Life in the Bristolwood

While at Ganondagan, there were many activities going on throughout the entire day.  It would have been easy to spend countless hours just wandering and absorbing everything!  So much to see. So much to do!

We spent some time watching Native American dance and let me tell you,some of  it was rather lively!  I am not going to elaborate, as the photos speak for themselves! Not all of the photos feature people dancing, but I wanted to show the beautiful vibrant colors of the costumes. They were so gorgeous!

I mentioned in my previous entry that  Carly, Jeff, Sarah, Erin, and I went for a walk while visiting Ganondagan.  Our walk actually began when we went along a path to the Longhouse.

Of course we had to take a look inside!  The first photo is of the “ceiling” structure, looking up!

There are signs located all throughout the park.  Many explain how Native Americans used  various elements found in nature.   I am posting a few of the signs I thought were interesting.

Following are some random photos taken while on our walk.  What an awesome place Ganondagan is…it is as though with just a little imagination, one can be whisked back to another place, another time.  

As though to lend just a bit of an air of authenticity, a Great Blue Heron flew overhead!  There was also a hawk hovering nearby,  but I didn’t get a good photo.

Ganondagan…a really interesting and very wonderful place to visit!

While we were out for Erin’s birthday on Saturday, Carly told me she and Jeff were going to go to Ganondagan on Sunday for a Native American Art and Music Festival.  I turned green with envy, as I saw signs for this event every time we passed Ganondagan on our way home from Victor.  This was something that really sounded so appealing to me.  When Carly asked if we cared to join her,  I was thrilled!

Here is some info on Ganondagan.

Mark and the kids were interested in the festival, but not enough to attend.  Boy, did they miss out!  I am going to break our visit into a few posts as there was just so much to see and do.  I cannot remember when I enjoyed something so much!

I will begin my Ganondagan entries with one that was one of the main reasons I wanted to attend!

I arrived on Sunday morning before Carly and Jeff and the girls did.  This gave me a little time to survey the grounds a little and visit some of the vendors.  Of course I had the Nikon with me,  hoping to capture some good photos of the festivities.  The last vendor I visited had an interesting man visiting.  He was dressed in a bright yellow shirt and he and the vendor were having a very animated discussion. When the vendor gave him the merchandise he selected, I knew this guy “might” be someone interesting.  It was then I noticed the patch sewn on the sleeve of his shirt….he was a Navajo Code Talker!

Not wanting to interrupt for a photo,  I pulled out my cell phone and opted to take a couple of photos that way.

The man was soft-spoken and just very likable!

Since I had forgotten a lot of the information about the Navajo Code Talkers,  I was happy to find a tent offering some explanation.

After awhile, I went to the main event tent and realized the man I had encountered at the vendor tent was the main speaker for this festival!

Carly and Jeff and the girls came and we wandered around,  checking out merchandise and walking over to take a look at the Longhouse.  We discovered a nature trail so we went for a nice walk.  We arrived back in time to discover we were in time for a parade.  It was a small parade, but it was to honor Mr. Bill Toledo,  the Navajo Code Talker from World War II.  The parade was lining up and the honored guest was going to be ushered in via a golf cart. I spotted two veterans speaking with Bill.  One had the word “historian”  embroidered on his hat, and I suppose he was gathering some pertinent information.

As a young serviceman in 1942,  Bill was a part of the US Marine Corps.  To honor him on Sunday, a color guard was sent from the Marines.

Several people were scurrying about, getting ready for the parade!

Yeah….Carly wondered aloud to me how the fellow with the feathers on his seat was going to sit in the golf cart.  Well, the answer was easy…..he didn’t, but rather, hitched a ride!

At this point, I must make mention of the fact that G. Peter Jemison was the man in charge of all the ceremonies.  (Emcee)  Mr.  Jemison is an eighth generation descendant of Mary Jemison,  the White Woman of the Genesee.  I had talked about her in my post about Letchworth State Park.

The parade began and all eyes were on the beautiful and colorful garb of the veterans participating in the parade to honor Mr. Toledo.

