Main Street to reach Lake Placid (arrived at 0840).  Throughout the drive, I exchanged texts with Eileen we later made calls to coordinate our arrival time.  The weather was very cold but sky was mostly clear.  After arriving at the High Peaks Resort, I visited the front desk and learned more about the amenities.  It was too early to get into the room so I waited for Eileen, who arrived about 20 minutes later (she then went through the same processes). At 0915, we took Mika for a walk and then ate breakfast at Big Mountain Deli and Creperie.  I got sausage gravy & eggs crepe and Eileen got a smoked salmon crepe (we also bought a sandwich called "Nippleback" for later but never ended up eating it).  Next (1015), we went back to hotel to check on spa availability (no dice) and get directions to hiking trails.  We then drove around the north end of Mirror Lake and parked at Cobble Mountain Lodge (with the nice proprietor's permission) so we could access Jackrabbit Trail.  This multi-use trail passed through the golf course across the street from there we'd parked.  From 1140 to 1340, we skied and had a great time!  It was snowing almost continuously.  We both had some falls on the rolling hills through the trees.  It was a bit frustrating to not have a map but we eventually found one posted at a small kiosk along the trail.  During this whole period, I had to do a lot of walking (without skis) but Eileen and Mika were having a great time.  We turned around at a point where the trail crossed a road near a creek (south end of the map I'd photographed).  While we were skiing, I got a voicemail that our room was ready so we went back (took the same route around north end of lake) to check in.  After checking out the accommodations and settling Mika temporarily, we drank some Champagne and spent time relaxing near the fireplace in lobby (there were cookies too).  We then got Mika and explored in hotel for a little while.  After feeling like we'd found everything, we returned to the lobby with her and had a bit more Champagne.  Mika was wearing her bandanna and got lots of compliments!  Eileen had wanted to go to the Spa before we'd arrived but, since they were booked, she asked if we could see a movie together.  Dropping Mika off at the room again, we walked to the Palace Theater for the 1600 showing of “A Man Called Otto”.  The venue was very vintage/retro (cash only) but wasn't too crowded.  We got a large popcorn and finished it quickly.  Ultimately, we both decided we really liked the movie.  After going back to hotel (1815), we drank some of the Sangria I’d brought from home.  Later, we took Micah on a walk around the full circuit of Mirror Lake.  Since it was already dark, we enjoyed the pretty lights and great views of the constellations.  Finished our chilly walk with a stop at the Toboggan tower.  To return to the Resort, we used Main Street (more interesting sights).  With Mika back in her little bed (provided by the hotel), Eileen and I went to dinner (1930ish) at the Dancing Bears Restaurant.  During discussions about the drink menu, I convinced Eileen to try my Old Fashioned - she liked it and ordered her own.  We ordered grilled brussels sprouts and two great entrees (I got a turkey BLT and Eileen had a stuffed mushroom burger; we both had fries).  After some delicious food and nice conversation, we finished dinner (2045) and then headed back to room.  Mike was doing fine.  Not wanting the day to end, we changed for the hot tub (2100).  At first, we had it all to ourselves and the whole experience was really relaxing and enjoyable (no bubbles, though).  At 2130, though, a HUGE group of kids arrived and really messed up the mood.  Reluctantly, we went back to the room and spent the rest of the evening reading and talking.  Bedtime was at 2230.  We both agreed that it was a great day!