Linda and I convinced
ourselves we would work it off during the morning’s hike. Everyone
met in the main hall where the fireplace was roaring and tea is
served at 4 p.m. each day. We looked out the window and it was
snowing — and sticking. The gals were dressed to hike and
they did, but Linda and I went into town instead.
Later, we were sorry
about that decision. The hike had been a great success. The activities
guide was Carol Treadwell, who is built like a Whippet, but doesn’t
flaunt her fat-free body had led the trek. The gaggle returned
looking revitalized and rejuvinated, saying they had a wonderful
time on the hike. They learned a great deal, learning to look
for the rare and very old (one billion years) Anorthsite rock,
the same type of rock found on the moon and that reputedly can
only be found in three places on earth, the Adirondacks being
one of the three.
As spa 'experts,' Linda
and I entered the Mirror Lake Inn spa and noticed all. And all
met our standards. The terry robes were plush and cozy, the slippers
comfortable and the shower amenities included everything needed
from lotions to shampoo and conditioners. Towels were large and
smelled fresh and bathing suit “spinner” is always a welcome perk
as no one wants to carry a dripping suit back to their room. The
hot tub was set in a nook with a fireplace that opened on both
sides to the ladies parlor, where the clients waited to be called
for their treatments. In the parlor, we found a basket of fruit,
a water cooler and something new — a basket of reading glasses.
How smart! (The waiting rooms are always filled with great magazines
and I always forget my reading glasses in my locker.)
Well, things looked
good, but how were the treatments? My first experience was 50
minutes of reflexology with therapist Susan Murray. A good treatment
constitutes more than a foot rub and this was an exceptionally
good treatment. I found it very relaxing and Susan helped to identify
points of stress in my body.
Then I met the man
whom all the women would be talking about the entire weekend.
His name was whispered with reverence and offers were discussed
as to what it would cost to take him home. The Inn said they refused
to part with him. His name is Irving Dunham and he’s the best
massage therapist I’ve encountered in my quest for the perfect
massage. I had a most memorable deep-tissue massage and the next
day I experienced the Mirror Lake Inn Custom Massage which begins
with a European Soft Pack System to relax tense muscles. I was
wrapped in waterproof fabric and submerged into a warm, pulsating
tub for ten minutes, then massaged. It was heaven!
We all met to listen
to the speaker, Dr. Coppola, a professor at the University of
Texas Medical School and Health Science Center. We learned that
all bodies are comprised off 33% genetics and 77% environment
and habits, and that cardiovascular disease is the primary cause
of death in women. Dr. Coppola said the single worse thing we
can do to try and lose weight is to miss a meal. It puts our bodies
into starvation mode and also effects our immune systems. His
philosophy is, “I don’t expect to live one day longer in my life
— I expect to live one day healthier.”
Linda and I left Mirror
Lake Inn Resort & Spa knowing we would return. In fact, I just
received an email from Carol Treadwell informing us that the 12
are planning to meet again for the September 6 -8 Revitalization
Weekend and they’re bringing friends. Come join us.
Mirror Lake Inn —
www.mirrorlakeinn.com
Westport
Depot Theater
1932
Olympic Games, Lake Placid
1980
Olympic Games, Lake Placid
Susan Purdy is a freelance
writer specializing in travel, food, and lifestyle. She is a member
of the American Society of Journalists and Authors and her work
has appeared in many publications including the Saturday Evening
Post, Brides, Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Meridian, Ms., Woman’s
World, First for Women, Country Accents, and Country Inns. Susan
Purdy can be emailed at Suepur@aol.com
for comments and questions.
