Plattsburgh

Cumberland Bay State Park was our choice for staying "in town" for the reunion. The park is on the shore of Lake Champlain and dry camping was $24/night plus a reservation fee of $9. Terrific views of sailboats and the Green Mountains of Vermont are tempered by traffic driving to catch the ferry on Cumberland Head.

We were lucky to get a spot in July, especially during the Mayor's Cup sailing weekend. Wind and rain may have contributed to availability.

Parking parallel to the water on Friday night for the best view was a mistake. Morning brought a strong wind out of the south waking us as it shook. Kite surfers were out taking advantage of the wind and waves to do aerobatics. We later heard that many traditional sailboats dropped out of the Mayor's Cup race due to uncomfortable conditions.

Driving into town Beth indulged me a visit to the old D&H train station where we were lucky enough to see the Northbound Adirondack pick-up some passengers bound for Montreal.

This area of town has improved considerably since the 1970's. A public park, marina and a couple of restaurants replaced the freight yard, turntable and roundhouse. Hopefully, someone will restore the upper floors of this unique building someday soon.

After a tour of my old high school in the morning, visits with old friends, and tours of the new museums on the old Air Force Base, we backed in to a spot at the Elk's Club with a view of Lake Champlain.

What a great place for a party! The Elk's have a beautiful 1901 mansion on the lakeshore where graduates from PHS gathered to catch-up with each other after 40 years. Many thanks to the organizing committee for making this a fun and memorable reunion.