• Camping and Hiking,  Travel at Home

    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…

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  • Camping and Hiking,  Travel at Home

    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…

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  • Camping and Hiking,  Photo Essays,  Travel at Home

    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…

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  • Camping and Hiking,  St. Michael's Seminary,  Travel at Home

    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…

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  • St. Michael's Seminary,  Travel at Home

    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…

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  • Camping and Hiking,  Photo Essays,  Travel at Home

    Ocean City and Assateague Island

    Ocean City  and Assateague Island National Seashore The COVID-19 crisis has had a major impact on everyone’s life. At the beginning of the year, I had planned out my vacation and mini-vacation plans for the year. My plan included two trips to Assateague Island, near Ocean City. The first one was canceled when the National Park Service closed camping. The second trip I planned for next month. I hope the restrictions are released so that I can go. In May 2019, I went camping at the seashore and a side trip to nearby Ocean city Maryland. While it is late, I thought I would share some photos I took that…

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  • Camping and Hiking,  Travel at Home

    Watkins Glen State Park

    Watkins Glen State Park To many people talking about Watkins Glen brings forth an image of high energy. Watkins Glen was the home of the first auto racing in the United States after WWII, and is home to Watkins Glen International Speedway. Many of the country’s best races can be found at the speedway as well as special events. However, The area offers much more than auto racing. The glen offers activities for those who like the outdoors as well as those that enjoy the finer things in life. The village of Watkins Glen is located at the south end of Seneca Lake. In the early days of automotive travel,…

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