Craftsbury, Lake Placid, And Home

One of the unpaved roads in Vermont on the way to the Ski Center.

 On Sunday Sue Ellen dropped her car at my house and we drove 4 hours north to Craftsbury VT which is just shy of the Canadian border. While we had an enjoyable time, the dorm style rooms with shared bathrooms down the hall were not greatly appreciated. Neither was sharing a room, but we both wanted to go and sharing was the only option. We made fine room mates and didn't get in each others' way at all. Once we embraced the dorm life, we had a great time!

By the time we arrived on Sunday, it was getting late so I just took a walk around the compound with Rich to see the Nordic Center, the gyms, and the beginning of the ski trails.  We then met the whole group in the common room for cocktails and I got to know a few more club members, including Rebecca from last week. Another one of them turned out to be a good friend of my friend Susan! Dinner was served in a dining hall and the food was fairly good - salmon, salad, roasted veg, and a few other options. And dessert - always dessert!

A beautifully groomed x-country ski trail.

On Monday we arranged a snowshoe hike in the morning since it was the coldest day there, starting at -4° F and getting up to a high of 15°F. It was nice to get the lay of the land for our planned skiing in the afternoon. We started out skiing with a large group, but they set off down a rather steep hill which Geri was not confident enough  to navigate on cross country skis. So she and I found a less steep path and found the trail into town that was being considered for the next day.

Geri and I finding our way on the trail system.

Cocktail hour before dinner was a daily routine, then dinner, then other diversions.  I led a rousing game of Uno as others played cards or did a puzzle. Ping pong also became a fun way to spend 30 minutes.

Tuesday I decided to push myself and ski the whole way to town and I have to say - it was exhilarating. It was above freezing the whole day and the scenery was beautiful. After a delightful chai latte at the Genny (General Store), the resort van picked us all up and drove us back to the Center. I was exhausted, so I read and relaxed until happy hour. I played quite a bit of ping pong after dinner and just enjoyed the resort. 

Peggy and I on the way into town - a nice warm ski!

While I had a wonderful little getaway, I counted that I spent 11 of the past 14 days interacting with people and I was ready for a break. We had a leisurely drive home, stopping at the Artisan Tea factory and Coffee Roaster, and then a Made In Vermont home goods store. When I got home, I jumped into the hot tub with a seltzer and just relaxed for the rest of the day.

Thursday - Have I mentioned how much I enjoy thrift shopping? I rarely buy anything, and usually just wander through speculating about all the folks who owned these things.   Once in a while I find a treasure. My friend Susan texted me earlier, looking for an 8 x 10 picture frame for a charity event she is helping with. Since I was just on my way to Doors Of Hope and said I'd look for one.

My thrift shopping haul for a couple of bucks.

 After I picked up the requested frame, I spotted the 8 oz. jars which my sister could use for her maple syrup production - she gives it away as gifts, no selling at all. Panera donates their day old bagels, (free) which I turn into croutons for salad or soup. I definitely enjoy the treasure hunt that is thrifting!

Friday's weather looked chilly and a bit windy, so I decided to head up to Lake Placid to be an usher for the Women's Ice Hockey Tournament. I was all out of ski vouchers, so earning a couple more for next year seemed like a good use of my day.

We had a little ice storm overnight and the weather outlook was bleak.

The skating oval outside the Lake Placid NY Olympic Center. It was half melted by the end of the day.

I got to watch Cornell play against Yale - these women are amazing athletes! I know very little about the game, but I looked up a few bits of info while I ushered. The 2+ hour drive home was fine, and I was home by 9 pm. I went straight to bed!

Saturday 3/7/26

Today has been a nice quiet day at home, and the temperature was close to 50°F, so a walk around the lake seemed fine. There were many ice fishing rigs set up, and lots of activity on the shore. I think it might have been a fishing contest as they were all gone when I walked past the lake 45 minutes later. (Update: It was a fishing contest.)

Even though the garden is still covered with snow, I enjoyed a glass of wine in my favorite spot. I can't wait to get my hands into the garden soil!

Sunday Update 3/8/26:

Not 24 hours later, it's 52°F and the snow is going fast! 

The daffodils have been emerging all along, even under snow. The garlic is up too!