"The mountains are calling and I must go." ~ John Muir

And now for Part II of our Adirondack Getaway! Over the course of two more days, we covered a lot of territory. First up is the Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex. 

"At the Olympic Jumping Complex, you'll see up close the ramp that ski jumpers launch from before flying over the length of a football field. Take the Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex elevator to the observation deck of the K-120 meter jump. At the top you will find a panoramic view of the Adirondack High Peaks as you stroll through the ski jumpers preparation room. Then get a bird's eye view of what the jumpers see as they start to accelerate towards the end of the ramp. Nearby, aerialists will spring off steep kickers on the Lake Placid Freestyle hill in a flurry of twists, turns and tumbles."

We also visited John Brown's Farm.

"High in New York State's Adirondack Mountains is the home and grave of abolitionist John Brown. Many Americans know the song "John Brown's body lies a-mouldering in the grave," but most do not associate the words with this simple farm at North Elba, New York.

On the night of October 16, 1859, Brown and his followers assaulted the U.S. Arsenal at Harper's Ferry, planning to use the captured arms in an extensive campaign for the liberation of the slaves in the South. Brown was captured on October 18, 1859, imprisoned at Charlestown, Virginia, tried by the Commonwealth of Virginia, and hanged on December 2, 1859. His body was returned to North Elba and was buried in front of his home on December 8, 1859. The remains of several of Brown's followers, who fought and died at Harper's Ferry, were moved to this small graveyard in 1899.

Brown's final prophesy--"I, John Brown, am quite certain that the crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood. I had, as I now think, vainly flattered myself that without very much bloodshed it might be done,"--was soon to be realized in the Civil War." http://nysparks.com/historic-sites/29/details.aspx

Next up was a trip to the top of White Face Mountain. We took an ear popping ride to the top, or nearly the top. So beautiful! Once you have driven as far as you can go, there is usually an elevator that takes up to the very peak. The elevator was not working, so up we went, along the path strewn with boulders, occasional stairs, and lots of railings. It was gorgeous, but I was quite exhausted by the trip up and down (which was also an incredible challenge).

Phew! Then we made our way to High Falls Gorge. A beautiful hike, which ended with panning for gems!

Believe it or not, I have not included pictures from a couple of other stops, including our final day at The Adirondack Museum. By that point, I had tired of taking pictures, and just enjoyed walking around. The museum is quite wonderful however, and I know that I will make it back again.

We had a great trip, but it's fair to say that Bruce and I pretty much collapsed once we were back home!