Holton Creek

On our way back to our home base we stopped at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center. Outside the entrance gate just a few yards away sets a building in White Springs, Florida called the Nature and Heritage Center. We have never stopped or gone into this building and we were very surprised at what we found. This Nature and Heritage Center has information on a number of State Parks and private outfitters for the Suwannee River adventurer. The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail consist of a system of camps spaced a day's travel apart so you can enjoy a day or several days on the Suwanee. Accessible only by water, these parks have restrooms with hot water showers, electricity, AC and/or heat. Covered screened in platforms with paddle fans and electricity. Group picnic pavilions and remote campsites with a community water spigot, fire rings, and tables. You can reserve a space at one of the river camps by calling 800-868-9914. especially at this time it is all free. What a great get-a-way, spend time on the river enjoying the the views and solitude to be treated to a little comfort at the end of your day's paddle. We have seen a few paddlers on this river when we have visited other parts, but had no idea where they stayed or what was offered for them. Next time you are looking for something different check out Nature and Heritage Center in White Springs Florida and you may find something interesting in there to do.

Adams Tract

Peacock Slough

Savannah

Savanna Georgia, one of our favorite place to visit. Waterfront views of the busy riverfront, cargo ships loaded, dinner cruise ships, and music to listen to by the street vendors. Shopping and all the hustle and bustle of the tourist trade. So much history and quiet parks with the homes around the squares. Makes one wonder what was built first the homes or the parks? Fountains, statues, majestic old oak trees, architectural delights with
bric -a- brac and iron works, church steeples and the grandeur of the old homes. New and old blended together to form an essence all its own. The weather is warm, but tolerable and the evenings are refreshing at least it is not raining day and night. In fact they could really use some rain here so won't complain if we do run into some. Skidaway Island State Park is our resting spot while we hunt for new restaurants to eat at and find and enjoy the individual squares. It is nice to see places that were or have been under construction when we have been here before now completed and something else being updated. We did stop by the train depot and roundhouse that we so enjoyed before, the trains are nearly referbished and one is actually running on the roundabout back and forth a lot of work, but it is slowing becoming a reality for this city.

Chimney Bluffs

Wolcott, New York. Cliff Bluffs State Park is a day use area with trails and shoreline. We walked the cliff trail with the forested land on one side and the open water on the other. These sandstone cliffs are unusual seeing Mother Nature has formed them. Each climb upward and vista view was a worth walking out to the edge and peering down to them. A small reminder of the Bryce Canyon trail we once walked. This body of water is Lake Ontario and some days it was calm and other with white caps and waves. Sometimes you had to keep reminding yourself that is was fresh water and not salted. You noticed Dave at play on the shoreline with the rock building.
The lighthouse is in Sodas Bay also on Lake Ontario it is about 2o miles west of Cliff Bluffs it is still operated by the Coast Guard, our day trip there was cold, rainy and very windy. The waves sometimes crashed nearly half way up the lighthouse walls. There is a county park adjacent to this light house with a swimming area, picnic tables and restrooms with a snack bar. All closed for the season the little town of Sodas Bay has a few restaurants and many docks for the boaters. This was also the same day that we say the plane that crashed into the corn field. Everyone walked away from that crash, but the plane is totaled. We later learned that the farmer actually has insurance for such things. We would have thought the plane's owner would be responsible for any damage, and the still might be. All in a days adventure to see the sights.

Lake Skaneateles

This is Lake Skandeateles, New York, we signed up for the mail boat tour on this lake. About 5 miles down of this lake the delivery of mail starts as the mail carrier had a difficult time getting up and down the incline to some of the homes along this section of the lake. The boat was built about 1939 holds about 30 passengers and will serve you drinks as well as a bag lunch when you take the tour. It is said to be the cleanest lake in the Finger Lake Region an we would agree. It was a pretty day with the weather having cleared up and the wind not blowing gale force even though there was a slight chop to the water the ride was smooth with the occasional splash of water over the bow and blowing in the windows when they were open. We boarded about 10:00 am and came back to port about 1:30pm. Many homes were in the process of being shut up for the winter and the last vacation days a fond memory till spring. There are rules for delivering mail to the homes on the lake, one must have a mailbox on their dock or be there in person to accept the mail. This day there were only a few within residence, but the home are spectacular and stunning to look at anyways. We like the boat houses, some were large enough to live in as well as house a boat. A lot of history along this lake with the homes from the Rockefeller's to the Roosevelt's, not so much the main family as other relatives with the connection to them. There is one that looks like the White House in Washington that was owned by the Roosevelt's and they in turn gave it over to the community and it has been subdivided and restored.

