Now the Lake Placid photos

I hope that these will  publish this time,

Mt Washington and North Conway.

Our drive from Arcadia to Mt Washington went very smoothly. Once again along forested roads that were quiet because it was a local highway not a motorway. The trees are just starting to show patches of red leaves. We arrived early enough that we decided to drive to the top of Mount Washington that afternoon. As this is a State Park we had not realised that the road to the top has been privately owned since the area was developed and as such we had to pay $38 to drive on it. It was quite a hairy drive as although it was sealed it was only just wide enough for two cars with a steep drop off right beside the road. If the oncoming driver was chary about going close to the edge it was  tight squeeze. The views from the top and the historic accounts of the early development were worth the drive. We couldn't see New York as they had promised because of the haze but the view was stunning anyway.
Next morning we decided on a drive through the Park to visit a couple of waterfalls. Our research told us that there were waterfalls quite close to the road and it seemed that we were in for a relaxing day. What wasn't said was that the walks were  1/2 a mile and 1.4 miles STRAIGHT UP. We did make it because fortunately we had done the short walk first and then wouldn't give up on the longer walk. They were both beautiful falls when we did arrive but I had to wet my hat to cool down as it was 80 F degrees and very humid. It took us and hour and a quarter to walk up the longer trek and only half an hour returning because this was all down hill. The return was also assisted by chatting to a couple from Colarado as we walked which helped to pass the time.
When we returned and had had a rest we went forth to tackle the Outlet stores that were right beside our motel. When we had finally worked out the layout we headed to the Rockport store. Coincidentally they were having a fantastic sale because they have changed ownership and were disposing of all the stock of the previous owners. All womens shoes were $25 and all the mens were $40. We left after about half an hour with 2 pair for Bob and 1 pair for me. Unfortunately they did not have any sandals for me but I am still hoping that I will find some when we go back down south.
Today we have driven along the Kamcamagus Highway through the State Park that surrounds it. Once again we have stopped at overlooks and walked up to a waterfall but this really was an easy walk to probably the most spectacular fall of all. From there we drove over the border into Vermont almost sraight across the state and are staying in motel near Burlington.
More exploration tomorrow.

Augusta to Arcadia NP

Our relaxing day was actually fairly active. We drove out of Augusta around some pf the lakeside communities as planned. Then went to find a walk trail we had seen marked on the map. This was a Round Hill Trail which which didn't aim for the summit of the hill as the name implies. Never the
less it was quite steep up and down at times and was four miles long (7 kms). The path was through tall forest almost all the way so it was comfortable walking. We had a few moments of bemusement almost half way round. We knew there was a short spur trail to take in the views and thought we must be getting close. Suddenly the trail did give us a view of the lakes below but then the trail ended. We didn't think we were on the spur because we had seen no sign. After hunting around we decided that we had no option but to return. And yes after 300 yards we found the biggest signs nailed to a tree telling us we had gone down the spur.Very relieved we finished the walk in fine style.
The next morning we drove down to the coast and once we reached Camden we followed Hway 1 around the coast to Trenton which is just short of Arcadia  National Park. After lunch we decided to explore the non National Park side of Desert Mountain Island.This is the private side of the island and base to lots of fishermen. We visited one of the old lighthouses which is now automatic and the building is privately owned. However there was a Lighthouse man/ gude there to answer questions. In conversation we asked him what was the best ocean fish caught locally. He nominated Haddock and the next logical question was where we should go to try some. He suggested a small restaurant in Bass Harbor and we decided it was near enough to dinner time to check it out. We ordered one Haddock dinner, one soft shell lobster and a side salad and shared the spoils. Complimented by a bottle of Riesling it was delicious.
This morning we went out to the Park quite early because we had been warned that it gets busy as the day progresses and we had noted that two cruise ships were due into Bar Harbor. After stopping at a couple of overlooks we went into Sand Beach. You might think this is a pretty mundane name but most of the coast around the Park is Pink granite and in fact 60 % of beaches in Maine are stony due to glacier activity in it' s long ago. By thetime we finished the walk the beach was packed with people, especially children building sand castles.
We tackled a walk up to Great Head which was moderate difficulty and once again mostly shaded. This is the thing most surprising to me about the Maine coast in that the forest grows right down to the beach. We then went on to complete the circuit road stopping off at Jordan Pond (a pretty lake) and Cadillac Hill where the views were stunning.
Lunch today was a lobster and salad sandwich which was delicious even though they each cost as much as our main courses last night. After an after lunch kip we went into Bar Harbor for a stroll around. It was just as touristy as we had anticipated but very pretty just the same.
More later

