An Ode to the Lake George Polar Bear

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to witness our first Lake George Winter Carnival polar bear plunge (see Youtube video here).  Although we were not drunk brave enough to participate in the mayhem, we feel compelled to tip our hats to those young men and women who bared some skin (especially the twenty-something year old brunette in the black bikini), risked hypothermia and took the plunge.  Here's to Lake George's very own polar bears.  Winter carnival is over and it is time for the Lake George polar bears to find a comfy cave and hibernate but we eagerly anticipate their return on January 1, 2013.  Sleep well polar bears, sleep well.

Winter(less) Carnival

It might be time to call winter 2011-2012 a dud.  The snow is missing in action and I continue to wear a sweatshirt outside.   But fear not you lovers of the frost, the Lake George Winter Carnival is back.  We tend to think of Lake George as purely a May through September destination but there is lots to do in the winter.  Moreover, the unseasonably warm weather makes for an enjoyable outdoors experience for those of us who loathe the cold.  Even if you do not stay the night at one of our fine lodging establishments (the Motel Montreal is not open this winter), make sure to save a day for the winter carnival this February.  Take advantage of the warm weather and get in the car, head on up the Northway to Exit 21, park your car on Canada Street and walk around the village.  Even if the lake is not frozen over, there is lots to do and, if you can, stay until 6:30 and see the fireworks on Saturday night.  You can check out the Winter Carnival schedule and activities here.  

The Parallels of the Baseball Season and Owning a Hotel in Lake George

Pitchers and catchers break for spring training in two weeks or just about the time that we begin renovations on our new poolside family rooms.  This got me thinking about the parallels between the baseball season and the season in Lake George.  Both ballclubs and seasonal hotels begin preparing for the hot days of summer during the cold days of winter (usually after the Superbowl).  Each new season seems endless and the possibilities for success seem infinite.  The memories of past failures are wiped away by the winter's hiatus.  We add new staff, much like a ballclub adds new players.  As the spring fades, the days grow longer and the new season is on. Before we know it, the kids are out of school, the phones are ringing and we are off to the races without respite.   Each day brings with it a new set of challenges, people and fun.  Then, just about the time when we feel that the marathon-like nature of the business will devour us, an end comes into view.  The days grow shorter.   Night comes at 8 rather than 9.  The first cool mornings touch our faces and we realize that soon it will be time to drain the pipes, put the tarp on the field and call it another season.  But that day in 2012 is far off and I am TREMENDOUSLY excited about this season. I hope that you will join us and get as excited about Summer 2012 as I am!