After the boat ride we toured the town with its quaint shops and sampled the bakery and ice cream items. Took some pictures of the old house within the town proper and enjoyed our drinks along the waterfront watching others paddle around in the windswept lake. There is definitely a lot of money in this area from the way things are still bustling and the shops that are open along the main street area. The properties are well kept and appreciated for their history.

Seneca Falls

Seneca Falls, a small town with lots of history and architecture. These old homes have plenty of history and ornate decorations on them. Some have widow walks or crows nest on top. Most times when you see these the houses are close to the sea, but with the lakes and the shipping that ran in the canals maybe this area had it share of tragedy on the waters too. Most of these homes have been restored and are lived in. There are probably a few that are homes for the summer as many families come out of the City of NY to enjoy the country and get out of the heat. However it was a fairly warm a few days this past week, but not stifling hot as it could be in a city. The pink flowers in one of the pictures are called Pink Lady or naked lily, they are just the flower and no green leaves. Unusual, but we have seen them in many places this summer. What we thought was an old train station was actually a feed store, now the police department and the train station is across the street. The store in the last of the pictures has been around since the 1850's as were most of the houses that were built. The railroad came to this town in the 1850's and the train still runs through town once or twice a day. The side walks are of slate, was quite unusual and trying to remember where we had seen them before. No were not house hunting, but we had the houses of Carmel in July now the houses of Seneca Falls for September.

Finger Lakes

We have spent a few days sightseeing around the lakes of NY. Have managed to find Locks 1,2,3, and 4 of the National Erie Canal Heritage Trail some of these locks range in depth difference from 7.5 feet to 20 feet. Locks 2 and 3 is a double lock system. We expected them to be higher in elevation but considering the access it allows it is interesting that so long ago this was all done for cargo to flow and business to flourish. Many towns depended on this canal system and along with the railroad system that still is in existence industry was in full swing. Many small towns still have an active community for the boating enthusiasts and offer docking space as well as park area to tie up at. and picnic at. (or Dock at) By the way these locks open on demand not on the hour system as we have with our draw bridges in the South. They do close at night and boaters as well as barges find a place to wait for the morning. What else is interesting is that they will ask you where you are going and then communicate that information to the next lock and if you don't arrive begin to send out messages that a particular vessel has not reached there. A little check and balance and safety too. There is a charge to go through the locks and you can purchase a 2 day pass for $5.00 or a yearly pass for $100.00.
We next followed the wine trail along Cayuga Lake 16 wineries at 6 taste each guess who didn't get to taste all the samples? And that is just one wine trail we did. We found a couple of out of the way places (marina's) and took a couple of interesting pictures of wood boats, storage areas and a train trestle that went out on the lake. Nice to see that these small towns turned the old train stations into government offices. Nice park areas, restrooms and access to the lake. We found a nice little Bistro to have lunch, called Pumpkin Hill. It was an old building taken down and moved to this site. Old chairs and tables, pie tins for plates, collenders for salads and mason jars for your drinks. It had a great view of Lake Cayuga and one could have sat outside and enjoy a glass of wine and taken it all in. Reminded me of a place in California along the Big Sur River where you could just spend the day sitting in the water. Just down the street we discovered a fruit stand and the apples are just starting to ripen. Oh so good when they go "crunch" as you bite into one. The wine vineyards are everywhere on the hillsides and there are still plenty of grapes to be harvested in a couple of weeks. One must pace themselves with all the sampling, so as a side distraction you find a waterfall or two to fill in and help you navigate the rest of the route, This one is Taughannock Falls State Park on the southwestern side of Cayuga Lake. Many waterfall are in this area, there is just not a lot of water coming over to really appreciate the force and beauty of it all. It still is worth the side trip just to see them. One must not forget the Cheese makers as well on these wine trails. Just like wine, some is good some is not. An ice cream shop is always a good place to stop too. The only down side is that if you take all the side trips the wineries close before you get to them all. Okay another day to do some.

Walkins Glen S.P.

Nice Park and lots of trails. Only got to do a portion of the gorge trail as time was short for daylight. Would like to have stayed at the campground, but we are too large for the sites and too tall to go under the bridge. Maybe we can find another spot nearby and spend a little more time exploring the gorge and trails. Besides there are at least 25 more wine stops before you get there.