Goodness, as these young Marines passed by, the tears just began running uncontrollably from my eyes.  I thank God for the young men and women who actively serve our country.  I really like the saying, Freedom isn’t Free.

The parade participants moved into the huge main event tent and we sat for over half an hour as Mr. Toledo explained the inception and workings of the Navajo Code Talkers.  He is 86 years old and I can testify he had no need (other than to honor him) to be driven in a golf cart!  He is very capable and sharp as a tack!

Mr.  Toledo told stories of the war,  explaining that to keep the Japanese from breaking US code,  Navajo words were used as code.  He told us a hand grenade was called a potato.  He also gave insight into how the code was used and how each code talker was not allowed to discuss their mission or service; they could only say they were involved in communications. 

I think the bulk of people could have listened on and on for hours, but Mr. Toldeo ended his dissertation with a beautiful rendition of the US Marine theme song sung in the Navajo tongue.

If anything, this man really made everyone’s day! What a terrific speaker and we cannot thank him enough for the very vital part he played in service to the United States and the war effort!

While the kids went shopping with their friends at the mall!  Michelle and Ben met up with several friends yesterday, so Mark and I were on our own. 

Mark had discovered long ago that the GPS he uses in the truck is very good for finding parks and places to visit.  After dropping the kids off at the mall, he asked if I might like to visit a small park located a short distance from the mall.  The name of the park is rather curious….Power Mill Park.  Hmmm…..

Monroe County,  like New York State (well, perhaps until current governor, anyway!)  has generously offered a story board at the park which gives a nice little history lesson!  If you chose to enlarge the above photo, you can read a bit for yourself, or I will give the condensed version!

Powder Mill Park did not start out as a park, but as a powder mill for making blasting powder, used primarily in the coal mining business.  It was begun by a man who previously worked at a manufacturing plant in Connecticut.  He chose the location because it was isolated from civilization (assuring less of a threat in the event of an explosion!) and because water was running through the site, which would be harnessed to turn the grindstones used in milling blasting powder. (The three main ingredients used are salt peter [potassium nitrate],  charcoal, and sulphur.)

One of the main objectives for the inception of this company was to produce the powder more safely, reducing the risk of explosions.  Making this powder was an extremely dangerous business.  The story board provides some interesting little tidbits regarding how employees worked to reduce risks.

Very little remains of the business….after the founder’s death,  two of his sons continued the trade for a while, then moved and began a new venture in Pennsylvania, closer to the coal mining business.

A mossy green water wheel remains, surrounded by ugly chainlink fencing.  It seems such a contrast…the wheel methodically….poetically turning,  surrounded by a fence to keep onlookers away.  The fence must stand close to six feet tall…I had to stretch to prop my camera on top of it and hope for a good shot or two!

As I stood taking photos, I noticed I had company.  A small black damselfly sat watching me!

I wandered around just a bit.  I was so attracted to that old water wheel.  There is just something about water and movement that can entice anyone!  Although the day was rather hot,  the water gently splashing over this wheel gave a sense of refreshment…albeit only visually!

I did spot a tall piece of rusted machinery near the wheel and when I showed Mark the photo I took,  he said it looks like a press.

There is a huge sand hill behind the press and water wheel.  In looking at the map of the original company (around 1852) the hill was there.  It seems amazing to think it never was dozed over for one reason or another!

Powder Mill Park consists of 380 acres.  The county acquired the property in 1926 and razed the various buildings that were vacated and run down.  The park offers lodges and picnic areas,  a very tiny downhill ski hill, and fishing in designated areas.

And, speaking of fish!

There are many, many trout swimming about in two ponds that grace the park because….

Powder Mill Park also hosts a small fish hatchery!

Here are some photos of the various fish I saw.

There wasn’t an over abundance of people at the park.  There were a lot of happy little children, though,  pitching pellets of food into the concrete pools holding the fish.  A very serene and lovely sight!  Then, along came a young man who works at the park.  What followed was incredible! Those peaceful fish became maniacs as the fellow launched big cups full of food into their domain!

