In Austria there is a lake that isn’t. That is, during the winter it is a grass-filled valley full of hiking trails and benches, and during the summer the snow melts and the valley becomes Austria’s Green Lake full of clear, green water. Also, grass, hiking trails and benches.

Sounds amazing. Have any of you ever been?

Despite all of the words beneath it, this post is a Wordless Wednesday entry.

Photo: Alex Barth via Flickr

This duck could be anywhere — maybe he’s at a pond near you. Go look, I’ll wait.

Was he?

Here’s the thing about ducks, they like bread. It’s a fact.

If you’re planning on visiting some parks, ponds or lakes this summer you may want to consider taking a loaf or two with (bread, not your lazy friends) — lots of bakeries and supermarkets sell day old loaves at a discounted rate, which is good because ducks are cheap and probably won’t pay for it.

The more you know.

This was a Wordless Wednesday post but things got carried away. It happens.

Photo by jurvetson via Flickr (click to read the real story of this wet duck)

The Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid, NY

Over Memorial Day weekend, my family made the almost six-hour drive from our home in suburban Boston to Lake Placid, New York.  The vacation was exactly what we were looking for – relaxation, quality time, and family fun.

As guests of the Mirror Lake Inn, we had a comfortable three-bedroom suite, complete with with a gorgeous, relaxing view of Mirror Lake.  It was great to just sit on the porch and look out over that view – especially in the morning and the evening, when it was so calm and quiet.

Memorial Day weekend in Lake Placid, while still busy, is a much slower time than the middle of the summer.  Many of the seasonal activities, including some of the Olympic Village activities, are closed until mid-June.  The weather is also a bit too chilly for beach activities, so the crowds tend to stay away.  For us, this was perfect for our purposes!

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When I think of  the Rocky Mountains, images of snow capped mountains, Moose, skiing and family come to mind. I was born and raised in Colorado, and spent many winters and summers enjoying the beauty of these mountains. Tucked away amongst all this is the Grand Lake Brewing Company, the highest packaging microbrewery in the United States. At a whopping 8,369 feet above sea level, that’s no joke. Their logo  “It’s All Downstream From Here” is almost too true! Such a beautiful town and area that is nestled right near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and was founded in 1867.

Photo Courtesy Of Grand Lake Brewing Company

I’ve come up to this area for years and in my adulthood have made a point to stop into the brewpub each time. Classic mountain town feel only begins to describe the decor as you walk in. I had spent a long day out on the lake and hiking throughout the mountains, so I was really looking forward to some good pizza and finely crafted brew. I walked in with my aunt and uncle and bellied up to the bar. It’s a small place with not many areas to sit inside, although when the weather is nice, they have a good sized outdoor patio for your dining pleasure.

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