The Smuggs Chronicle, Finis

Haibun

Departure Day: September 1, 2013

We pack the car by 10:15 and arrive at guest services shortly after. Frankie kisses the key cards goodbye. After we settle accounts, and get his free ice cream sandwich at the country store, we leave Smuggler’s Notch for home.

saying goodbye
to our old friend from the deck
Mount Mansfield

Lunch in Vergennes. A stroll to the Small City Market. Quaint shops and restaurants on our way back to the park and my Subaru.

last of the cheese
the shade under
the monument

The Sagamore lives up to its reputation as Lake George’s crown jewel. Its views overlook the most pristine points along the Adirondack’s queen lake. Its décor: pure 19th century Adirondack elegance. A comfortable Victorian.

mountain’s backdrop
where the other half of
Lake George lives

The Canoe Island Lodge suffers in comparison. Nevertheless, I understand why Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Liz love it. The main lodge boasts a typical, dark wood Adirondack décor. No one is in — including the help. Several smaller lodges sit along paved footpaths throughout the resort. Steps lead down to a deck with a view of the lake. Below that is a roped-off swim area and boating docks. I can see Uncle Jimmy standing there, showing his grandsons how to fish.

quiet stay
a handful of guests
near the water

Light traffic heads south on I-87 through Albany and beyond. We hit two rest stops, then all too soon, the Woodbury Toll Plaza — the final stretch. At last, we reach the village of Suffern. It’s like so many other towns through which we toured.

Only this time, we’re home.

exit 15A…
the last mountains
left behind

more by FRANK J. TASSONE

photograph by Aleksandra Boguslawska

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