Corning

Corning, New York, After the rally in Goshen, Indiana we set off to Ohio and met up with Don and Rosie. We spent a couple of days relaxing and getting caught up with things and did a little sightseeing of the area in Ohio then pushed eastward to New York, Knowing that there are many vineyards in the Finger Lake area we have decided to do them a little at a time. If you know how tasting is done and there are about 100+ It could get a little happy around the campfire at the end of the day. Least to say a designated driver is very needed. So our first adventure was to Corning, New York to the Glass Museum. This is no ordinary museum, we spent the whole day there and enjoyed every minute of the gallery. Many glass sculptures on display from famous to local glass blowers. Thirty Five Centuries of glass art and history are within this museum. Many pieces on display range from the ordinary bottles and dishes to the ornate lamps, tables and sculptures done for royalty or Tiffany Treasures and Steuben Glass. Yes, Corning Wear is made and sold here also. As for older patterns, you would have to look on line for them.

Point Lobos

Point Lobos State Reserve
This park is located just south of Carmel there are many trails, coves and meadows to explore. The rocks that one finds are of two different varieties, Sanata Lucia granite and Carmelo Formation. a sedimentary rock. The beach sands and gravel are the results of the wave action over these. One could spend much time just looking into the tide pools or crevices, or just watching the waves crash onto the rocks and beach. Many different birds are seen in this area , such as the oystercatcher, seagull, cormorant, and pelicans. Sea lions and harbor seals are present along with the amazing sight that they manage to manuver their enormous bodies to the highest points on these rocks. Wildflowers are in bloom and you manage to find something new and interesting along the trails. Each of us found something different we liked Bluff Lettuce, Crystaline Ice Plant, Seaside Painted Cup, Sticky Monkey Flower and the Paint Brush. The Cypress Grove Trail here is only one of two naturally growing strands of Monterey Cypress remaining on earth according to the brochure we were given. There is an orange color algee that grows on the limbs and the rocks along this trail. It is actually a green algea that contains carotene and thus makes it orange color strange to look, yet interesting to observe. One is always pleased to find wildlife up close and in a comfortable mood such as our observation of a mother mule deer and here offspring. She rested and let the little one munch and roam around. We found an old whaler's cabin which is now a museum. We managed to find a few bones laying around and by measuring the rib cage bones, one could easily fit withing a whale. Maybe Jonah and the Whale story could be true after all. It was a great way to spend the day and a place one could visit many times and find something different or worth watching each time.

MT. MADONNA

Our day of adventure began with a drive to Watsonville, Ca. to locate the Gizdich Ranch where there was u-pick strawberries. The boys had a great time choosing the biggest and best they could find. Of course grandma and grandpa had to help a little, along with Erica who needed to help carry an overflowing basket filled by Malakai. Grandma cheated and used another pot found by Dalton. Grandpa just sampled his way down the rows and took pictures. Of course we had to find the part of the ranch that makes the pies and other goodies and have a sample of the offerings. We were treated to a Camero Car Club Showing on site. Nice vehicles and well appreciated by their owners.

What one must do to work off the calories is find a place to take a walk. Mt. Madonna was just a ways up the road and off we went in search of the perfect hiking trial. The coolness of the redwood forest was delightful and interesting. This is a county park and not many visitors, there are many trails with different degress of difficulty and distance to travel. We started out on one trail and soon found ourselves on another. Have to be careful as to where you are going and pay attention to the signs and what they read as many interconnect and you can find yourself on a different trail. Many big and beautiful redwoods in this park it is amazing that as you look up you can't see the tops and you figure if you climb up the trail a little more you will get to see the top. Sometimes you can't get your head back far enough to see and then you realize how far up you have traveled as the bottom of the tree is a long way down. As there has not been any rain in this area for sometime the streams have dried up and small pools of water have formed. You know that you have had a great time when we come across some wildlife in its enviroment. We saw a couple of deer grazing their way up a hillside. What a great ending to a perfect day.. Okay the best ending is having dinner at Phil's in Moss Landing eating clam chowder and calamari.

Muir Woods

Muir Woods.
On Monday we drove back over the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir Woods which is home to the Coastal Redwoods. According to the information we received they are some of the tallest and oldest in existence. We were just thrilled to be able to enjoy the beauty of them with our daughter Erica and grandsons Dalton and Malakai. To think that these goliaths were nearly cut down to extinction by our forefathers and others using the wood for building. Seeing they grow so slowly, perhaps they will be able to withstand a few more generations to oogle over and enjoy. The walk on the trails is pleasant and relatively easy walking. Considering the other hikes we have done. No major fires in this grove for the last 150 years. We even managed to find a couple of deer with young ones eating the grass along the stream embankment. Seeing wildlife in their natural enviroment is an extra bonus not matter where you are. We were glad to have postponed this walk for a day, as there were so many people here on Sunday that the parking lot was closed. There we still a lot of visitors and many foreign tour groups but we managed to elude most of them by walking a longer trail and going in the opposite direction of the crowds. There is also young samon and trout in the steam, we're sure it has a whole lot more water during the spring time, but the pools were still deep enough to support them.
On our drive back to San Francisco we took the side tour to the Sausalito waterfront. A quaint village of shops, restaurants, waterviews, large yachts, and cottages and a great view of San Francisco coastline and building high on a hill. We managed to see one of the yachts owned by Carly Fiorina that been in the news out here as her rival Senator Barbara Boxer has made headlines with how extravagant this is and that Fiorina owns another one that is docked on the Potomac in Washington D.C. Two boats, two houses or more, that's politics for you and all that we will discuss about it. Sadly enough one must return to there home base and leave some thing to do for the next trip.

