Adironacks

So, after the fiasco with our bank and credit cards in Maine, we had to make the decision whether to go back to the states to finish our trip, or just head home after such an exhausting journey. After all, we were in Cobourg Ontario and only four hours from home. However, I just could not give up our trip to the Adirondack’s. This area is a hiker’s dream, and one I had been wanting to explore for decades. Luckily my husband was willing to humor me and off we went to our cottage near Lake Placid. I was concerned about crossing the border again, as this would be our third border crossing in less than 24 hours. I felt like I needed to announce that I was not a drug mule, but my husband convinced me that this would be a bad idea. Instead, we headed across the border, with me only needing to confirm with the border agent that my husband was who he said he was and not some trafficker, and here we are, heading south through the mountains to Wilmington, New York.

The drive is easy and so beautiful through the mountains and down into the area around Lake Placid. At least it would be an easy drive if our darn GPS was not intent on sending us through scary back roads with few houses and twisting routes. We decided to name our GPS Pam and cursed her loudly and frequently. It was now early evening, and the deer began to make their appearance. We passed deer next to the road eating apples and had a very weird moment as we rounded a corner and in slow motion turned our heads to watch a deer assuming the position for a lengthy bathroom break and in turn had him turn his head and watch us drive by. I am not sure I will ever unsee this, and maybe this deer feels the same.

We made it to our rustic cottage in Wilmington without any further voyeur moments and fell in love with our home away from home. It was exactly what a cabin should be; sparse, small, and clean. A bonus was that it was short walk from a small diner with the most amazing food. The trees were vibrant with reds and golds, and the air was crisp with the fall weather. I need to come back here again.

This area had so many hiking option. There are lengthy trails through the mountains, short trails just off the road, and many well-known tourist’s areas. One of the trails we decided to check out was High Falls. This is a very popular and private owned trail. The cost of using the trail is quite high, but we decided to pay the fees to check out this historic trail, and it was well worth it. The main trail is very well marked and easy to follow. It leads out and across the Ausable river and then along the gorge. This is breathtaking, and the trail leads you along four waterfalls with bridges and glass bottom partitions to scare the heck out of you. I hate heights, but I was able to complete this trail without stepping on those opaque areas. The waterfalls are stunning, and the bridges across the gorge give you a spectacular view. After you complete the tourist area around the gorge, you can head up the mountain to a less used short 2 km trail through the forest. This is an easy hike though with frequent elevation changes and many steps up and over rocks and roots. Overall, a lovely few hours spent in the mountains. Now home to Ontario.