Escape to NYS - 2nd week in October

We head to Rochester, taking the scenic route through the Adirondacks 

We arrive at our campground in Webster Park

I get together with my cousins for dinner.

The Aurora Borealis is supposed to be visible tonight, but figure we'll miss it because it's always after my bedtime.  Got home from dinner with my Cousins and got a text from one at 8pm saying it was visible then.  We rushed out at 8:30 and drove to the Lake to check it out.  We weren't the only ones.

Could only see a very faint pink haze and my camera was no good.

But Gary got a decent shot with his. Guess it was more vivid earlier, but now at least I can say I saw them.

It's a beautiful day so we head to the Webster Pier 

Nex we stop at the Nature Reserve for a short hike

We opt for the .75 mile blue trail.

A smoke house renovated by a girl scout troop.

And a pirate skeleton tree root 

Another nice day, we try a short hike in Webster Park.

We make a wrong turn and end up back at the campground - perfect!

There's a group of about 16 sites in the campground with lots of kids.  They were walking around in costumes as we were leaving for the Reunion.

Then it's time for the reunion.  

Unfortunately, three good friends I was coming to see canceled.  But got to see my cousin Ed, and his wife Lorraine and fellow classmate Robin.

A low turnout for the class of 73.   10 out of 200+

My Senior picture, 51 years ago!  

We head back to the campground.  Tomorrow sounds like a wash out.  Was supposed to visit my good friend Laura, but unfortunately she is feeling sick and thinks it could be COVID.  

Tomorrow it's back to NC!.

Escape to NYS -1st week in October

We had planned a trip back to NYS weeks ago and Gary thinks we can make it so we take off.  It starts raining.  We start with a 1/2 tank of gas and hope we find some before running out.

I40 to Asheville was a breeze, but shortly after getting on I 26 it was closed

At least est the wildflowers like this weather

I keep losing cell service and satellite for the GPS so we are now flying by the seat of our pants.  Come to an intersection with State Troopers and they say we may get turned back because of the tow vehicle.  Gary says he'll give it a shot and the trooper says ok but I may be seeing you again.  After following some small winding roads we make it to Erwin, TN and encounter a road block and detour.  Some major devastation here.

We make it into Erwin center and find gas for $2.59.  Info inside and ask the clerk how to get to 81 since 26 is closed.  She said it was open just up the road going West - Hallelujah!

Our first stop is Virginia 

A cute water tower

We look small in the Truck area

Before you know it we're in WV

Then Maryland

Then Pennsylvania, where we'll stop for our 2nd night

At Tucson's favorite spot Cabela's!

We make it to our first destination.  Home for 3 nights.

Gary wanted to have a fire, the wood from the park was big chunks and we forgot an axe.  I got my handy dandy all in one tool and was able to make some kindling from a small block of wood on board.

Tomorrow we head up north to Lake Luzerne to visit Gary's big brother.

We make ourselves at home

Gary's grandson and his girlfriend stop up for a visit.

Can't come to the Adirondacks and not stop at Nancy's Dandee Creme in Lake George

Halloween decorations are going up.

And we're here!

They have 12 flavors of soft serve to choose from.  Gary got blueberry, I got raspberry Creme twist.  This is a small. Loo

Drove by his childhood home.  Parents and 13 kids in there.

Tucson loves the big field

A nice rainbow with no rain here.

Unfortunately we wake up to frost.

But we can always go inside for coffee.

A nice visit but time to move on to Rochester.