Boston

Our walking tour really began when we left the hostel and made our way up to Faneuil Hall and the Quincy Market. We walked the length of Washington Street which is the main retail area of the less exclusive shops. We were early so had the opportunity to explore the huge market area which occupies three buildings built in the early 1900's. We also observed the formation of a Police Parade to honour the funeral of a collegue complete with pipers.
Due to some misdirection by a woman at the information counter we ended up on a paid walking tour rather than the National Parks free one. However it was not expensive and the tour guide was a real "actor" who covered the history of fhe Freedom Trail with a humerous bent yet was very enlightening.
Afterwards we walked down to the piers and found information about the ferry trips out to the
Bay islands deciding to take a ride the next day. After eating a sandwich that we took down to Boston Common we met up with Isaac. We strolled through the Common and the beautiful Public Gardens with him then back to the hostel to collect the presents that I had for Sally, Lucy and Isaac. From the hostel was an  easy bus trip out to Sally and Isaac's apartment. We collected Lucy from her day care which  looked like an excellant one catering for toddlers only at that site and well staffed. When Sally arrived home from work we caught up on news and then had an excellant Thai meal. Catching the bus home was a doddle because we had earlier engaged Isaac to unravel the mysteries of purchasing tickets for the Boston Transport System. They have a one price system for the whole metro area and you need to buy the tickets in set amounts , eg $5 or $10  and just use it to cover the standard fare until it runs out. Simple really but there is nothing on the purchase screen to clarify this unlike other systems we had encountered.
Thursday morning we walked back to the piers and caught the National Parks ferry out to Georges Island. This was a fortified island developed prior to the War of Independance to protect the main chanel into Boston Harbour. The fort is a massive structure built of ganite blocks and an interesting place to walk around. It was used to house Confederate prisoners during and after the Civil War but otherwise was mainly underutilised serving only as a training facility. The ride over and back was in perfect conditions with the ocean breeze making the temperature very pleasant.
Afterwards I managed to explore TJ Max enroute to the hostel which was my first venture into retail therapy. The luggage restrictions on the flight back to Dallas from Chicago have meant that I have had to be restained so far.
Dinner that night was close to the hostel because I had caught Bob's cold and that meant we couldn't go near Lucy again. We found a pub which offered music and food and opted for that as it was comparable to most others in the area. The main attraction Jazz group were very good when they came on and finally started but by then our stamina was waning. Unfortunately the quality of the food was compromised by the provision of the entertainment as is often the case.
Yesterday we drove around US 1 along the coastal route to Maine. When we stopped at the Maine Visitor Centre we discovered why there was very little reasonable accommodation and crowds at each of the towns along the way. It is the last weekend before school resumes here on Monday and the fine weather has brought out everyone intent on making the most of the last weekend. Parking anywhere was virtually impossible so we drove slowly through Olgonquin and Portland gawking as we went. The crowds on the beach at Olgonquin were like Scarborough on a Saturday. Portland has redeveloped it's port area into a tourist mecca. After that we headed for the hills. We had booked accommodation in Augusta, the small Capitol of Maine in Quality Suites Motel which is luxurious after the hostel's basic accommodation. Last night we walked across rhe road to the Texas Steakhouse recommended by the motel staff and had delicious steaks at a very reasonable price. I think this must be because they are competing with the lobster and seafood dinners which are the main attraction in Maine.
Today we have a relaxing day planned exploring the lakeside communities that are a feature of the area.

