If someone tells you they’re bored with sunshine, beaches, and paddle boarding, the only logical response is to take them somewhere cold enough to question every life choice you’ve ever made.
- Devre Arkadie
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Trading Sandals for Snow Boots
We hit the road early on the morning of December 27, headed for Montreal, Canada, armed with a full tank of gas, questionable judgment, and a list of predetermined stops which is just a polite way of saying, “We had a plan… kind of.”
This winter adventure was inspired by my grandson, who casually announced he didn’t want to go to California for Christmas because we “do the same old thing.” You know beach days, paddle boarding, sunshine, happiness… yawn. Apparently, paradise had lost its sparkle. So naturally, I decided the solution was cold, snow, and mild danger.
The Big (Rejected) Idea
My first stroke of brilliance was the 1884 Toboggan Slide in Quebec City a historic wooden slide where people willingly hurl themselves downhill at alarming speeds in the name of fun.
Sadly, the group informed me that driving all the way to Quebec City and back during our short stay was “too far” and “not practical.”
Still, if you’re curious about what we almost did, here’s the proof:
Plan B: Controlled Chaos in Lake Placid
Plan B was just as reasonable: bobsledding in Lake Placid. Yes, real bobsledding. The kind where you race down an Olympic track used for world championships at speeds up to 50 mph, guided by a professional driver and brakeman who clearly thrive on adrenaline and questionable life choices. Best of all, Lake Placid was only a 30-minute detour on our way to Montreal.
Perfect. , but fortunately for our life insurance policies the Bobsled Experience was unavailable due to track updates. Disappointing? Absolutely. Logical? Probably. Did we still go to Lake Placid anyway?
Of course we did.
Ski Jumps and Mild Terror
We arrived about 1 hour and 45 minutes after departure to exactly what you’d expect: snowing, freezing, and absolutely beautiful. Our first stop was the Lake Placid Ski Jumps, because why ease into winter when you can dive headfirst into it?
As we pulled into the parking lot, we looked up and no exaggeration someone was literally flying through the air after launching off the 120-meter Olympic Ski Jump.
If you think I’m being dramatic, judge for yourself:
We trudged through the snow (gracefully…-ish) and boarded the gondola to the top of the ski jump platform. The view was stunning wide, snowy, and breathtaking.
My granddaughter’s assessment? She repeatedly reminded us how terrified she was.
My response was supportive and nurturing: “Suck it up, girlfriend. There’s more to come.”
And just like that, the winter adventure officially began.
The Biggest Surprise in
Lake Placid
While wandering around Lake Placid, New York, I figured I'd see ski jumps, mountain views, and maybe a moose if I was lucky. What I didn't expect was to stumble across John Brown's House.
I nearly tripped over my own feet.
"Well, I'll be..." I said. "John Brown's house! Who knew he ended up here?"
I pointed excitedly at the sign like I'd just discovered buried treasure.
My wife glanced over, shrugged, and said, "John Brown... who?"
Now, folks, there are moments in life that leave a man speechless. Finding the famous abolitionist's home in the Adirondacks wasn't one of them. Hearing those three words from my own bride that was the real historical event.
I looked at her, looked back at the house, and wondered if history teachers across America had just felt a mysterious disturbance in the force.
So we toured the house, admired the history, and I quietly accepted that I had married a woman who thought John Brown was either my old fishing buddy or the fellow who rotates our tires at Discount Tire.
Turns out the house wasn't the biggest surprise in Lake Placid after all. That honor belonged to the passenger riding beside me.
The Restaurant That Got Away
Leaving the ski jumps, we headed into town with one very specific mission: find the
restaurant I loved back in 2020 the one where I enjoyed a hard apple cider that tasted like warmth, nostalgia, and good life decisions. I distinctly remembered two figures out front, standing like frozen bouncers, welcoming you in from the cold.
Or so I thought.
We pulled up… and heartbreak struck. 💔The building was still there, but it was emptier than a pot drilled with a million holes. No cider. No cozy glow. And worst of all my two figures were gone. Vanished. Like they never existed. The place
that once warmed my soul had packed up and moved on without telling me.
Rude.
A Burger Redemption Story
Hungry and emotionally wounded (a dangerous combination), we regrouped and made our way to the Black Bear Restaurant on Main Street. Thankfully, this turned out to be an excellent consolation prize. My grandson took one bite of his burger, paused dramatically, and declared it “the best burger I’ve ever eaten in my entire life.”
Bold claim? Yes.
Sincere? Absolutely.
As we ate, the view outside turned into a full-blown winter postcard dog sleds gliding across the frozen lake, people skating like professionals, and even a walking path straight across the ice to the other side of the lake. Because in Lake Placid, lakes don’t freeze… they multitask.
So if you ever find yourself in Lake Placid, take in the Olympic ski jumps, ride the gondola to the top for the spectacular view, wander down Main Street, and by all means, go visit John Brown's House. It's a fascinating piece of American history.
Just one word of advice...
If your last name happens to be General Lee, you might want to skip the guest book.
Everyone else is welcome!
Back on the Road
Full, happy, and somehow colder than when we arrived, we decided it was time to get back on the road and continue heading north to Canada aye! The goal was simple: reach our destination before dark, preferably without adding any more “unexpected adventures” to the itinerary.
Snow boots on.
Seatbelts fastened.
Montreal, here we come.
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