As I walked around taking photos,  I came across a young little girl who was just tickled pink by the (hype)activity of the fish.  I smiled and told her they were like “fish fireworks”, to which she squealed “Yes!” in delight!

Mark parked the truck in a nearby parking lot and as I headed that way,  I turned back to take one last photo of this pretty little park.

Here you can see a pavillion that rivals any craftsman’s work located just a short distance from the fish hatchery pools.  This park is small but we drove around after leaving this area; the houses surrounding the park are absolutely gorgeous!  This is definitely a very upscale area!

As we left the park,  traffic was momentarily (well, longer than a moment….one inflamed driver began honking his horn!!!!) by some Canadian “visitors”.

A most entertaining way to spend an hour or two!  But we were not finished!  There is more to come….

I must admit….I scratched my head and wondered what, exactly,  I would use for this week.  We were on a mini-vacation the past several days,  attending the Buffalo Sabres Development Camp.  (hockey) 

Well, yesterday, we decided to take a little trip to Lewiston, New York,  and in so doing, I came upon what I think is an awesome depiction of the theme “Free”! 

These statues are a tribute to the many brave people of Lewiston, who stood for what they believed, helping slaves who escaped from the south cross over to Canada where they would truly be free! 

I was so disappointed that it was pouring down rain in torrents when I took these photos, but in looking back, it was profound, really.  Many of the slaves crossing over the river faced much worse adverse conditions such as bounty hunters and the uncertainty that they would be able to make it.  If you have a few minutes, I have also included the story board below which gives a good desription of the statue.

As I stood photographing this statue in the rain (I am ever so gratedul to my trusty little Panasonic camera which also provided last week’s entry!!)  I felt so overwhelmed by the very presence of this statue.  It  made me wonder….would I have also laid my life on the line like the brave souls of Lewiston?

On Saturday, we decided to take a breather to do something relaxing.  I am always up for such times of respite!

We all gathered together to think of what we might like to do.  Michelle said we definitely needed some groceries, so how about going on a picnic first?  YES!  We all agreed a picnic would be so much fun and as you know,  we don’t lack in New York State for beautiful parks to spend some time in!  Now the next question was, where?

Michelle, being college educated and all, now,  thought perhaps making Mom happy might be a great perk to add to the package.  She suggested stopping in Geneseo at Kentucky Fried Chicken,  then heading on over to Letchworth State Park.  Well, who could argue with such a splendid suggestion?  Not I.  Not Mark.  Not Ben.

We set off at about 10:30 in the morning on our (very) grand adventure!  We drove to Geneseo and stopped at Kentucky Fried Chicken.  The kids decided they didn’t *want* chicken, however, so we all switched gears and wound up with $2 meals from Taco Bell!  (the store we went to is both a Kentucky Fried Chicken and Taco Bell)

Mark plotted Letchworth State Park as our destination on the GPS and we were off again for the park.  Upon entering the park, we were a bit surprised that there were many, many picnic tables open.  We had thought since it was the 4th of July weekend, the park would be packed out.  We sat down and enjoyed our little meals and afterward had some grape pie for dessert.  I had baked the pie the night before and we packed it in a cooler…that was a nice cool treat!

After eating, the kids headed on over towards a playground area that was aso strangely vacant.  Yes, our kids are big, but they still love to swing!  Suddenly, acting almost as one,  Ben and Michelle went to the truck to grab the Scottie boys!  The fun then followed!

Okay, so the swings were a lot of fun, but Angus thought he would like a bit more adventure, via the slide!

And Baby Murphy could not be outdone.  He also went down the slide, but asked for a bit of assistance!

Murphy thought that was a piece of cake, so he decided to go down once again. This time, alone!   He did a fantastic job!  Until…

Oops..Murphy! You were supposed to land on your paws, not do a face plant!

Michelle and the Scotties retreated to the truck while Mark, Ben, and I strolled along one of the paths running alongside the deep gorge.  It really is breathtaking and beautiful.  We found a picnic table with a view…..

