No Reason to Whine in the Finger Lakes

Or "Russell's big day out."

Rain has little effect on wine tasting.  So we took an unusual jaunt to Seneca Lake to try out a few wineries we had not yet explored.

Even more unusual, we had a designated driver.  Yes, chastise us all for the indiscretions of our youth, and never tell our children about them.  Check that...at this point, never tell our children's children about them.

And most unusual of all, the designated driver was me.  Activities of the prior evening had no influence on my decision to take one for the team.

First you select your wines.

Then you down or dump or...what is he doing?

Not sure if Russ is restocking the winery,
or just over a barrel.

More Monkey Business.
He attracts them wherever he goes.

At the wineries, fine people are always willing to help.
This gentleman was serving at Red Newt,
which was named after a political figure.

Read between the lines.
After a few wineries, the bottles start to look bigger.

After a few more wineries,
the bottles start to glow.

It's not all that bad being a designated driver.  There is much more time for photography.  More fun with photons.

Vegetation for the enjoyment of those
who reach a vegetative state.

Get your pollen while it lasts!

Not generally fond of gnomes,
I made an exception for this little guy.
He's both useful and entertaining.

Hector Falls.
Who knew?  I probably did, but had forgotten all about it.
The road goes right over the center of the cascade,
but this top half is splendid even without the its lower counterpart.
Note the gnome.

Careful, Gnome.  Slippery on the wet rocks.
You might slip and...nevermind.

Hector Falls is uncharacteristic in that the underlying rock appears a lighter color than what is usually supporting falls in the area, and that it does not have much of a gorge.  I wonder if the rock is harder than the usual shale in the area, or if the flow has moved to this location in recent geological time.

Back at Keuka, the rain had stopped,
but the clouds remained.
I was able to get away with SPF 60.

Heron Hill winery in all its glory.
As for the name...Heron Hill?  Really?
Why not name the place for a more likely heron habitat?
"Sir, would you like to taste our Heron Swamp Sauvignon Blanc?
Or our Marsh Meritage? "

I've heard that NY is a blue state.
This shot proves that it's really a white state.
These pretty grapes are pretty great for making Riesling.

The walking stick has either seen better days,
or he is doing rear leg stretches.

Answering a call at Heron Hill.

Another happy server.
Why do you suppose the servers at wineries are so happy?

I think maybe Russ got into some bad wine.
Or perhaps he heard news of the Presidential Campaign.

Someone has a future in hand modeling.

Being a star,
the chef can grab people anywhere he wants.
He'll soon be a politician, no doubt.

Fall foliage?

Our travelers are also happy.
No doubts about why.

Finishing a fine day, all were treated to an amazing Keuka sunset.