Traverse City to Boston

Our final day in Traverse City began with breakfast at one of the local restaurants. This place had a Harley theme which would amuse Martin. The selection was huge and we both stubbonly proved our Aussie heritage by not ordering the local specialty of biscuits ( large  scones) and gravy. The gravy is an anaemic shade of pale made of flour, water and bacon grease. Both Mike and now Kathryn  assured us it was delicious but we both stuck with eggs.
We  then drove about 45 minutes to the top of the Peninsula near TC. This area is the site of one of the many lighthouses around the coast of Lake Michigan. Today it is a museum and State Park. We explored the shoreline of the lake while Adelaide and Willow had a splash in the water. It was too cold and too shallow just there to tempt the adults even though we had brought our bathers, just in case. We then visited the museum which was interesting because the lighthouse building had housed two families at it's peak and contained a comprehensive collection of memorabilia and description.  The strairs up to the lighthouse proper were  tricky and it was apparent that the inhabitants were a size or two smaller than todays popularion but we all made it. The view out over the lake made it worthwhile.
Our timing was perfect because the rain which had been threatening set in. Our drive home meandered through some nearby locations but it was too wet to explore so we headed home for a late lunch and a nap.  That evening Jerry and Kaye came over for dinner and the meal  was a feast by the time Kaye had added her contributions to Andy and Kathryn's array of food. I have scored a couple of new salad recipes to try out when we get home.
The trip to Boston began early the next morning as we knew we had two days of driving.  The countryside of Michigan is beautiful to drive through at this time of year with green forests and lush farmland. Crops of corn and beets are just ripening and are in huge acerages along the road. Their vinyards are different in that they do not trellis their wine grapes at all and the leafy vegetation grows straight up from the ground.
This was a long day as Bob wanted to break the back of the driving even though he was suffering from a cold. We stopped for the night in the small town of Victor in Rochester County after driving across a short section of Canada and coming back into the USA alongside Niagara Falls. We had visited the Falls on a previous trip so didn't stop but saw the countryside along the northern side and discovered it is a huge wine growing area. When we did stop we were so tired we opted for a pizza eaten in our room.
Yesterday we drove on into Boston and arrived at about 3pm finding our hostel in the downtown area without difficulty thanks to the GPS. Parking was an entirely different matter. The hostel gave us the address of a parking garage which gives discount to their customers. This amounts to $17 per day . Unfortunately Bob missed the entry and had an encounter with a nearby public car park which is $35 per day. Even extracting the car by driving through would have been $11 for the first hour. We regrouped and decided that it was better to pay the extortionate fee and move to the cheaper option immediately than risk incurring the 24 hour fee. We had a leisurely walk around the area finding some magnificent church buildings and some high end fashion shops which I did not bother to venture in to. In a slightly different direction we were in the Theatre district with plenty of restaurants and had a delicious Indian meal for dinner. Today we are planning on a walking tour, exploring the Boston Common area with Isaac and meeting up with Sally and Lucy for dinner.

