Finger Lakes, New York

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October 4, 2013

Last night we stayed in a motel in Skaneateles, New York, by Skaneateles Lake, one of the Finger Lakes. If a breakfast isn't provided with our room we try to eat where the locals eat and this strategy worked again this morning...good food and service at a nondescript diner in town.

It was misty and gray for a few hours this morning but 73 degrees most of the day. Most of our views today were quite muted, but still nice. We drove down the length of Cayuga Lake from Scenic Highway 20 and then back up to 20 along Seneca Lake. The Finger Lakes region is full of wineries, breweries, chocolate factories, cheese companies, produce stands, marinas, and resorts. I think the people that vacation here or live here have a lot of fun. There weren't very many people around today. In many places we visited we were the only tourists there.

Near Cayuga Lake we viewed the Taughannock Falls and we were surprised at its size and beauty.

Before settling into our motel here in Erie, Pennsylvania, we drove to Presque Isle State Park and walked a couple of short paths there. We stopped by the impressive Tom Ridge Environmental Center.

I was craving Asian food tonight so found the #1 takeout place in Erie for some garlic chicken and fried rice. I found it without looking for it because it is right across the street from our motel. A hot bath sounds very good. We are headed to Cleveland tomorrow. Never ever thought I'd be going to Cleveland.

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Photos

Taughnnock Falls, Finger Lakes
The "Middle Falls."

The "Upper" Taughannock Falls
Another section.

Wagner Winery
Finger Lakes Area

Wagner Brewery
Finger Lakes Area

Muranda Cheese Company
Some contented cows, Finger Lakes

Muranda Cheese Company
Joe, cheese tasting.

"Texting" area
Signs along the road in NY say, "It can wait, texting area ahead." There are actual pullout areas off the freeways labeled "Text Stop".

Presque Isle State Park
Perry Monument

Presque Isle State Park
Erie, PA, in the background.

Presque Isle State Park, PA
Tom Ridge Environmental Center

Presque Isle State Park, PA
Tom Ridge Environmental Center

Comments

[Lois Settles]

Nice blog
We travel across Pennsylvania when we drive to New Jersey. So many lovely places, but we often miss them other than to stop and eat somewhere (that the locals like) and move on because we are in too much of a hurry to get to Marice's for something one of the kids is doing or something. I have to tell you it is WONDERFUL you and Joe have been able to take this time to enjoy some of the outstanding places this world has been gifted to give. You will always remember such a trip and that is so valuable as we grow older. Sorry I will miss your blog. I will pick it up when we get back to the states. When we get email at sea it is terribly slow and costs by the minute so we do not tarry on anything that does not need our attention. Have loved every minute of it. Thanks, again. Love, Lois

[J J]

Blog
Lois, we will be flying to Phoenix on Oct. 6 so will probably only blog a couple more times. You won't miss anything. I think we're going to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland tomorrow. We were going to Cuyahoga Valley National Park tomorrow, but of course, it is closed. Have a wonderful trip. Jealous of you being able to go to Europe...some day...

[Connie]

Kirk Sterling grew up, well part of the time, in Skaneateles- and his mom Jan still lives there. Beautiful pictures, especially of the falls.

[J J]

Skaneateles
I would say Kirk grew up in a very cool little town.

[F&G]

Seen the Greenes?
Ed and Loretta Greene have been posting photos on Facebook of their current travels up that way. Seems that some of the photos are of the same subjects as yours, but I can't be sure. Say hi if you see them. Haha.