Lake George At Last

Way back in mid-July, I posted the very beginning of our summer road trip to New York.  In that post I expressed my intention to give a daily update so that it wasn't one giant post at the end.  

Whoops.

The blog never made it past Cleveland.  Although in all fairness, we got hung up along the way too.  We were traveling on I-90 near Henrietta (just outside of Rochester) when this happened.

Ugh.  So much for drive flat tires.  The kids said they could see bits of rubber just flying off behind the van.

After a flurry of phone calls to AAA and various tire shops, we finally found a dealership with tires that matched.  Before too long, the tow truck arrived.  NomiAnn and Papa Kay got to travel in style.

 

The tow company explained that the dealership was too far to safely transport our whole group all the way there.  (If that doesn't make sense to you, it didn't really to me either.) They wanted to drop the kids and I off at a nearby gas station to hang out while the car was repaired.  Knowing full well that this would be a lengthy venture, I politely declined.  

We'd fortunately landed at an exit near the groomed lawn of a business park. I knew that with our lunch and some games, the kids and I would be much happier hanging out there instead of at a random gas station. It took a while to persuade the tow truck that we'd be better off staying, but he finally acquiesced.

In the end, we had a relaxing afternoon reading, playing Pit, and tossing a frisbee.  It certainly isn't where we planned to begin our vacation, but it worked.  It turns out that the business park was essentially empty, with Delphi Corporation having closed the facility in 2020.  The only people around were a couple of security guards who kindly invited us inside to use the restrooms.

Nice as the afternoon was, we were relieved when NomiAnn and Papa Kay made their way back with new tires.  Lake George or bust!  But please, no more busting.

Lake George Day 1

Thanks to the flat tire, it was late by the time we arrived in Lake George.  In the morning the geese were there to greet us.  We didn't know Janet was bringing her favorite pets up from Northport.  (Chuckle, snort, wince.)

This is the pet we like best!  Addy shark doo doo doo da doo.  Addy has a hard time getting around these days and misses his brother Rondack, but still loves the water.

Cousins!  This was one of many amazing meals around my very favorite big table.  Alesia, Greg, and Katelyn were all there.  Jeanette was starting a new job in Chicago.  Nettie, we missed you.  :)

The weather may have been a bit drizzly, but we still had fun playing at the waterfront.  You are never too old for dribble castles, right Talia?

Rock, paper, scissors to see who gets pushed in.

Whaddayaknow, the sun peaked out!

Best dog ever.

Until this one arrived, that is.  Then Zoe and Addy had to share the title of most-adorable-geriatric-canine.  Thanks for making the long trip, Zoe!  Thanks to some delayed flights into JFK and a really slow rental car checkout process, the poor Wilhoits finally made it to Lake George around 2am. 

Lake George Day 2

The little Wilhoits may still be sleeping but Zoe's up and Papa Kay has his paper.  

Alesia takes the gentlemen for an excursion to the tree house.

I wondered if the tree house would seem rickety since it's been around for years, but it feels sturdy as ever.  Kudos to the architects and construction workers, Uncle Jay and his kids!

A double decker tree house with trap doors to keep you from falling through--that's pretty nifty!

Callie and Anders both give it their seal of approval.  

Next up, water fun.  Here's Eli taking Anders for a kayak ride before Anders gives it a try by himself.

Eila's goggles are so fun.

Talia helps Anders out while Alesia helps Addie in.

Yup, it's official.  Cousins are the best.

Lake George Day 3

It was a little rainy for part of the day, but these Washingtonians know how to enjoy a good drizzle.  Yellow raincoats are the best!

Washington Wilhoits in a narWhal.  Also, Adam and Anders are Amazing.

Sun's out, boat's out!  Time to test out the rental with some waterskiing.

Eli's up!

Many thanks to Gregory for being such an excellent captain!  It takes both skill and patience to help skiers learn.

Looking good, Brooklyn!

Nicely played Talia as well!

Waterskiing is not Alesia's all-time favorite pastime.  Might have something to do with how you are forced to drink the lake. 

Despite the discomfort, Alesia's an amazing sport and goes anyway.  Thanks Alesia, and thanks for teaching us all!

You've somehow convinced a new generation that strapping yourself behind a boat as you get whipped around is loads of fun.