Trip back to New York - Green Lakes State Park

We meet my high school friends Kathy and Elaine at Green Lakes State Park

 My friend Kathy who I met when we both were the new kids in 4th grade and her husband Ben who she met at Oswego State College where we both went.

 My friend Elaine who I met in 7th grade and her husband Russ

 Elaine's daughter Alonna and her husband

We enjoyed visiting by the campfire and hiking the trails around the Lakes

Tucson was a little wary of this snake skin

 Yes, the lakes are very green

 Tucson found a friend to play with on the Beach

 Alonna's daughter enjoyed herself

 Of course she wasn't too spoiled by everyone

Had a great time visiting with old friends!

Trip back to New York - Turning Stone Casino

We are meeting friends of mine from High School at Green Lakes State Park for the weekend.  Until then we find a spot at Turning Stone Casino about 1/2 hour away and minutes away from my friend Kathy

 Nice sites

 A couple trails

The last night we take the free shuttle over to  the Casino to check it out. 

 I have $3.00 to blow!

 

 So many choices!

I find a penny machine and put in $1.00.  I win some money so I put in the other $2.00.

 I quit while I am ahead!

Trip back to New York - Fort Stanwix

On our way to Green Lakes State Park, we stop at Fort Stanwix

Tucson thinks this would be a great yard

Known as "the fort that never surrendered," Fort Stanwix successfully repelled a prolonged siege in August 1777 during the Revolutionary War.

It is dog friendly and Tucson is named Bark Ranger

In the mid-1700s, British General John Stanwix led the construction of the fort. outside of what is now downtown Rome, N.Y

Trip back to New York - Saratoga Springs Racetrack

Gary takes me to the Saratoga Springs Racetrack for breakfast and to watch the horses practice on the track before the race.

The Jockeys are all lined up

 The breakfast runs from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. 

The Jockeys and Horses are starting towards the track

 The restaurant is right alongside the track

Good thing we didn't wear shorts!

 It is a delicious buffet

Nice to have front row seats

After breakfast we take the tour upstairs

 Good views from up here

We go back down for better views

 No lines at the betting windows yet

Time to groom the track.  First they rake it

Then they water it down

These horses  can run

Wonder if any of these guys are in the top 12

 I scolded this guy for texting while riding

A great morning at the track!