While the test trip was the focus, there was also the bonus of absolutely gorgeous roads coupled with stunning scenery. Most roads had light traffic and speed limits that allowed you to have some fun and get into a rhythm without risking the ire of NY State’s normally over-zealous speed limit enforcement squad (or a trip into the dense bush). We set off from home a little into the afternoon (I had a small brake repair to effect, and parts were in short supply) and drove directly to Lake Placid where we checked in and then strolled down the town’s main drag, checking out the typical touristy shops and some of the real estate listings (let’s just say there’s some wealth in the region!). One cool property was right on the drag and comprised a boat garage at water level and small but luxuriously appointed cottage above. From the street, it looked like someone’s shed, but was listed at $620,000 USD–and it was one of the smaller and more affordable properties. The affluence of the region was also obvious in the people on the street, but everyone was warm and friendly. We concluded our walk with some time in the hotel’s hot tub and pool, which was perfect relaxation before our dinner at The Brown Dog Cafe. The restaurant was pricey, but well worth it, both for the food, the surroundings, and the service. I actually had a glass of wine!

The next day was truly a test day, as we planned to hit the southern tip of the Park and then work our way back. Unfortunately, the rain of day one was still around so we only managed brief stints with the top down between Lake Placid and Gloversville. The drive into Gloversville on Route 10 was AMAZING with turn after turn where the exit of one turn would contain a warning about the next one, which was virtually immediate. Some were banked, some were off-camber and some changed camber mid-corner. Of course, elevation changes figured heavily given the mountainous nature of the region, and the tight passing opportunities meant the gearbox got a work-out, too. Getting into town about 1PM, we grabbed lunch at The Railyard restaurant, which was a very pleasant surprise with decent food, great prices, and friendly service (although I hated the chairs).

After lunch, Ped took the wheel and was rewarded with the longest period of top down motoring in actual sunshine. We were almost in Hoffmeister when the top had to go up again, but it was great while it lasted. Her cornering speeds increased steadily over her stint and by the end, I was reaching for my imaginary brake pedal. She handed the helm back to me just outside of Remsen when her shoulders started screaming for mercy, a byproduct of her physiotheraphy. Her timing was good as the drive between Remsen and Old Forge was full of traffic, mostly minivans and trucks, which meant a lot of over-taking. I was trying to stay relaxed, but one van going 10mph below the limit was too much. Thank heavens for Ginger’s passing aplomb.

When we hit Eagle Bay on Route 28, our GPS asked us to turn left on to Uncas Rd. We complied and were rewarded with over eight miles of unpaved roads, missing some really twisty bits of Route 28. I was not amused, but I guess I should read the device’s manual to see what the various routing modes mean. The rest of the trip to Long Lake was fantastic as we followed a capable and intrepid GMC Sierra Driver who was keeping a 60 – 70 mph pace on the wet, twisty roads. From Long Lake on, we were retracing steps from the morning and from Day 1, and of course, it was raining… again. On the upside, there was virtually no traffic after Tupper Lake, and some sections of that road are extremely rewarding. We refueled at Sunoco in Ogdensburg, dropped the top, and completed the journey home.

The only section of the Park that was somewhat weak was from Tupper Lake to Lake Placid where traffic and police were more plentiful and bends were less so. Details of our route are below. You’ll notice that there is plenty left to be explored.

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