Travel at Home
-
Kayaking The Erie Canal
Kayaking the Erie Canal –As the western gate of lock 33 opened, the 17 kayaks that were waiting slowly moved into the lock. We positioned ourselves along the sides of the lock, grabbed hold of ropes hanging there, and waited. Once we were all situated in position, the gate operator closed the gate. Slowly, water was released, and the water level decreased, taking us with it. We were lowered 24 feet until the water in the lock was level with the water at the east end of the lock. The eastern gate opened, and we continued our journey along the Erie Canal. This is kayaking the Erie Canal. If you…
-
Kayaking Around Rochester New York
Kayak season is here, and I am fully embracing it. When summer started to approach, I decided that this summer I would do my best to be more active. I joined a summer bowling league, which has a bonus of additional free bowling. My average is not that good, the bigger problem is being inconsistent. The other week I bowled a 155 and followed it up with an embarrassing 114. Then came back with a 217. I planned to scuba dive weekly at a local quarry with one of the local dive centers. After my first dive, I postponed my next one till the water is a little warmer. Even…
-
National Warplane Museum Airshow
The Seneca Indians called the valley jo-nis-hi-yuh meaning beautiful valley, and it was the name of a small Native American settlement. Over time the name evolved to Genesse and was applied to the river running through the valley. In 1790, two brothers James and William Wadsworth, purchased land from the Seneca nation, and the village of Geneseo was established. A portion of the village has been designated a National Landmark. Today, the population is around 11,000. Geneseo is generally considered to be a college town, the home of SUNY -Geneseo which has about 5,000 students. Geneseo even has its own airport. Owned by the Wadsworth family, the airport has no…
-
Ive’s Run Campgrounds
Ive’s Run Campground At Tioga- Hammond Lake I finally got around to visiting Hammond Lake and camping at the Ive’s Run campground. Any road trip to Baltimore or other locations south of New York State would have a stop at the Pennsylvania Welcome Center. The view from the Welcome Center took in the forest and Hammond Lake. The Tioga- Hammond Lake Project of the Corps of Engineers is two dams, one on the Tioga River and another on Crooked Creek. The project was completed in 1979 with the purpose of controlling flooding and reducing sediment in the Chesapeake Bay. The above image is a 360-degree view, use your mouse to…
-
Hiking and Camping at Stony Brook State Park
It is the Memorial Day weekend, a time when many families will kick off their summer season. My summer and fall plans include a number of camping and hiking trips. I enjoy camping and have made a number of trips to different destinations for camping, Assateague Island National Seashore and Wellesley Island State Park have been my favorite destinations lately. This year, however, I am planning on destinations closer to home like Stony Brook State Park, mostly, and more trips. I got an early start this year and early in the week before the holiday weekend, I headed to nearby Stony Brook State Park. I wanted to get in a…
-
Fall Foliage of Hemlock and Conesus Lakes
Fall Foliage The fall foliage this year has been magnificent. This being my first year living in the Finger Lakes Region, I can not say if this was an average year or not. Everyone gives top credits to the New England area for fall foliage, but I sure the Finger lakes can beat them out. Flowers are still in bloom, but some shrubs are starting to change colors in the middle of September at Harriet Hollister Recreation Area Harriet Hollister Recreation Area Fall Foliage close up Bristol Mountain Ski Resort opens up a chair lift each fall and thousands of people use it to explore the fall foliage from the…
-
Wellesley Island State Park Camping
Wellesley Island State Park Camping I stepped out of my tent into the early morning light and looked out over the smooth waters of the St Lawrence River. A few birds are in sight, and they sometimes dive to the river to grab something that only they can see. Off in the distance is a large bird, I think it may be an eagle, but it too far away, and I am not an expert to be sure. Still, it is hypnotizing to watch. A few ducks complete the river scene. I am a night owl normally, but I will admit there is something special getting up early when you…
-
Finger Lakes Retreat St. Michael’s Mission
Nature Lovers Retreat – St. Michael’s Mission St. Michael’s Mission in Conesus New York, is a perfect getaway for nature lovers. While officially located in Conesus one of the Finger Lakes, the spacious grounds of the former St. Michael’s Seminary and latter St. Michael’s Mission are located on the slopes above Hemlock Lake. Nestled in an area of forest and farmland, the 50 plus wooded acres of the Mission is a nature haven in itself. Add in that it is adjacent to land owned by the nature conservatory and a state forest. The Eagle Crest Vineyards, a leading vineyard with historical ties to St. Michael’s Seminary, is just a short…
-
Hiking near Hemlock Lake, a Finger Lake
Hiking near Hemlock Lake, a Finger Lake If your perfect day includes escaping civilization with a hike, then hiking St Michael’s Mission is the perfect place for you. While officially located in Conesus, the spacious grounds of the former St. Michael’s Seminary and latter St. Michael’s Mission are located on the slopes above Hemlock Lake one of the small Finger Lakes. St Michael’s Mission Hiking Trail In the early 1900s, Hemlock Lake had a few cottages and homesteads along the shores of the lake. Small steam ferries traveled the lake bringing passengers and goods to the isolated homes. The City of Rochester obtained Hemlock lake and Candice Lake which is…
You May Also Like
Kayaking Hemlock-Canadice State Forest
-
Kayaking with My Sea Eagle 330
Why A Sea Eagle 330 This is going to be a combination post and product review of my Sea Eagle 330. I am fairly new to kayaking. Over the last few years I started renting them and going to different places around the area. I enjoyed it and was at the point where I could justify buying one vs renting them. However, The cost of a roof rack was almost $500 for my car. I could have just gotten the cheap pads and tie down kits but felt I could not trust them for anything but a short drive. So getting my own kayak was set aside for a while.…
