Watkins Glen & Keuka Lake, NY

Watkins Glen, NY is one of the most scenic places I've been to. 19 waterfalls that I remember dreading so much 'hiking' to as a kid, I have now learned to appreciate as an adult. The steps carved into the stream's edge and the walkways built behind waterfalls definitely makes the trek worthwhile. Seneca Lake is a sight to see, but not nearly as spectacular as the way nature carved its way through layers upon layers of rock over the course of thousands of years. 

Just like any good ending to the summer, much was packed into a weekend away. Namely a night at Keuka lake. Yea, the funny shaped 'Y' finger lake of NY state. This one in particular is so clean and cheerful that I couldn't wait to get into the canoe and drift away.  Only regret during this entire trip is that it was too short and I would have loved to have my bicycle. Looking forward to venturing back one of these days. 

NYC: Guggenheim

I had the pleasure of visiting New York City last Saturday.  The leaves were at full Fall peak in Central Park, and despite the drizzling rain, the day was great!  Artist Agnes Martin was the feature around the rotunda, but there were other floors to explore and enjoy with the likes of Chaugin, Picasso, Cezanne, Kandinsky, and one of my favorites-Chagall.  Most importantly, the building itself was the real show and I'd pay the $25 to go and explore any day.

As with any trip to the Big Apple, I walked plenty, drank high volumes of coffee (Joe Coffee), enjoyed multiple Old Fashioneds (Ace Hotel) and finished the day out with an incredible meal at the not-to-be-missed Uva.

Adirondack Motorcycle Camping Trip

Armed with snacks, wallet, sunglasses and helmet, I was ready to tackle a long weekend vacation with my dad.  A father/daughter motorcycle trip to Paul Smith's College in the Adirondack Mountains of New York state.  The blue skies would seemingly go on forever, only ever disrupted by a rainstorm now and then.  Lakes speckled all through the region and dotting the topo maps we really didn't even need to carry.  A hike up St. Regis Mountain and a canoe paddle in Lower St. Regis Lake are all you really need to reset and unwind.  

We logged nearly 850 miles on the Harley Davidson bikes we rode.  My dad brought along his Ultra Classic and I rented a Dynaglide since my 400 Yamaha was not in perfect shape.  The Dynaglide was actually a great bike with a ton of power.  The windshield had to go after the first 200mi, so we strapped it onto my dad's bike as to not limit my "coolness factor."  

We drank a lot of crappy beer (i.e. Molson and Labatt), but it was still great.  I caught a fish and reeled in even more sea weed.  It's some of the most pristine nature you could ever imagine.  A world that you find hard to believe is only a 7 hour drive from Philly.  Long, but worth it.  The longer the better when you have the wind in your face and two wheels on the ground.  Ride on

For more pictures...

The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum in Hammondsport, NY

Here's a picture of Curtiss on the bike.  1907, was a very busy time for Curtiss. In January, for example, he rode the world’s first V-8 motorcycle to a speed of 136 miles per hour in Ormond Beach, Florida. Having driven the cycle faster than even the typical locomotive of the day, he became known as “the fastest man on earth.”  Full here.

The June Bug was designed by Glenn Curtiss and powered by a Curtiss engine.

So his wife could come along.

Shaft-driven bicycle!

Could be handy going downhill in Philly on the fixed gear!

1934 Zündapp flat twin K500 shaft-drive motorcycle.

I had the opportunity to visit the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum yesterday after a long drive back to Philadelphia from Buffalo, NY.  The museum is located in Hammondsport, NY near Keuka Lake.  Keuka means "canoe landing" in the Iroquois language and "lake with an elbow" in the Seneca language.

Glenn Curtiss was an innovator in aviation, bicycles, and motorcycles.  He was a talented motorcycle builder and racer and built engines for airships in the early 1900s.  He worked with the Aerial Experiment Association (AEA), a group founded by Alexander Graham Bell.  Early on he had an interest in bicycles and started his own business building and maintaining them in Hammondsport.  Curtiss began assembling engines and attaching them to the frame of bicycles.  His desire to go fast was born.  Breaking records in 1907 riding his V-8 motorcycle, building countless engines for famous aircraft, and innovating transportation and inspiring many thinkers for years to come.  

If you are ever passing through or on a wine tour near the finger lakes, add this to your itinerary!

Adirondack Mountains, NY | Camping Getaway

 

 

There's something special about returning to the same place every summer.  It's relatively unchanged and the beauty unwavering.  It reminds you that even though a million things could happen to you in a year, one place on the planet will remain and welcome you back so you can pick up right where you left off.

Camping is a special kind of getaway.  You make lists, bring food, try to think of everything you need but despite your preparation mother nature always has a trick up her sleeve.  This time it was a few nights of rain storms...then a whole day of pouring rain.  We made it.  We had one gem of a day out on the water, catching fish, jumping off rope swings and drinking adult beverages.

I have a few more pictures to share...stay tuned.

I'm Back From the Adirondack Camping Getaway!

Sorry for the dead air over here, I've been away on vacation!  I spent some time exploring the Adirondack mountains, specifically Lower St. Regis Lake, Lake Placid and the general area.  Lots of fishing, paddling, rain and a bit of sunshine.  Despite the rain, I think it's safe to say we all had a blast being outside and enjoying one another's company.  I'll have a full post coming soon.  For now, here is a panorama of the night sky after a storm.  Just lovely!

Adirondacks, NY - Camping and Fishing Trip

View from the lean to

Trail leading from the camp to shore

Early AM fishing

Looking up!

Towing us over a canoe

The rope swing

Pretty lily pads

Canoe making a shadow and underwater view

Out on black pond

Apple and Banana pancakes

Paul Smith's VIC trails

St. Regis River Fishing

Pulled in a big small mouth bass

Calm before the storm

Mid-July my family and I headed north to the Adirondacks in New York state.  Paul Smith's college is unique in that the campus is right in the center of the Adirondack State Park.  My dad is an alum so we go back every year to camp, fish, cook over the fire, and connect with nature.  This is one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been and I would highly recommend visiting or camping if you can.  On the final evening, once everyone else in the family headed home in their separate vehicles, my dad and I went to Lake Placid for some local beer and prime rib.  Not too shabby!