Oh how nice it would be to sit there and just enjoy looking out over the gorge! Interesting that the sign on the fence so politely asks that visitors remain behind the fence.  With drops of 600  feet,  it would seem more fitting to place warning signs or even run electric fencing to keep folks back.  Instead, that fence stands only about 3 feet tall! Hardly a deterrent!  Sadly, we read on Sunday that a young man fell to his death over a wall near the falls on Saturday night.  This park is certainly spectacular, but one must be careful and cautious at all times.

The next photo shows how the fencing must be moved forward over  time due to erosion.  You can see the posts that held the fence at an earlier time. In some areas, the fencing has been moved several feet.  I would imagine the pathways must be inspected regularly to keep them safe for visitors.

From Letchworth Park, we decided to head on down to the small Christian college town of  Houghton. Neither Mark nor I have ever been to Houghton, so this was a new adventure and we would pass through some new places.

One of the tiny communtities we passed was Castile.  I mentioned earlier about the fact that Saturday was part of the July 4th weekend,  so many towns proudly displayed American flags.  Castile was one of these.

Right next to the area I stood at to photograph the flags was a beautful monument remembering soldiers who fought in World War I.

The monument stood right near a church.  I really liked the little message posted on the sign out front…

We continued our travels and arrived at the college late in the afternoon.  We were shocked to find that basically, the town of  Houghton *is* the college!  There is very little else located in this town.  The college,  a Wesleyan school, was absolutely beautiful!  It is small, nestled on a hill.  All of the residences look like they are very nice!  The college looks like it would have a nice feel to it for anyone wanting to attend a not-too-large college.  I think the word “cozy” comes to my mind! Because it was getting late in the day,  I didn’t take any photos.

We left and began driving once again,  stopping at another state park called Stony Brook.  This park is small and very beautiful.  It has a rugged feel to it and once again, we were surprised to see few people enjoying the grounds.  The gate keeper told us that the governor’s cuts caused the beautiful natural swimming area to be closed.  What a shame.  A dam formed a perfect little basin where people could swim. Not anymore.

We decided to stop at WalMart to pick up groceries and things we needed.  We looped around again to Geneseo and along the way, we encounterd a young woman pulled off a small road, signalling that she needed a cell phone.  The vehicle ahead of us pulled over and Mark stopped in front of it.  Mark hollered out the window, asking if everything was okay. 

We discovered the young woman had hit a fawn on the road.  She said both rear legs appeared to be broken and it needed to be put down.  She called 911 for assistance and had to await someone to come.  As we were about to pull away,  Michelle pointed to a tiny fawn running about in the woods next to the road.  I wondered if there were twins and the one got hit.  This whole thing put a damper on our fun and it was some time before we began to talk and laugh again.

We shopped first at Aldi, then at WalMart.  I sat waiting in the truck with the Scotties as it was pretty warm and I didn’t think it would be wise to leave them alone.  As  I was sitting there,  I was so surprised to see our friends Jon and Cindy from Naples!  Naples is quite a haul from Geneseo and Mark and I always giggle that we must be the only people crazy enough to travel 40 miles to go shopping.  Hmmm….I guess not!

It was getting late as we pulled out of the parking lot and began our travels homeward.  Not too far up the road from WalMart’s  we encountered tons of traffic!  There were endless Sheriff cars parked alongside the road.  As we slowly made our way eastward,  a display of fireworks began in Lakeville, a tiny community located on Conesus Lake.  Well, Mark and Ben could never pass up a good display, so we pulled over into a big parking lot and watched a display unlike any I have seen before.

Conesus Lake is a small lake and we watched in amazement as fireworks were displayed not only at the park at the north end of the lake, but around the entire lake! Awesome isn’t even close enough a word to describe what we saw!

We sat and watched for about 45 minutes, then decided we needed to head on home.   We didn’t get back until about 11pm!  What fun we had on this adventure and the kids even said they had a great day!

is what calls us to further examine places and people we have met along life’s many paths we have traveled.  We often feel the need to dig a bit deeper,  try a bit harder, or just study further that element that has drawn us back to take a second look.  Such was the case when we revisited Letchworth State Park this past Friday.

