Diamonds!!

Charlie at Herkimer mine

We couldn't leave Herkimer without first taking a shot at diamond mining.  Well, not actually diamonds but rather diamond-shaped quartz crystals.  And we were successful.  It cost us $22 for access to the mine (i.e., the side of a hill) and use of a couple of large hammers.  With that and a screw driver, we were all set.  Charlie did the bulk of the rock breaking, but I did try my hand at it as well. 

A Herkimer diamond

It was fun to find several stones, especially since the total appraised value for three of them was $40.  We came out ahead!  Before setting out for Lake Placid, we stopped for an awesome breakfast at the Empire Diner in Herkimer.

Small town America

The further we drove, the more the scenery changed from rolling hills to mountains and rocks.  And NY has so many lakes and creeks and rivers!  Really beautiful. 

We walked through Lake Placid and had dinner at Smoke Signals restaurant on Main Street.  I ordered a salad topped with pulled BBQ chicken, black beans, corn, and onion, and served with corn bread.  Charlie had pulled BBQ pork and bacon mac and cheese.  Both were absolutely delicious!