With snow still coming cold and heavy, I extended my original 24-hour Lake Placid hockey adventure for an additional night. Departing after the 5 PM Championship game now seemed ill-advised. Although I’ve driven it hundreds of times, weaving Route 73 in the dark was certainly a non-bladed ice thing I didn’t need.
So after breakfast, I decided to head to Mt. Van Hoevenberg where a World Cup Bobsledding event was happening. The perks of being in an Olympic town, there are always some winter activities going on. (Even though I had lived here I had never been.)
World Cup Bobsledding – Mt. Van Hoevenberg
Ill-prepared in sneakers, I made my way up the mountain, though “up” only meant to turn 10. I could have paid $125 and ridden a shuttle to the top, then walked my way down. Instead, I opted for the $20 bargain and sucked wind through every orifice of my body, climbing stairs and hills.
I watched the Women’s Heat One event in its entirety and took some nice videos (YouTube) and photos before sliding down the hill and heading out to lunch. I met and chatted with Deaneah Hill, a 1984 Summer Olympic Gold medalist in the 4×400 relay, whose daughter was competing.
ECAC Championship – Cornell v. St. Lawrence
Back at the rink at 5 for some more blades on ice, I had no stake in the outcome. Although I don’t like red teams winning anything, I had no choice in this one and was just there for some good hockey. Cornell ended up winning 3-1, their first step toward the Frozen Four, although I don’t expect to see them in Saint Paul in a couple of weeks.
View for Departure