Traverse City, Michigan

Our departure from Chicago was a little delayed by the crash of the computers at the Alamo car hire office. Fortunately the staff were very efficient at processing the queue that had formed ahead of us and we were only about 15 minutes behind our anticipated departure time. We  had a smooth trip up to Traverse City and arrived at 5-30pm  which gave us time to unwind before we went out with Andy and Kathryn. This was good timing considering that we had realised as we sat eating our lunch that we had crossed an invisible line and lost an hour.
That evening we went to a Cider and Sausage event which was designed to promote the local cideries. Our entry price entitled us to 5 pints of cider and as many brats as we could eat. There was a wide range of both cider and brats and Bob and Andy did their best to sample quite a few of the ciders. Kathryn and I were a bit more circumspect but I probably ate more of the different varieties of brats than was good for my waistline. They were delicious.
The next morning we took in the Michigan equivalent of Walmart known as Meijer while Kathryn put in a few hours at work.
When Kathryn was free we went up to the old asylum site which is being redeveloped since our last visit. Part of it has been bought by a develper and is being converted into retirement units. It is lovely to see the old buildings being revitalized. The other part of the land was a farm which operated to provide voluntary employment for the 3000 inmates for 50 years providing complete self sufficiency in terms of food for inmates and staff. Then along came electro convulsive therapy and the idea that inmates should not work but be "theraped". This land and several huge barns are being gradually developed as entertainment venues, a community garden and Botanical Gardens. We went on tour with a very knowledgable local and thoroughtly enjoyed it. That evening we had a delicious dinner at Andy's parents home.
Friday morning we went walking around Cedar Lake which was very relaxing. After lunch when Kathryn was home from her student orientation day we went out to the famous local ice creamery where I unashamedly had a huge black cherry and chocolate fudge ice cream. It was delicious.
We then went to "Friday Night Live" Downtown. We had dinner from a mobile food hall set up in the car park of a local tavern. This comprised a number of food caravans serving the local version of fast foods. People in Michigan eat more vegetables than their Southern Cousins so there was even a wide selection of vegetarian offerings. Afterwards we walked the main street watching the street performers and checking out the street vendors.
This morning we were up early to go to the producers market and sample some of the offerings for breakfast. This is Kathryn and Andy's vegetable shopping venue and we stocked up on fresh  vegetables and sweet corn which is straight from the paddocks around here and absolutely delicious. We then met with Andy's mother who was kindly providing child care so we could go bike  riding. Believe it or not we rode 14 miles( 24 kms) along a cycle path which is an old railway line. It was easy enough on everything except my butt because it is level gradient and concrete surface but quite an achievement never the less. The end of the cycle path is a small community called Suttons Bay which is a popular destination for riders and drivers like. After lunch we caught a retired school bus which has been modified to carry 8 bikes in very neat racks inside the back and 3 on the front. We were dropped off close to Andy and Kathryn's and even managed to ride the slightly up hill route to their house. 
Tonight we are having a leisurely dinner at home and hoping we won't have too many aching muscles tomorrow.
More later.

Chicago

We flew out of Dallas with clear skies after Mike had very kindly driven us the three hours from Allen  Oklahoma. All went smoothly depite some predicted turbulance until we were about 30 minutes away from Chicago. The pilot informed us that we were being placed in a holding pattern due to thunderstorms over Chigago. There was currently a two hour delay in landing patterns due to the build up of aircraft waiting to land and as we didn't have sufficient fuel to ride that out we were going to land at Kansas City. As we landed  we were told we would be able to disembark but just as people started to get off the plane the news changed and we were told we would be leaving in 35 minutes so we were to remain on the plane. Fortunately it was quite a comfortable aircraft with good leg room. We then took off for Chigago and landed after a reasonably short holding pattern over Chigago. However this had turned our two and a half hour flight into to a five hour one.
We caught the train into the city and found our hostel without difficulty. As it was by now 8.30 pm we went stright out to find the recommended restaurant which was about four blocks away. After one block it started to rain and by halfway down the next block we had retreated to a recessed doorway listening to the thunder and watching the lightning and rain coming down in stair rods.
That's where we stayed for the next hour until it finally eased enough for us to hussle to the restaurant. Of course we didn't have jackets or umbrellas as it had been warm and dry when we left our accommodation and we didn't understand Chicago weather. The restaurant staff kindly provided about a ream of paper towel for us to mop up and we then had an enjoyable dinner.
Yesterday we set off to explore. We caught the Hop on Hop off bus as the most efficient way to see the most in the available time. This worked well and we did almost the entire circuit before getting off for a saunter along the river walk. We then made our way back to the hotel going past the Alamo centre where we collect the car this mornimg  and down the most affordable of the shopping streets. It was a lovely clear day. Last night we went out to dinner armed with jackets and my umbrella and watched bemused as the same thunderstorms as the previous night developed while we sat eating our meal. This time we made it back to our accommodation without problems but it did scotch the plan to take the gratis night bus tour to look at the city lights from the open top deck of the bus.
We  are impressed with Chicago and could probably spend more time here given another opportunity.  The city has worked hard to make its downtown attractive and takes great pride it it's focus on  reducing it's carbon footprint. We sat in briefly on a free riverside talk about the architecture which detailed how some of the old buildings are being gutted and refurbished rather than tearing  them down. One new building has been designed to achieve the highest environmental rating and cycles river water through the building to cool the infrastructure machinery then cleans the water before returning it to the river. Being summer there are flowers and planter boxes everywhere and the city boasts 500 parks which makes up for the absence of  street trees.
Today we are driving to Michigan.