Day 5 was travel day. Amy and I had been googling deals on hire cars the day before and sorted one out for collection. We agreed that Harrison and I would go and get it whilst Amy and Callan sorted the room and checked out. The best deal meant we had to go to La Guardia airport to pick it up, about 12 miles away so not too bad.
It meant a train and bus adding up to around 45 minutes journey. At the end of the metro we emerged up to street level and unwittingly arrived in Harlem. It was instantly uncomfortable with my engrained street sense firing at maximum. There were groups of people spread all around the road. Most were huddled, probably for something illegal with others protecting their spread of illicit items that were for sale on the pavement. The only people walking as individuals seemed to have mental health problems and were less likely walking victims than Harrison and I. It was very uncomfortable, Harrison picking up on it too.
As the most obvious tourists in the area it mean quick glances at the mobile phone to try and avoid being robbed. Harrison stood on guard whilst I tied to work out where the bus stop was. I spotted a group of police officers on the other side of the road and thought I’d do the annoying tourist thing of just asking. They were clearly gathered together for safety as well and were shocked when someone actually spoke to them. A nod and a grunt aligned us with the East bound bus stop and we exited as quick as we could.
No photos at this point I’m afraid as we’d almost certainly have lost the phone in a mugging.
It was a short bus ride to the Rental Car Lot (note the local lingo) at La Guardia. I wanted to try and get a car that would make carrying the skis easy so asked the lady at the desk. She gave us a list of half a dozen cars and locations that we could sift through. This was the fun part. Harrison and I then got to go and pick the one we wanted. There were several choices but it was narrowed down to a massive American beast or a Toyota. Harrison picked the Toyota as he thought it was almost as big but had more tech and space for him in the back. It was a 7 seater Toyota Highlander and was huge and comfortable. We were both happy.
After texting our ETA we began to fight our way through the traffic back to our hotel in the financial district of Manhattan. We quickly formed a competent team of pilot and navigator though the traffic was heavy. We found ourselves driving down Lexington Avenue and then Franklin D Roosevelt freeway. It took a little time but we got there safe and sound.
We were underway. All loaded with the car swallowing everything in the boot (4 cases and skis lying diagonally) and the boys stretching out and playing with their own rear air conditioning.
It once again took a little while to battle with New York rush hour but we were soon cruising past the sights and looking for the I95 north.
We stopped for a Burger King on the journey and after two hours we arrived in Albany for a break. For Amy this meant a trip to her favourite store, Michaels. I had a small panic when she came into view pushing a trolley but by the end it was only half full…. Callan enjoyed himself as well and it was a break from the driving for a while.
It was another two and a bit hours North to Lake Placid. There was some well earned rest for those in the back of the car and the beginnings of snow lying at the side of the road. The ski resort is called Whiteface mountain and our hotel was just 2 minutes drive from it.
It had been a full day’s travel. We arrived around 1730 and unpacked the car. We took the 15 minute drive into Lake Placid to find somewhere to buy some snacks. The plan now is three days skiing and then the fourth day in Lake Placid which being a former Olympic venue has lot of other winter activities to do.
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