We Ended Up In Vermont!

Well, today was such a fun day!  Ken and I decided to give the family some breathing room and we would only go into Lake Placid around 5.  The weather after today is not looking too favorable for hiking or biking, especially after Sunday, so we decided to take advantage of the beautiful day and do a bike ride.  

We left Waldo around 8:15 to get a Ferry at Port Kent, about 30 miles from our CG that took you to Burlington, VT.  So, we boarded the ferry at 9:30 for the 40 minute cruise, taking only our bikes.  What a beautiful "float" across Lake Champlain.  Once we departed the ferry we were right at the Island Line Rails Trail, an unbelievable gorgeous trail with so many different settings to see.  We stopped at a beach area and went down the steps to the water, finding about 6 pieces of seaglass - yes!!!  Then more riding across a railroad bridge, a bridge they added to go over a marshy area, and then we continued on to a scenic causeway.  We had planned to turn around at 12:15, but at that time we saw a map for the trail and saw there was a causeway about 2 1/2 miles further down the trail.  So, we decided to keep riding even if it meant not being able to eat lunch in Burlington before getting back on the ferry.  We were so glad we made that decision.  The causeway was the most scenic part of the ride.  We headed back at 12:45 and arrived back at Burlington at 1:20.  Ken decided to get the tickets for the return ferry ride before trying to get lunch.  We thought the ferry was scheduled to leave at 2:30.  I went to check the menu at a place near there while Ken purchased the tickets.  As I was heading out of the restaurant Ken was "flagging" me to get to the ferry.  Turns out it was leaving now (!:30) and the next one was 2:50, too late for us to return to Waldo to shower and be at the house by 5:00.  So we quickly boarded and then ferry actually left 2 minutes after we were on board.  Wow!

The ferry that we took to Burlington, VT.  It also took cars!

Approaching the town of Burlington!

The beginning of the Rails Bike Trail!

We took the steps down to the beach area to look for seaglass!

You rode over this railroad bridge!

A nice path over the swamp area!

Isn't this causeway area beautiful?????

We got back to Waldo by 3:40 and quickly showered and prepared some food to take into Jamie and friends.  The ladies worked together getting supper organized - tilapia, quinoa, and fresh beans and asparagus.  After clean-up, we walked right across the street to be part of the opening ceremonies for the Ironman.  How impressive!  There are 2700 participants, the oldest man being 78 and the oldest woman 65!  Imagine!!!  They had a big screen set-up where we watched stories of the athletes of previous Ironman competitions here in Lake Placid.  There has been 1 here every year since 1999.   Then we played some games of corn hole and chatted.  We left by 10:30 to head back to Waldo.  Another great day!

Watching the opening ceremonies in the yard along Mirror Lake
right across from the house they are renting!

We watched the stories of past Lake Placid Ironman Triathlon's
on the big screen!

An evening photo from the front porch!