Around the World in 180 Days
25-Jul-2001Saranac Lake, NY
From Maine I flew to Saranac Lake. This was a real travel experience. I had to fly from Bangor Maine to Boston, the plane was 30 mins late leaving Bangor. Touching down at Boston my plane was caught in a traffic jam for 20 minutes. Eventually we edged up to the walkway, racing through the airport with other commuters, I thought I would make my connection as I had 20 mins. to play with and my connection was the same airline. Arriving at my designated departure gate and with 5 mins to spare, I walked up to the 'check in', desk panting and puffing, I was greeted by the attendant with, "Sorry, we board the plane 20 mins. before departure. Your flight has already left." I took a breath and explained that it was not my fault and asked for her help, explaining I had a connecting flight in Albany, NY to Saranac Lake, NY to catch. "Our next flight to Albany will not get you there in time to make your connection, sorry."
My frustration level rose as I kept asking for some assistance in this matter. Eventually after 20 mins of persistent dialogue she said "Would you like me to get you a flight on an affiliated airline that will get you there on time to make your connection." I kept my composure, and said "Well! yes please, I am grateful for your assistance :o)"
This outcome was excellent BUT it posed another problem, MY LUGGAGE where was it and would it reach the airline I was now travelling on? I searched out the new airline and asked if my luggage was transferred and if not could they arrange it. Well NO! That was not possible, it was in the system and the system had its' protocol 'THE SYSTEM' had a life of it's own :o).
Arriving at Saranac Lake I still hung onto the fantasy that my luggage might come off the plane shortly after I did…that was not to be.
The staff at this little airport was so friendly and helpful. They called me a taxi, waited there for me until the taxi arrived then closed up the airport. This caused me to smile at the contrast with the airports I had been in that NEVER closed down, airports with 'wall to wall people', with constant noise and activity.
The taxi driver, after hearing about my awful day, asked me if I needed to stop off at a store to get a toothbrush etc. How sweet and thoughtful that act was, even though I paid for the time it took, I did not think of it myself. I awoke the next morning to the most beautiful forest view that was awash in sunshine. My thoughts began to settle and I was at peace in this beautiful place. My luggage arrived by lunchtime the next day.
I had phoned Roberta, Dave, and Kellie the previous night and had arranged to meet Roberta (birthmother) for lunch, and Dave & Kellie (adoptive parents of 4) at 6pm that night.
Roberta drove up to the Hotel to pick me up. Realising it was she, my arms went out to give her a hug. We started to chat instantly and this continued as we spent more time together. Roberta, an adoptive mum and birthmom, was familiar to me even though we had not met, we had an instant bond. Sharing our stories over a meal seemed a perfect way, for two people who had trod the same path of experience, to spend time together.
What an interesting mix Roberta was, being a birthmom and an adoptive mom gave her a depth of vision from both sides of the coin... at times the bmom side of her ruled on certain subjects and then the amom stepped in giving a different slant on the subject.
In the afternoon she dropped me off downtown so I could explore the terrain. It did not take me long as Saranac Lake has only a small downtown area, but oh so quaint.
Evening fell and the workers caused a small traffic cluster... and I emphasise small... as they clamoured to get home to their homes, in this picturesque little town.
Dave picked me up at the Hotel around 6 and took me to an Italian restaurant, where we were to meet Kellie and the 4 kids. Knew Dave as soon as he walked into the foyer of the Hotel. His warmth and friendly ways were just the same as in chat. He was so easy to be with.
We waited a little while for Kellie and filled in this time chatting, taking a walk along the riverfront walkway. Kellie and the kids arrived; I pulled out my camera and took all the footage of them I could whilst the light was good.
We ordered our Pizzas and proceeded to make our way through dinner as best we could with 4 small children in tow who all wanted to check out the restaurant restrooms... many times. :o) The older ones visibly responsible and caring for the younger children, checking on them all the while we ate. Dave and Kellie had only been parents for 6 months. I watched as they lovingly but firmly handled the children, and tenderly hug them.
The next day Kellie picked me up and took me for a scenic drive. What a beautiful area. I could not imagine it as anything but green and delightful, the vision of snow covering this landscape could not override the beauty of the dense green forest.
Driving up towards the Olympic ski jump site I marvelled at the wonderful mountain streams lined with evergreen trees. The Ski Jump loomed into sight, I gazed up and up, there I saw this enormous ski run that made me dizzy just looking at it let alone contemplating how anyone could purposely jump from the top, ski to the edge and then fly and expect to land on their feet. These people have my admiration.
As we drove along the mountain roads the river scenes invited me to meld in with them. I am truly a mountain girl, this landscape uplifts me. The fir tree forests are, to me, like everlasting Christmas trees, the ornaments being the squirrels, birds and the pinecones.
We picked up the kids from school in time to drive out to the forest to meet with Jo Jo, an adoptee I met in Chat on adoption.. Kellie and Jo Jo had been talking in chat the night before and Kellie thought she had told Jo to meet us at a Gas Station right in town. We arrived there at the allotted time and 2 hours later, no Jo Jo. The best idea, we thought, would be to go to the original prearranged meeting place in the depths of the forest. There stood Jo Jo and her family. They had been waiting for us for the two hours. Now, whose fault this was I am not saying, that is the diplomatic way to handle it. I will let Kellie and Jo wrestle with that one.
I alighted from the van along with the kids and saw Jo Jo for the first time. What a darling sight she was. We had been chatting for nearly 8 months and had shared many of our life stories with each other. I reached out to her, we gave each other the warmest hug, and I felt like I had known her all my life. Jim, her husband, and the kids stood back and watched, then said Hi!
Dave got the barbecue fires going and carefully loaded up the grill with chicken, marinated in Kellie's special mix. We were all a little peckish by this time.
This company, people who had only just met in person, was friendly and without pretence. The months of sharing on the web laid a foundation of friendliness and warmth. We had a wonderful time relating, telling stories and talking about the news of mutual friends we had all met online. The day was both exciting and relaxing.
My love and hugs to you all,
Wendy
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