A very frozen Lake Placid, as viewed from Whiteface Landing.
It couldn’t be much further now.
It seemed we had been hiking for hours. It was only supposed to be a little over three miles away, and the trail was mostly flat. What was taking us so long? Had we taken another one of our notorious wrong turns?
Where was Lake Placid?
Parking along Rt. 86 at the trail head.
It was a mere one degree Fahrenheit when we left our car along Route 86, just east of Lake Placid Village, and headed out, snow shoes in toe, in search of the frozen lake. Just three inches of snow dusted the ground, but a slippery layer of ice underneath necessitated the use of our snow shoes.
My fingers were absolutely freezing, and Justin’s snow pants were falling down. Not the best day for either. Justin insisted we run the first half mile or so in an effort to raise our body temperatures and relieve my chilly hands. Crunch, crunch, flop, flop. Running on snow shoes makes you look like an toddling penguin even on a good day, but the potential for embarassment was hightened by me waving my freezing hands in circles above my head and Justin’s awkward struggle to keep his pants on.
I really hope no one sees us like this. They might report us.
The trail to Whiteface Landing winds along through mostly flats, with moderate changes in elevation.
Finally, after several minutes of running, my hands heated up nicely and Justin managed to secure his trousers just in time to notice Connery Pond to our right. The pond was completely frozen, and dozens of people were ice fishing.
Our hike continued along, winding through the trees for several miles before we grew concerned about the accuracy of our directions. Were we supposed to turn right after we passed the pond? Had the snow obscured our path?
After a half mile or so more, we finally saw it: Whiteface Landing.
Just .3 miles to our left was the elusive Lake Placid, a place I had dreamed of visiting since I was a teenager. We trudged through ice chunks and climbed over tree roots to find the best vantage point for our first view of the frozen inspiration for summer recreation and cheesy horror films. Finally, framed by pine trees and drift wood, lay before us Lake Placid. For a moment, we just stood in awe, admiring her stark white beauty.
Suddenly from the east, blew a blistery wind that chilled us to the core and forced us to turn back. But we didn’t mind.
We got the view we came for.
Rewarding views of Lake Placid from Whiteface Landing.
What view(s) have you found to be most worthy of any discomfort or physical effort?
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Wow, what an adventure! There’s always something great about getting lost when traveling though, right? Makes for some of the best stories later! (Although at the time, I’m sure your frozen hands were not too happy!;-)
Jess recently posted..Curling And Carrots: Outaouais, Day Five
Yeah, I can get pretty cranky when my hands get cold! Thanks for reading!
Ellen recently posted..In search of Lake Placid
Absolutely beautiful pictures. I’ve always wanted to go ice fishing, but the ice on the lakes in my state usually doesn’t get thick enough to safely get out on. Looks like it was an adventure.
Greg recently posted..Top 5 Best Selling Game Cameras
Thanks for checking our site out, Greg! You’ve gotta head to the northeast next winter to try the ice fishing and take advantage of all the great photo opps! I’ve never ice fished, but the scenery up here in winter is just indescribable.
Ellen recently posted..In search of Lake Placid
Lake Placid looks beautiful! I generally like to get a bit lost when traveling but I’m not sure that I’d like to get lost in the snow!!
Lisa recently posted..A Day at The Toronto Zoo
I agree — it can be rather daunting, and frustrating.
I definitely understand the hard work involved to get some good views! I think the views I’ve worked the hardest for were the ones on the third day of the Queen Charlotte Track in New Zealand — long story short, it was the first day I was carrying my big pack and it was the most hilly day of the trek. Man was it hard work…but the stunning views of the sounds made it so worth it.
That said…it was a balmy 25C or so, and I definitely wasn’t slogging through the snow! Glad you finally made it
Kristin recently posted..Photo of the Week: Harbour on Fire
I bet it was worth it! I’ve heard the sounds in New Zealand are just stunning. We hope to make it there one day.
I had no idea it was a snowy there as it is in Idaho (where I’m at
. Love that you braved the winter weather for a hike! You’ve inspired me to get outside!
a &b recently posted..About Me: a Few Favorites
That’s great! I hope you’re enjoying it! I bet Idaho is beautiful this time of year.
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