2007 Fall Hiking Weekend

Plans for this years Fall Hiking Weekend have been finalized. We will be returning to Lake Placid again this year. We had previously traveled to that area in 1996 (twice), 1997, 2001, 2002 and last year. The date this year is October 19-20. Once again we will be staying at the Swiss Acres Inn, located about one mile west of the center of Lake Placid Village. The reviews were very positive after our stay there last year and so we decided to return for a second year. This location, so near Lake Placid Village, allows for various activities in addition to hiking.

Swiss Acres Inn offers many amenities such as an olympic sized indoor pool,a large health club (next door), a full service restaurant on the premises, a hot tub/jacuzzi and sauna, a bar with large screen tv and game room, and high speed internet access in the lobby and some rooms.

Swiss Acres Inn can be found on the internet at:

www.swissacres.com

Check out their website for more details and pictures.

The hotel has set aside a block of rooms for the Rip Van Winkle Hikers and we would ask that you book by August 31 at the latest...sooner is obviously better. You can call the hotel directly at 1-800-464-4690 to reserve a room. Please tell the clerk that you are a member of the Rip Van Winkle Hikers. That will get you the special group rate.

Please drop me an email at fresmith@hughes.net when you have booked so that we can keep track of the number signed up.

Cancellations with no penalty must be made by October 1st at the latest.

RATES:

The rate structure this year is multi tiered due the different types of rooms/cabins offered. If you are a couple or single, your best bet will be to go with a standard room. The cabins/chalets become a better option for those that will be taking a triple or quad room. The new cabins are really nice.

The rates are very competitive and include a full breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, dinner Saturday night, as well as a boxed lunch for Saturday's hikes. Rates listed do not include tax. Lake Placid occupancy tax is 10% (7% NYS tax plus 3% local tax).

1.) Standard Rooms

double occupancy for two nights: $104 per person
single occupancy for two nights: $194 per person

2.) Suites

quad occupancy for two nights: $94 per person
triple occupancy for two nights: $139 per person
double occupancy for two nights: $174 per person

3.) Cabins (Chalets)

quad occupancy for two nights: $114 per person
triple occupancy for two nights: $159 per person
double occupancy for two nights: $194 per person

Note: If you are interested in a single occupancy in the cabins or suites, let me know and I will get a price quote.

MEALS:

Meals will consist of a full breakast this year with several choices such as eggs, pancakes, french toast, hash browns, bacon, sausage, etc. Since they have a full service restaurant, the dinner selection is quite varied. Entrees include chicken marsala, chicken parmesan, barbequed center cut pork chops, 12 oz. sirlion steak, spaghetti with meatballs or sausages, fettuccini alfredo with grilled chicken breast, and broiled salmon. A boxed lunch will be provided for the Saturday's hikes.

HIKES:

This year we have a choice of literally hundreds of hikes, large and small. Many 4000+ peaks are easily accessible. Last year our club did Algonquin Peak, Mount Marcy, Pitchoff Mountain, and some easier walks. As is our practice, we will run novice, intermediate, and advanced hikes. The group will gather Friday evening to plan Saturday's hikes. We may do a smaller hike on Sunday morning before departing for home. I will send further details as the date approaches.

AREA ATTRACTIONS:

Being so close to Lake Placid, we have a choice of many alternate activities should you choose not to hike or if the weather should be inclement. These include shopping in the village, attending a movie, touring the olympic facilities and museum, kayaking/canoeing on the lakes, various area golf courses, a drive up to the summit of Whiteface Mountain or a visit to the Adirondack Park Interpretive Center in Paul Smiths. Other attractions include Ausable chasm, Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Champlain, and Montreal (90 minutes away).

If there are any additional questions, please email fresmith@hughes.net or call (845) 417-8097 or (518) 895-8474.