Mike and Pat

Mike and Pat
Us with Maximus our dog and Socrates one of our cats is in the background

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

October 21, 2014 Toad Hall

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

So far no rain good news.  It still was cold but that was all.  Breakfast consisted of homemade zucchini bread.  Everyone did some of their chores whether it was inside or outside.

Girls rode to see Toad Falls which is a waterfall in someones backyard under railroad tracks.  Absolutely breathtaking.

We had lunch and the girls were off to Rochester to pick up their niece Jennifer.  It was a 1.5 hr drive one way.  Got to the airport just in time and headed back home for another 1.5 hr drive.

Upon arrival Carl had put together dinner.  Before we left Dawn had made the salad, prepared the sauce and all Carl had left to do was cooked the homemade  lobster ravoli (which Dawn had made) and get the bread together.  Dinner was better than most Italian restaurants.  Again we had stuffed ourselves.  We caught up to what was going on with Jennifer's family and everyone decided to call it a  night.







SO until the next time remember:
        "LIFE IS SHORT SO DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO NOW NOT TOMORROW"

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

October 20, 2014 Day at campground

Monday, October 20, 2014


Today everyone seemed to sleep in till 8 or so.  Breakfast was at 9am.  Mike cooked everyone omelets to order and Dawn cooked some bacon.  Breakfast always seems to taste better in the open outdoors.

After cleaning up Mike and Carl decided that they needed to get a few more bottles of Port so they went back to Miles Wine Cellars.

Dawn and Pat stated that they were going to see if the lady just down the road in the yellow and purple house was at home so they could buy some of her delicious cheese.  Yes she was home and we came away with two pounds of her sharp cheese and some homemade jelly.  Mission accomplished.

We started a fire but the rain had other ideas so we decided to come inside and play a game of Mexican train which lasted most of the afternoon.  Dawn heated up some shrimp and chicken dumplings that would carry us over until dinner.  Dinner consisted of steak, stuffed banana peppers and rice pilaf.  Again we stuffed ourselves and we couldn't even go for a walk as the rain had increased so we called it a night.

Tomorrows forecast states 90% chance of rain.  Dawn and Pat are going to drive to Rochester to pick up their niece, Jennifer who was coming in  from Texas to attend the wedding on Friday in New Hampshire.  Don't know what the boys have on their agenda but we are sure that they will find something to keep them busy.



SO until the next time remember:
        "LIFE IS SHORT SO DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO NOW NOT TOMORROW"




October 19, 2014 Boldt Castle

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Well no rain or snow.   Maybe the weather will cooperate for us.  It was cold and we had some winds but we could deal with that.  We left at 8 for our 3 hour car trip to Boldt Castle, Alexandria Bay, NY.

For those that haven't heard of Boldt Castle here is a quick summary of the history of this magnificent castle. Boldt Castle on Heart Island was built by George C. Boldt for his wife, Louise.  It has 6 floors, an elevator and 127 rooms.  Two years after the beginning of this castle Louise died and all work on this island stopped..  From 1907 until 1977 the castle was left unattended and deteriorated terribly. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority assumed ownership and began restoring the Castle.  We took our time and spent 2 hour going through this castle and grounds.  What a great insight this man had.

Supper tonight was lasagna and garlic bread.  We stuffed our faces and turned in early as that 6 hours of being in a car really did us in.

Tomorrow is really going to be a rest day with nothing on the books.  Breakfast is at 9 and Mike is going to make omelets to order.



Boldt Castle from boat

Power House

The castle 

Yacht House across the way

Michael helping bringing in wood

Grand Staircase

Copolla

Gazebo

Entrance to the swan pond


Playhouse or Alster Tower

Guard House

Mike and Pat in the Gazebo

Pat's sister Dawn and her husband Carl














































Boat Ride $17.00
Admission $17.00

SO until the next time remember:
        "LIFE IS SHORT SO DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO NOW NOT TOMORROW".

Saturday, October 18, 2014

October 18, 2014 West Side of Seneca Lake- NY wineries

Saturday, October 18, 2014

     We had breakfast on our own this morning and decided that we were going to go out for a while to revisit some places that we really enjoyed the last time we were here 3 years ago on the west side of Seneca Lake. First stop was Miles Wine Cellars- if you like port this is the place for you.  Second stop Earle Estates Winery & Meadery- the meadery has a good variety of wines made with honey and some nice ciders.  Next stop was Belkhurst Estate Winery which is at the top of the lake.  We decided to head back the same way and make one last stop at Castel Grisch, our favorite so far.  We purchased some excellent ice wine and also had a wonderful German lunch.

     Back at camp each of us decided to do some chores and to take naps.  We had a very nice dinner of smoked chicken and fresh green beans,  We do like our green beans.  We are going to retire early as we are leaving fairly early tomorrow to visit Boldt castle in Alexandria Bay, NY which is about 3.5 hrs ride from Watkins Glen.  Tomorrow the weather forecast is either rain or a winter mix...ugh but it is the last day of the season for touring the castle.


Earle Estates Winery & Meadery














Eating out $50.00
Wine 105.00


SO until the next time remember:
        "LIFE IS SHORT SO DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO NOW NOT TOMORROW"


October 17, 2014 Watkins Glen State Park & Gorge

Friday, October 17, 2014


     Pat's sister Dawn and her husband Carl surprised us at 7 am this morning.  They drove part of the way last night from Hew Hampshire after working all day. Dawn couldn't sleep so they left at 5 am this morning to get to us earlier.

     Breakfast consisted of pancakes, eggs and sausage for all.  Then off we went to visit the Watkins Glen State Park to hike the gorge.  We climbed the 800 steps and 1.5 mile trail in about 3 hours.  The weather was sunny and cool.  We took our time and really enjoyed the Gorge this time seeing some things that we didn't noticed that last time we were here.   There were waterfalls, pools and bridges.  Below are just a few pictures out of 100s.  Dawn also found some little friends along the way. After the hike we were starving so we brought out some meat and cheese that was going to hold us to dinner.  

     Dinner was fantastic. Dawn made fresh green beans and steelhead trout.  We sat around the fire had a few mixed drinks and finally called it a night.  We agreed that tomorrow was going to be a rest day depending how we felt.  If we decide to go somewhere we will leave at 10 am.

Watkins Glen--Looks like a heart 

Watkins Glen

Little frog Dawn found on path

Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen
Dawn and Carl 
Mike and Pat

Another little friend that was saved Newt  or Salamander???




Parking $8.00
Watkins Glen Campground $478.80

SO until the next time remember:
        "LIFE IS SHORT SO DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO NOW NOT TOMORROW"