Wonderful Birthday weekend in the ADK....also know as the DACKS for the locals.  Scott and I had an opportunity to visit with Michael who recently moved to Saranac Lake after accepting a full time position at the Wild Center.  We arrived on Thursday evening and hosted Michael for dinner at the cabin of some new friends.  The setting was quintessential Adirondack complete with a beautiful view of Saw tooth mountain and the high peaks.  

The only missing element for the weekend was SNOW!  We were fortunate that Lake Clear had snow and we were able to take the horse drawn sleigh ride Friday evening at the Lake Clear Lodge.  The horses and crew were from Paul Smiths college and provide an experience that was both romantic and inspiring.  The horse (mother and daughter) waived their way through the forest trails like they lived there.  The trails were light with old fashion gas lanterns and the thick balsam firs lined the trails and made us feel like we were far from civilization.  it wasn't until we reached a clearing and horse team rode as by the shores of Lake Clear that we recognized that we will still of the property of the old great camp.  

The weather was warm and limited our ability to x-country ski or snow shoe.  It did however make for a fabulous time strolling down main street Lake Placid and wandering through the many stores without frigid temperatures.  We took the advice of our hostess and started with drinks at the Whiteface Lodge in the Bistro and moved on the dinner at the Mirror Lake Inn at the View.  The food was amazing and the service the same.  We shared a view overlooking Mirror Lake and celebrated turning 50!  Would not have liked anything better!