Travel Snags in Saranac Lake

This recent Christmas break, I spent part of it back on the East Coast. The travel plans involved being in Boston (former home city), along with several days in upstate New York in Saranac Lake, a small town in the Adirondack Mountains. Even though I wasn’t quite familiar with Saranac Lake, a few other towns in the Adirondacks I was familiar with since it’s an area I enjoyed “running away” to on weekends back during my Philly years. 

The week of December 17th work was a bit hectic: giving finals to the freshman students, grading them, and doing some early prep work for when we would return in January. I was not bringing any work home during the winter break — the ultimate plan was to enjoy every free moment of those two weeks. In the days before the flight I periodically checked the weather forecasts for both Boston and Saranac Lake; however, my absent-mindedness failed to check any points in-between both locations. This overlooked item would prove to be frustrating later while driving on the Mass Pike and on I-87. 

After landing in Beantown and picking up the rental car, I joined my former fellow “Massholes” on I-90 heading westbound for New York. While the rental car was sporty (a Ford Mustang), I was crossing my fingers that it would function alright in the Adirondacks. At the Dollar Car Rental office the only other vehicle option they had was an electric car. No way— I didn’t have the patience (nor interest) with learning the ins and outs of an electric vehicle. And, on a side note, I take issue with the cobalt extraction that’s used in the electric car batteries; thus, it was going to be the Mustang. 

Snow fell during the evening drive to Saranac Lake, which included navigating a few slippery routes the closer I got to town. Thankfully, I arrived safely at the Airbnb a little after midnight.

It was going to be the Mustang. 

In the late afternoon the following day, I was trying to locate a mechanic shop since the low tire pressure notification lit up during last night’s drive. I fidgeted with Google Maps on the screen in the car, distracted by the next upcoming turn. After turning onto one of the main drags I noticed a police officer behind me with his lights on. I pulled over wondering what mishap had occurred. The officer was pleasant and informed me that I hadn’t come to a complete stop at the earlier turn; essentially, I did a “California roll” unbeknownst to me. I politely explained the reason behind my distraction. Thankfully, he let me off the hook with a verbal warning. However, this minor traffic incident was a premonition of what else would unfold with the rental car. 

The next day my friend So-hyun* and I were going to have a girls’ afternoon, while her husband and son would have some guy time together. After exploring some of Saranac Lake’s Main Street we decided to take a drive to nearby Moody Pond. Even though Google Maps was directing us I got a bit turned around on a neighborhood street. After backing the car up in an attempt to turn around we realized it was stuck.

We both tried to maneuver some of the snow from the tires and rear wheels, but were unsuccessful. Two drivers pulled over to help, along with So-hyun’s husband arriving to help push the car out. The car was pushed out in a jiffy, thanks to Andrew* and a few good samaritans. So-hyun turned to me and asked if now was a good time to go to the brewery near their Airbnb – absolutely, after that Mustang debacle! And while we didn’t get to Moody Pond that day the four of us ventured there the following afternoon for a winter hike. 

The remainder of the holiday visit was fun and relaxing. I’ve noticed that whenever I’m back out East it’s so natural slipping back into the daily routine, whether it’s the laid back atmosphere of the Adirondacks or the busyness of Boston. And even though there are moments when I (mentally) flirt with the idea of living there again, New Mexico is where I’m most content to call home now. 

On departure day I had an early five hour drive back to Boston for the flight. A few inches of snow had fallen overnight, which had me feeling slightly antsy since the street had not been plowed. After pulling the car out of the driveway, it got stuck for a second time. Brief panic set in as I messaged the Airbnb host and left a message for So-hyun.  Since it was still early in the morning neither was awake. After pondering what to do next I decided to phone the local police station, asking if they would send two officers to help me out.

About ten minutes later two squad cars arrived and both officers pushed the car out. I enthusiastically waved and yelled out a “thank you” to them while driving away. I made it back to Boston (and Logan Airport) with time to spare. During the drive back to Boston, though, I was slightly disappointed with the slower speed of other drivers on I-90. This is what happens when you become spoiled by the 75 mph speed limit on the interstates out West! 

And even though there are moments when I (mentally) flirt with the idea of living there again, New Mexico is where I’m most content to call home now.

The speed limits weren’t the only thing I reflected on before boarding the flight back to Albuquerque. As a longtime seasoned traveler (both nationally and internationally), I still sometimes assume that the most aggravating travel moments will occur while abroad. One particular 2016 travel day that comes to mind involved an eight-hour bus ride in Algeria, traveling from Ghardaia to Timimoun. Everything that could have possibly gone wrong that day did— along with me giving an earful to a Timimoun taxi driver attempting to price gouge me! Not my proudest travel moment, although the three other male taxi drivers were amused by my passionate “anti-price gouging” lecture.

This recent holiday trip humbled me. It served as a reminder that even in America, where we have every convenience at our fingertips, things can still unravel in our planned travels. However, it’s our patience (and the kindness of strangers) that helps us laugh when we reminisce on those moments! 

*Names have been changed. Photo credits: Rebecca Biage.