As far as state parks are concerned,  sizewise Letchworth isn’t all that big.  Compared to the expansive acreage of Allegany State Park,  Letchworth seems a drop in the bucket!  Like all of New York’s parks, Letchworth is somewhat “rustic”, but perhaps a bit more refined than others. It certainly is one of New York’s most beautiful parks, hands down.

As we entered the park,  Mark and the kids spotted a train beginning to cross the deep gorge.  Mark hurried to the parking lot and dropped me off so I could capture a photo of the train.  By the time I got there, however, the train had already begun crossing.  Not sure of the length of the train,  I took photos as I walked the path to the bridge and falls.

Yes, although the bridge is short across, it *is* deep!

I finally got a fairly scenic shot.

I talked with a couple watching the train as it crossed. They said the beginning of the train had three engines, so it was probably quite a long one.  I didn’t think to count cars until much of the train had passed, and I counted about 35, and that wasn’t to the end.  My guess is that it had over 100 cars.  It sure was neat seeing a train on the bridge.  To my amazement, as soon as the train was across, people began walking out over the bridge.  I think my heart nearly stopped, but the couple I had spoken to said it is okay. In fact…the wife wanted to walk across.  The husband, well, he wasn’t so sure!  Me?  My knees nearly gave out thinking about it!

I took another path that leads to another falls. This one is a bit deeper than the first, and very impressive!

Letchworth State Park was named after William Pryor Letchworth, a wealthy businessman from Buffalo. Letchworth was born into a Quaker family that emphasized a good work ethic; by his mid-thirties, he was quite well to do.  When he first saw the area the park is located at,  he knew he needed to buy some land there for a get away from the busyness of life.  Over time, Letchworth acquired more land, and in his latter years, bequeathed the land to the State of New York.

Mr. Letchworth bought the land with a structure already built and he had contractors use the house that was already there.  It is located between the two sets of falls, in a wondrous setting!

The house is now an inn and restaurant, called the Glen Iris.  A small pond with a fountain is furnished with koi in its waters.  Its simplicity speaks volumes of the simple elegance found throughout the entire park.

Okay, I rarely take photos of the kids, but I made them sit by the “big” tree.

Did I say “big”?  That tree was huge!

Just a stone’s throw from the Glen Iris Inn is the William Pryor Letchworth Museum.  We walked into the museum at precisely 4:53,  being reminded by the attendant that the building closes at 5pm.  That meant we had all of seven minutes to look around.  Needless to say, we need to go back when we have some time!  The museum has all sorts of artifacts not only from Mr. Letchworth and his family,  but from the general area.

One of the reasons I wanted to return to the park was because of a story I heard about when we first went to Letchworth.  The story involves a young woman by the name of Mary Jemison.

Mary was born on the Atlantic Ocean as her parents were heading to America from Northern Ireland.  The family arrived in Pennsylvania and spent time there.  During the French and Indian War,(when Mary was about 12)  the family was killed, save Mary.  She was taken into captivity by Seneca Indians and was eventually adopted into the tribe.  She ended up marrying a chief.  When word came that captives would be released from the Indians,  Mary fled to the area where the park is now located.

When Mary Jemison was ofered freedom from her captors, she chose not to leave.  Over time, she became known as “The White Lady of the Genessee”.  (The river running through the gorge is called the Genessee River.)  Mary passed away at the age of almost 91, in 1833.

Mr. Letchworth, being very concerned about the welfare of the Native Americans,  was fascinated by the story of the white lady.  She had left the area just a few years before her death, and was buried in a reservation located near the Buffalo region.  When members of her family grew upset that her grave was being desecrated, Mr. Letchworth had her casket and marker removed from the area and brought to a ridge above his Glen Iris estate.  It was here Mary Jemison found her final burial place. 

