We got to thinking (actually over-thinking) about the route through Canada as both of our passports had recently expired and we'd heard that we'd need something more than a drivers license and a birth certificate to get in and out. We scurried around looking at various options ranging from changing the route to getting a new $45 'enhanced' drivers license now available here in Michigan. We stopped by the Secretary of States office to get one of the enhanced variety only to find the place packed with customers. Not wanting to wait, we headed home and Sharon made some phone calls and discovered that our expired passports were still acceptable so we decided it was better to 'enhance' our wallets than the State of Michigan.
Our documentation worked beautifully and we buzzed along to our first stop in Engersoll Ontario. Since the exchange rate is now unfavorable to the US dollar, it costs us about 10% more for the room. It was an okay room, probably a 3 star example.
We travelled all the next day arriving at my sister's place on Upper Saranac Lake New York about 5:45 in the afternoon. As luck would have it everyone was just getting ready to go out to eat and since we were hungry, we quickly got ready and headed towards Lake Placid even though we were not very presentable after travelling all day.
We were dining at a place adjoining the Lake Placid Lodge called "Artisans". Since I occasionally fancy myself as an artist, and it appeared to be a quaint little bistro to break bread with other art types, it seemed like a good spot to stop. I had forgotten my beret and canvas but what the heck, why not give it a try. http://www.lakeplacidlodge.com/dining/artisans/
Overlooking a very placid Lake Placid, this was not a place to eat if you've just come in from the slopping the hogs. A little more upscale than our usual haunts with all types of uniformed folks scurrying around helping you with seating, picking wine, de-crumbing the table and all other nice little things to make your stay more comfortable. We were seated on the lakeside porch (probably because I had been driving all day and the onshore breeze would keep the air fresh) with the table covered with wine glasses of all types and sizes. Thankfully the hired help knew what to do them so I just sat back and let the wine pouring begin. Shortly after a few rounds of drinks we placed our orders and soon thereafter the restaurant staff paraded out with a special treat from the chef. Placed on an oversize 15" plate was a slice of radish so thin it looked like a bloodshot contact lens. Atop that was a generous 1 inch piece of arugula. Resting ever so gently next to the radish and greenery was a razor thin piece of meat about 2 inches long. Delicately dribbled over this little trio was a yellowish cream maybe made of something mixed with something else. As I glanced around the table I quickly knew that I was the only one who had no clue what was on the plate. Not wanting to play my stupid card, I silently but swiftly stabbed the little pile of stuff and popped it into my mouth trying to appear suave and all knowing. Not bad actually ... "do you suppose I should ask for another?" Well ... maybe not. I did learn that the meat was smoked duck. Tasty but I hope they were paying the dishwasher a little extra for his cleanup effort that night.
Shortly our entrees arrived (I ordered a chicken dish) and we were all pleased with our selections and it turned out to be a very nice evening out. Luckily we had found enough returnable cans along the roads while still in Michigan as the bill was not for the faint-hearted.
Day two was a good old kick-back day with nothing scheduled but a leisurely boat ride in my sisters electric launch. Cold drinks to tame the heat of the day and a lowering sun made for calm cruise around Upper Lake Saranac. I could get used to this.
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| Admiral Bob at the tiller |
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| The Upper Lake Saranac fleet |
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| 1st mates Sharon and Susie |
We planned to return home through the US hugging the southern Lake Erie shore line and taking in all the fantastic wine country in New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. We ended up finding a room in Erie PA only after stopping a few other places and discovering we weren't the only tourist on vacation. Unfortunately the place we found was attached to one of those wild water indoor parks and the place was filled with kids who were so hyped up it was a struggle for us to get to sleep. We're going to return to this area sometime in the near future. We'd passed far too many wine tasting rooms not to.
Heading out early in the morning we had about 8 hours to get home so we somehow found time to stop at the new casino in Toledo. As far as casinos go it was nice, but not many folks there on a weekday. And a pleasant prize was in store for us. We broke even and had sense enough to leave and finish our trip home.
So another adventure. Safe and sound.
Still livin' the dream.
Phil
