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Published: July 18th 2013
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Water Lilies
I have to get at least one picture of flowers in! July 13, 2012: Uh oh, it's Friday! I hugged Don and Donna goodbye. They were so good to me and they were getting ready to go to a conference at Chautauqua. Since they told me so much about the place, I thought I would visit it also. Maybe I will get to see them again there.
In the meantime, though, I drove up to Watkins Glen State Park, which I had read about in the NY magazine. The park is located at the tip of Seneca Lake, one of the “finger lakes” in the Southwestern part of the state. I had heard a lot about the "finger lakes" from various people. It is supposed to be great wine country and Native American country as well as many scenic places. There are five lakes spread out like fingers on a hand, hence the nickname.
I was afraid the park and area might be mobbed since Watkins Glen is also the scene of one of the big Grand Prix Races, NASCAR and Indy, too. This weekend was one of the NASCAR races. The park, however, was not overly crowded. I guess all the race fans were downtown, which I avoided. This
Bridge at Watkins Glen
At one time flood waters reached within five feet of the bridge! is also the beginning of the week of wine tours in the Finger Lake area. Lots of things going on around here! I decided to be healthy instead of happy-high, however, and do the park. By “do” I mean hike the park. There are three main hiking trails, all of which are three miles long. The toughest but best one follows the Glen Creek up the mountain from which it flows. It includes 19 waterfalls, so naturally I took that one. The trail consists not only of the path going uphill, but includes over 800 steps. The planners of this trail cunningly and sadistically left the hardest of those steps at the end. There were 180 steep steps to climb before arriving at one of park stores, which features things to drink and eat and sit down! Guess what store does a great business!
Anyway, I started at the South entrance to the trail at the lily ponds. The lilies were blooming and all of them white. I spent a bit of time here taking pics. The trail then led under the suspension bridge which hangs 85 feet above. The brochure said that in a 1935 flood
The Narrows
So named for the way the canyon walls squeeze in. the water was only five feet below it. During the hike I went through areas with picturesque names such as “The Narrows”, Glen Cathedral, Central Cascade, Rainbow Falls, Glen of Pools and Spiral Gorge. The stone of the area is comprised of either shale or slate, maybe both. The water from the creek has sculpted beautiful pools and curves in the rock, as well as the gorge itself.
The creek is low right now, due to the lack of rain lately and the time of the year. The waterfalls were skimpy, but due to the beauty of their surroundings, not disappointing. I could only imagine what it must the like in the spring or after some heavy rains. They probably don't even open this trail then. In the visitors center there were some pictures of some of the trail points in the winter. Beautiful with snow and ice. Visitors will never see those except by photos, though. The park is closed in winter for good reason. Can't you just imagine all those steps with ice on them?
Naturally, I got lucky and picked a hot day to hike the trail. I often longed to dive into
Here's my Heart
I loved this heart shaped hole. Isn't nature amazing? one of those tempting pools of water! I couldn't even douse myself as I walked behind two different waterfalls, however. The camera doesn't take kindly to moisture!
There were no rainbows at Rainbow Falls. Those don't show until later in the afternoon when the sun finally hits that area and there needs to be more water coming over the side. That is two different rainbow falls I have visited and didn't get any rainbows! (The other one was in Hawaii.) The Glen of Pools area reminded me of one of the rivers in Hawaii that also featured “pot holes” where turbulent water eddies and gouges out deep holes as it swirls through.
The whole hike was taxing yet relaxing at the same time. The only sounds were the water flowing, birds singing and the wind in the trees. The scenery was stunning. I hated to see it end. I did, however, take a more level trail back to the RV. Same distance, but no ups, downs and steps. The walk went much faster. This trail did offer a few viewing stops and went over the suspension bridge instead of under it.
I finished the hike about 2:00,
Rainbow Falls
No rainbow today, but we could still walk behind the falls. so after a rest and some lunch, I decided to drive on to Corning—less than an hour away. I wanted to see the Corning Glass Museum.
Gosh, I have used Corning dinner sets and Corning Bake-ware for years, so I found the museum quite interesting. It not only traced the history of the Corning company, but the history and art of glass-making in general. There were several interactive exhibits which were fascinating. I was especially impressed with the modern uses of glass, such as the enormous, complicated lenses used in the massive telescopes used in exploring the universe.
The thing I liked best, though, was making my own blow-torch glass ornament for a necklace. That was awesome!!!
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Don Hoff
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Choosing the best on the menu
It is hard not to be a winner when you choose a jewel of Watkins Glen..an outstanding adventure in nature. You did the wise thing, which called for hiking the gorge . Pity those who just stop, jump out, snap of pix and drive on. Next wise choice Corning Glass Works. Even after 47 yrs of visiting, we never grow tired of the Museum and all it offers. You blew glass...how outstanding! On 3rd Thursday from Sept to May, CGW, with 2300 degrees, offers so much free treats... music, food, etc. Yes Marty, there is yet much for you to discover as you roll along.