Mary Jemison’s original grave marker is now placed in the Letchworth Museum as Mr. Letchworth had a marble monument made to replace it.  He had the original inscription written upon the marble marker.  A few years later, an artist made a stunning bronze statue of Mary carrying  Thomas, her firstborn, (named after her father) on her back.

The statue is so very beautiful! (It was made in 1910)

It was so interesting reading about Mary Jemison’s life.  What a strange turn of events in her life….

We had to leave the park as the kids were beginning to grumble about being hungry. But there were still beautiful sights to see!

And not too far away was a lovely monument built to honor soldiers of the Civil War.

I just love the sunlight illuminating the flag in this last shot.

As we were leaving the park, Mark asked if I saw the fox?  Fox?  I said….

Not entirely sure he looks so healthy.

We left the park and everyone was fed. We stopped in Geneseo and Mark and the kids shopped at WalMart while I waited in the truck.  On the way home, we passed Conesus Lake and it had the most awesome yellow moon over it!

And, over the telephone lines a little bit later. (I was too tired to get out of the truck and we were on a highway and Mark feared someone might run over the crazed lady with the camera!)

Wow, so many beautiful things to see and not very far from home at all!

Wow….I cannot believe this week is coming to a close! It seems like we were just camping and having fun yesterday!

And that reminds me that I had just a few more photos to show from that adventure.

On Monday morning, we got up early and headed for Bradford, Pennsylvania.  Bradford is only a few miles from the park where we were staying and Mark and Randy wanted to visit the Zippo Lighter and Case Knife Museum.  Bradford is the home of both Zippo Lighters and Case Knives….Zippo acquired the Case company, so both companies are housed in one museum.  There is also a gift shop located there.

When we arrived at the museum,  one of the first things we saw was a 1947 Chrysler that was used to advertise the “windproof Zippo lighter”.  This isn’t the original auto,  but a replica of the one that was driven all over the United States to advertise the lighters.

With the great hazzards of smoking being made so public, I suppose the Zippo facility is seeing fewer visitors.  Then again, maybe not.  The company offers many special lighters that are treasures amongst collectors.  Because of the proximity to the Seneca Nation where Native Americans can sell cigarettes without all the taxes, perhaps smokers are drawn to the museum.

The museum contains many interesting documents and such…there are letters from veterans who lost their lighters during the wars,  letters from people who mangled their lighters in accidents such as hitting one with the lawn mower or running one through an ice crushing machine.  There are also hundreds if not thousands of lighters displayed. One of the first displays is a huge American flag formed from hundreds of lighters.

The Case Knives were also interesting. There are so many varieties and colors.  I was amazed at the extensive uses for all the different knives.  As with the lighters,  there were many collectibles displayed throughout the museum.

We also visited a few stores in Bradford and just enjoyed the day.  It was very hot, but we had fun just taking our time looking about.

Of course, I loved the Welsome to Pennsylvania signs and the informative sign located nearby….

Yes sir, if I could have my “druthers”, I would be living in Pennsylvania.  I love that state. No particular reason. No, there are many particular reasons!  As I looked at that last sign,  I couldn’t help but think of my mother’s ancestor who surveyed for William Penn.  How exciting is that?

As I thought about the above, my Great Aunt Vera came to my mind.  Vera was my special aunt. She had a terrible humped back and stood not much more than four feet tall.  I suppose such a defect would be diagnosed and corrected nowdays, but being tiny to begin with made my great aunt even more special!  Vera had worked as a courtroom stenographer for many years and never married.  She lived in the house that her father built for the family.  She also had a cabin in the woods…at SB Elliot State Park.  That cabin is where I learned a great love for the woods. Memories are so rampant and plentiful. All pleasant and all happy!

Okay, so back to reality!  We came home on Monday and Tuesday was spent just relaxing after all the busyness associated with returning home from camping.  Wednesday was *the* day….Mark had an appointment with the dentist and so did I.

Mark was the more fortunate of the two of us; he was going for a cleaning whereas I was going to have my tooth pulled!

