As these are Covid times, travel is different and very limited. I was so excited to finally have a trip planned for the 4th of July weekend. It was just an overnight trip to the Adirondacks in NY state, but it so wonderful to be on the open road.

My first stop was the Saratoga National Historic Park. I have an embarrassing thing to share…I cannot find my pictures from my time there!! Not a good thing to admit as a portrait photographer. But please know, after a portrait session I ALWAYS go home and back up the pictures right away!! It really is mystery where those pictures are! Anyway, this historic park felt like the perfect place to start on the 4th of July.

A little about the park…”here, in 1777, during the American War for Independence, American troops battled and beat a British invasion force, marking the first time in world history that a British Army ever surrendered. This crucial victory secured essential foreign recognition and support, instigated world-wide wars, affirmed United States independence, and changed the face of the world.”( https://www.nps.gov)

I think the most exciting thing for me in visiting the park was that they had a temporary visitors center outside and I was able to get a pre-stamped cancellation stamp!! It really was a beautiful place to spend a couple of hours!!

I was then on my way to the Adirondacks! This area is massive and SOOOOO gorgeous! I felt I could have stopped everywhere and taken pictures and really, I kind of did. Eventually, I had to stop pulling over. But it was hard. Wildflowers were everywhere, and it was all so beautiful!!

I knew there was so much to see and trails to hike. But with this being such a short trip, I knew I could really only drive around and see highlights of the area.

After pulling over multiple times and taking pictures, I finally made it to Lake Placid, home of the 1980 Olympics. If you know me, you know I am obsessed with all thing Olympics!! So, as my tradition goes, I cued up the Olympic fanfare theme by John Williams and blasted it as I pulled into town!

Sadly, no Olympic buildings were open to due to Covid, but I got to walk around the outside of the buildings a little bit.

After this, I was getting pretty tired. I woke up at 5 am to hit the road early. Luckily my hotel was not far from Lake Placid. Again, after pulling over multiple times, I forced myself to get to the hotel.

Due to Covid, there was a sign on the office telling me my room number and the key would be inside…no in person check in. I was actually in a motel and when I arrived at my room, I could hear voices inside. Wondering if there was a mess up on rooms/I had the wrong one, I called the manager. He came right over, told me I had the right room, the people in my room took the wrong room. I am SO glad, I heard voices and I did not just walk in!! The manager just gave me their room.

I ate dinner by the river and went to bed really early. I was SOOO tired and wanted to get up early to get pictures before sunrise! The following morning, I went on a couple of scenic roads and ended my time in the area by driving up the Veterans Memorial Highway. This drive gets you to the top of New York’s fifth highest peak. You have a grand view of vistas the Adirondack park, it’s high peaks, Lake Placid, and Lake Champlain. They limit the number of visitors per day.  I got there early, and it was so worth it!! I am not a skilled landscape photographer and my pictures do not do justice to the amazing views I was witnessing. It really is a place all should visit!!

I headed out for my 5 hour drive home. I feared I would make multiple stops, so I knew I had to  drive back at a reasonable hour. Glad I did, because I did stop in more NY and in Vermont!! It was a lovely drive home through those states. I realized on my ride home, I need to spend more time in Vermont!!