San Francisco

A day in San Fransico, what more could one want. We started out by seeing the Golden Gate Bridge from the side near Sausalito. One of the bargains for the day was that there was no toll North Bound seeing they have increased the prices of tolls--- it was worth the trip. It looks like we are cold and we were a little as the temperatures hovered in the 60's most of the day. I know you people in the South and Mid-West are not sorry for us, but you would also choose to be here instead of the heat wave that you are in. It was busy for a Sunday, but we braved the crowds and did as much as possible. This north side of the bridge was clear enough to see Alcatraz. The monument on this side is for the Merchant Marines, Sailors, Coast Guard. and other service personnel who place their lives on the front line of battles and landings from the sea it was very nicely done. There are many forts that surround the Golden Gate Bridge and they are in the process of being redone for visitors or have reopened for tours. It is nice to see that history is being restored for our youth to hopefully understand the positions we have taken as a nation to protect our freedom at all cost.
After many streets of up and down we managed with the help of the GPS to find China Town. It is very impressive and just as quaint as you imagine. We were pleased to see that the price on items were within reason. Many bargains could be found if you looked. We managed to resist the best bargains, but are sorry for it too. Of course there is always now the reason to return. We had lunch at the Cathay House which most tours stop at. It was very good and reasonably priced. Our next adventure was the Trolley Cars. You have not lived or hope you still are alive once you board one of these and have the wind in your face as you lean out of the car and make sure you keep your head in as the next one passes you going in the opposite direction. To say you are packed like sardines is to be kind. Our trolley operator was very nice and told us about a one day pass that would allow us on any of the city rides. We took our first one from China Town to the Pier or Wharf Area. Many side walk vendors and events going on at Justin Herman Plaza. We walked to Pier 1 and seeing the fog had lifted got a great view of the Bay Bridge and Alcatraz. We then boarded the cable car to ride out to Pier 39, that was worse than being a sardine in a can, but also fun our driver was very kind and informative. Being a Sunday it was very crowded, but with the temps so high inland everyone was looking for the coolness. We braved the crowds and found the sea lions and the boardwalk along Pier 39. We road back on the cable car to catch the next trolley to Lombard Street. Oh yeah you have to walk this all the way down to the bottom, or if you have a car you can drive it. Walking down is easy up was not all that bad really, Traffic is something else, but I guess if you bought your property you knew what was in store for you after all this has been in existance for years. We rode the trolley to the bottom of the hill, I was glad to be facing the other direction as the view down was quite scary, to say that the brakes were smoking would not be a lie. We walked to the Ghiradelli Square when of course one must have hot chocolate or a latte the boys preferred ice cream. Malikai was in heaven with all the chocolate he would have liked to have taken a bath in.
Our ride back to the car was a little chilly, but remember the side walk vendors, of course one could purchase a jacket at a great price to help against the chill. While waiting for the trolly we managed to watch the how the trolly turns around yes, it is still done the old fashion way of pushing it along the track to the turnstyle and rotating it 180 degrees. Great fun and enjoyment while you wait you turn to board. Our parking for the whole day was only $5.00, Erica left the garage in a great hurry just in case the attendent changed his mind. We found our hotel, with a great view from the 4th floor and got entertained or should we say sung to during the night by the street people. In the morning we found a great pancake restuarant called Sears House of Pancakes. If you go by the pictures on the wall a lot of famous people have eaten there. Okay one was Tony Bennett, I know you all wanted to know that and the newest visitor was Obama. It doesn't matter it was very good.