The dentist was gracious, giving me novacaine in every strategic area he could.  He worked on my tooth for quite a while.  As suspected, the root ofthe tooth was cracked and that is why the area above the tooth never seemed to get over being infected. A great deal of exertion was necessary to get the root out, but my dentist is fantastic.  I was actually laughing during the process!

After the root was removed, the dentist filled the hole left behind with a special mix of sterilized bone fragments and material to encourage bone growth.  This process felt like he was jamming the mix into my head, but thankfully, he worked quickly!  The next step was what bothered me the most….stitching the mess up! Something about the thread brushing my nose and face just really unnerved me.  Once again, the dentist worked with speed and confidence that made it seem more bearable!

As I left the office, I was given an instruction sheet on how to care for my wound.  I now left with a sweet little plastic partial that made it impossible to tell I had anything done!

The plastic tooth is the third from the left on top….if you look closely, you can see black stitches! My little partial and I will be together for the next 4 to 6 months, depending on how rapidly I heal.  Modern dentistry is amazing.  As I left, the girls told me to take some ibuprophen as soon as I got home.

 I took the medicine and as the novacaine wore off, I thought I could feel pain. Mark wanted to go to Canandaigua after the appointment and after giving it some thought,  I decided to go, thinking diversion would distract me from the pain. The good news is, there was no pain. None.

As I was feeding bottles and cans into the loud recycle machine at Wegmans,  there was some shaking caused by a 5.5 earthquake located in Canada!  I never felt a thing, but I was busy moving around, grabbing items to feed into the machine.  I know many people nearby did indeed feel the earth move.

I spent today just lying low. I was told to take it easy the first 24 hours to help the healing process.  I did manage to eat some chicken salad on a snadwich thin….I cut it into tiny pieces and used my molars on the left side to eat.  After a while, I did wander down to the grocery store and bought some vanilla ice cream. That was much easier to eat!

Phew. What a week, indeed!

After leaving our new Amish friends,  we were ready to head out for another little adventure.  I’m not sure if the Amish did these, or perhaps a local farmer, but Mark and I were really impressed by these wire “stone-keeps” (for lack of a btter term) that we saw.  They were placed all along the dges of the fields.  There were acres and acres of land with these beautiful “keeps”.

What a handy way to keep stone for use later!

We got back onto the road and headed a bit more west to our destination.  And what a destination this is!

Upon entering Letchworth State Park,  we saw a small area where this storyboard was placed.  As I read the information on the board,  it just filled my mind with questions about the Native Americans who lived in this area so many years ago.  How incredible it would be to be able to glance back in time and see the people in their surroundings.

Letchworth Park is a long and skinny park running 17 miles along the Genessee River.  The river lies at the bottom of a gorge that varies from sheer stone cliffs to sloping, wooded sides.  It is breathtaking, for sure, and is often called the Grand Canyon of the East.  The gorge averages 600 feet in depth.

The dam seen in the photo below was built to protect the town of Mount Morris.  The town was being flooded about  every seven years when the riverbed swelled and filled up. Built between the years 1948 and 1952, the dam is accredited for saving billions of dollars in flood damage. In the photo below, the river looks like a tiny ribbon!

As we looked at the unbelieveable gorge belowour feet,  a large number of  Turkey Vultures sored over our heads.  Although these birds are downright repulsive to look at,  they were so graceful in flight as they glided on the air currents.

The photo below shows debris that was left behind when the river swelled in the past.

As I see birds overhead, I often hone in and try to capture them in flight.  Much of the time, the attempts are less than stellar, but I do try!  Such was the case yesterday.  I followed a “bird” for several shots.  Ben said afterward that it was an Eagle.  I laughed and said no way!

Well, yes, way! I kicked myself in the hiney because, 1. the bird was way too far to see with my short lens, and, 2. I left my long telephoto lens AT HOME!  Live. and. learn.

It was only after my humble attempts at the Eagle that I saw this board, which states that Bald Eagles are often seen swooping down into the river for fish.

There was still so much more to see….

Everywhere we went, it seems like the scenery just kept getting more and more spectacular!

