A Ride in the North Country

29A to 10 to 8 to 30 and back.  This time of year, one can't go wrong with a ride in the Adirondacks.

Welcome to the Adirondacks.
Route 30, just north of Speculator.

A nice scenic viewpoint just south of the town of Indian lake.

Mr. Cobb provides a highly recommended salad
at the Adirondack Hotel in Long Lake.

Aerial tours start just across the street from the Hotel.

The planes exhibit a certain grace after takeoff.
Come fly away!

The Wild Center is just outside of Tupper Lake.  It is a great place to experience.

What day is it?
Ooops!

Even if not fully open, the grounds of the Wild Center
are perfect for a walk.

Go down to the river and see the iridescent green-headed mallards.

Look up at the closed canopy walk.

See the artistically displayed roots of a deadfall,
picked clean of dirt and rocks.

Observe a living roof.

Guess the name of the flower.

Marvel at the buzzing.

Enjoy the architecture from afar.

Just outside of town, the Raquette River and the lake from which Tupper takes its name
provide unique views on both sides of Route 30.

Divert off the highway to the Whitney Estate on Little Tupper Lake.  The DEC operates the complex now.

The main Whitney house, sited for a commanding view.

Across the lake, the obscured mansion is being updated.
One of only 3 residences on the entire lake,
the millions it cost might well be worth it.

Once the view from Avery's Place on Route 10,
there is no longer any trace of the old hotel.

End the trip with peace as the sun sets beyond Stewarts Landing.

Drop Everything And Go !

At some time in the future, there may be an accompanying story, but you need to see these images right now.  Then you can go to your boss, tell him or her that you have something really important to do, and hop into the vehicle that gets you to the Adirondacks as quickly as possible.

By land or by sea,
get here quickly.

You will not be sorry
you allowed the allure of fleeting beauty
to release you from your daily chores.

Climb a peak...

...and take a peek.

Marvel at the tableau below,
and the mountains beyond.

Tromp through the castoffs.

Enjoy the opposite shore,
aflame with the filtered light of the setting sun.

And perhaps even stay the night in a tent,
so you can wake to the sunrise,
and drink it in all over again.

 

(click on on the pictures for improved appreciation)

A Beautiful Day in the Finger Lakes

I went for a hike in Bob's stomping grounds near the south end of Canandaigua Lake.  We hiked up one rim of Clark Gully, down across the stream, up to the opposite rim and then back down to where we started.  A fine hike on a fine day.  Only a few miles, but the change in elevation made it challenging nonetheless.

The view from the parking area was encouraging.

Bob leads the way on the pretty trail down to a nice viewpoint.
It's great to have a personal guide.

That's far enough.

It was a pleasure to just sit and look at the distant foliage.
The cloudy day provided even lighting that made the yellows leap from the greens.

Here is a disorienting look down a waterfall.
Please do not fall headfirst into your computer screen.

The same falls with Bob properly oriented.

The view from the opposite side on the way down.

Looking out of the gully, over the West River, and to the wind turbines on the hills beyond.

One last look.

 Bonus #1

Longhorns on the hill...not a bad view for grazing.

What the heck are these shaggy things?

I think they were also wondering,
"What the heck is this shaggy thing?"
Truth be told, I do need a haircut.

"We're Scottish Highland Cattle.
Snort...Don't get any closer...Snort"

 Bonus #2

A short walk on the trail...

Led to this vista over the Italy Valley.
Bob says the hang-gliders launch from here.
From the force of the wind coming up the hill, it's easy to see why.