Carmel Lagoon

A day in Carmel-by-the-sea what better way to pass the time with a little house hunting. Yeah right, in all of our dreams. We have often wondered what people do for a living to afford these places, as they tell us not much while they are here, most come just for the weekend out of L.A. go figure everyone should have a little place along the seashore to retreat to.. Interesting designs on some of these place, very pretty and there in even a couple that we would have liked to have seen the inside of. The orange fencing material is for those that are planning on adding or rebuilding so the neighbors can see the height of the structure before the work is done an interesting concept of the way things are done here. The surf looks inviting and the colors are brilliant blues and green, but the rip currents are very stong in this area so there is a lot of advisories about stepping into the water. We were treated to the sight of an elephant seal on the beach. This is the first one we have seen and a little unusual to be in this area now. This one is a young one, and probably has been cast out as he is male and the bigger ones don't want him around. Love the fact that he put on a show for us with throwing sand over his body. Yes one wants to know how we know the difference between a seal and a sea lion. Very easy to tell the difference when you learn how. A sea lion has ears an a seal does not. Our daughter taught us another way to remember the difference. Ear has three letters and so does Sea as in Sea Lion. The temperatures are very pleasant this year and we have managed to walk around and enjoy with out the usual jackets or sweatshirts on like last year. The day was complete when we managed to find a place to have lunch of clam chowder, one of the boys favorite meals.

SAT 10 2010

Pictures are from the Moss Landing area where we saw the otters and sea lions, The other photos are our drive down to Big Sur along route 1. The morning started out a little chilly with the temps in the 50's, and the fog hugging the coastline, there were spots where one could see the ocean, but not too far off shore,but as the day went on the temps got warmer and the fog lifted enough to make it a warm sunny afternoon. It was good to see the countryside growing green with grass on the hillsides and flowers in bloom. Two years ago the fires had such an impact on the views into the hills. As with everything Mother Nature does, life and beauty does return in time. Julia Pfeiffer State Park still has evidance of the fire, work is being done on a couple of trails up the hillside, but the ash is still just under the dirt, the stream is finding a new path down the mountain side see the landslide from the year before made such an impact on the flow of the water. The trees are coming back with new growth. The water is still coming over the falls and if you look close enough you can see that a couple of small landslides occured over the last year. Many more tourist this year than last. It could be the economy is a little better, or that the area is showing greener areas and people are wanting to see it in all its glory. Big Sur State Park was also busy and we managed to do the trail there again to the falls. There is higher growth of the trees and the trails are being used. Our favorite spot being the Big Sur River Inn where one can chill their toes in the icy river and much on a sandwich and drink a glass of wine too. The grandchildren love rearranging the rocks to make their own pool area.

Market & Monterey Bay Aquarium

Our first week here in Monterey and we are in heaven with the fresh markets on Tuesday downtown. So much to choose from. This is one of the best markets we have found in our travels so we really look forward to them. Along with vegetables and fruit one can also purchase other foods, flowers, drinks and other sundries. The boys and Dave especially enjoy the desserts. No visit to Monterey is complete without going to the Aquarium several times while here. It is nice to go and wander and watch just an area or two every couple of days, The sea life is so enchanting one never grows tired of watching.

while boating we came across this island and the mimmmosa plant that was in full bloom.

Rehersal Dinner and Wedding in Jacksonville

As you can see we all clean-up pretty well for camping out. The rehersal dinner was fantastic and loads of fun with our derby attire. The odds were 100% the wedding would take place the following evening. We enjoyed sampling Mint Julips. not sure we will add them to our most favorite beverage list, but the reviews from the photos suggest that some of us won't try them again! Getting to see our camping children all grown up and moving on to other stages of their lives is heartwarming. Many great times are always had when we get together. The Wedding was Wonderful the church was decorated beautifully with flowers of pink and purple. Mother of the Groom was stunning in her attire.
Two days of dress up is good for us and just a little sad as everyone is now packed up and moving on towards home. Drive safely and see you all again in October for more fun guys.

ST.Augustine

Silver River State Park

In our travels we like to stop at Silver River State Park and rest for a few days. Gather the roses so to speak. It is pleasant and peaseful. Our walk to the river was in the coolness of shade and at the rivers edge we lingered long enough to hear the cry of a baby alligator and a couple of frogs croaking out a warning sound. A family of Ibis swam across the river to find another hiding spot for the little ones. A deer munched grass as we sat quitely and watched her. As we were leaving another one hurried away with the fawn following. You could call this a great day on the river.

As you look at the photos you will notice the Olahwaha RV Resort. We have not been here for quite some time. Just checked it out for the day. The drive to get here is just a long and Hog Valley still exist. The campground is now considered a resort and no tents are allowed. Newer pool and more camping sites. The overlook to the river is the same and it brought back fond memories of happy times with friends. Tom and Linda's first campout for the club was at this place and a couple of pop-up rallies as well.

Blueberries

Rainbow River State Park

how are you?