Ben discovered a flock of pigeons…it looked like they were flying in and out of voids in the rock face.

We found this Wild Honeysuckle growing alongside one of the paths running parallel to the gorge.

We were joined by a Turkey Vulture resting high on his perch above the gorge.

We ame upon a statue commemorating the CCC workers who built up this awesome park!

 Mark commented this park is like several parks within one park.  There are camping areas for tents and rv’s,  as well as cabins to rent, and even more!  And wildlife!

At one point a small fawn, complete with speckles, ran across the road in front of us! I wasn’t quick enough with the camera, though, and I was sitting in the back seat.

There is a pretty Civil War monument.

There is a great deal of history in the park.  Because we entered the park late in the afternoon,  we probably missed a good deal of sights.  Believe me, this park (which is located only about 40 miles or so from our home) is high on our list of places we need to visit soon!

And the park is complete with a small pioneer cemetery!

Oh, for the fisherman, there is a well-stocked trout pond!

And for those who want to have a nice celebration, there is  The Glen Iris Inn.  This inn was the home of the man who donated the land many years ago to the state to preserve for future generations.  A man with great foresight and a big pocketbook!

Just a short way from the inn is a beautiful falls, made even more stunning with the old railroad bridge above it!

I am sorry this entry has run on and on so, but I felt the need to give an overview of this jewel!  Mark and I keep looking at each other and asking why we never visited here before!  I am so grateful that we did!  I will probably do several posts when we return to the park as there is so much more to see and explain! I the meantime, I hope you enjoyed your visit!

Especially since the hot water is once again flowing!  Yes, after numerous calls to the tank manufacturer,  Mark and Ben worked this afternoon on removing the burner assembly on the old hot water heater.  Tech support at the company advised Mark on how to clean the tiny orifice that was plugged on the pilot feed tube.  I guess there are many bonuses being married to a mechanical engineer.  One thing about Mark is that he has the tenacity of a terrier to follow through when he needs information, and he isn’t the least bit intimidated asking for it!

Well, then, now that the hot water is back…and I was the first to luxuriate in a tub of warm water!!!….I will recommence with our little Saturday adventure!

After Angus had his opportunity to nearly run us into a ditch drive the truck,  we were off once again.  The next stop on our itinerary was Sauder’s Store.  Wow, I think we are addicted and Mark enjoys going there just as much as I!  I had to smile when I saw the little “oops” in the spelling on the sign out front….

I cannot complain, as I think it must be difficult placing the little letters in proper sequence, let alone getting spelling perfect!

After leaving the store,  we headed back to Seneca Falls. Mark needed to fiddle around a little with the GPS, so he pulled over at a spot I suggested. For anyone who has seen the movie It’s a Wonderful Life,  an interesting bit of trivia is that the town in which it is set might be based upon Seneca Falls.  Seems Frank Capra (producer and director of this classic) passed through the town and was quite enamoured by it.  And so, it wouldn’t seem the least bit surprising that the bridge we parked near would be on “George Bailey Lane”!

Now, why I didn’t photograph the actual bridge itself is beyond me.  (Fort hat matter, I didn’t catch Zuzu Cafe, either..named for George Bailey’s daughter, Zuzu in the movie.)

Well, I did notice the insanely bright bushes in front of the truck!

Oh, and a couple of starlings perched upon the railing….

Seneca Falls has another notable bit about it.  Why, even drifters upon the water are alerted to its fame…

Yes, Seneca Falls is noted as the birthplace of women’s rights here in the USA!  The Seneca Falls Convention was held here in 1848 with some progressive women who advocated equal rights for women.  The ball began rolling right in this picturesque little town!

I noticed some statues along the water and I am totally unsure what they are all about, but I will certainly be finding out on my next outing to this lovely town!

Well, we ventured out to see all these sights and were ready to move on along by mid-morning. We still weren’t done!  I will finished up our little tour in the next entry!

As a little addendum here,  for those who feel so inclined,  please pray for my dear friend, Laurie, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  I am sure she will greatly covet any and all prayers uttered on her behalf. Thank you!