Inspire Moore Winery – Taste of the Finger Lakes
Located in Naples New York, at the southern end of Canandaigua Lake Inspire Moore Vineyard was the perfect watering hole for a thirsty group of bridesmaids after hiking Grimes Glen. Moore produces only a few thousand cases of varietal wines each year. Purchasing a tasting provides a delicious overview of their aromatic red, white and ice wines. Enjoy the creative selection of gifts available above the aging barrels of wine.
Biking Through the Seneca Army Depot
The former Seneca Army Depot occupied over 10,000 acres between Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. It was used as a munitions storage facility from 1941 until the 1990s. The Depot was formally shut down in 2000. During earlier years it was controversial for storage of nuclear weapons.
Totally the land is being used to protect a rare herd of white deer that have been allowed to populate inside the fence for decades.
We enjoyed the first bike tour. Future visitors will be able to visit by bus and bike. Funds generated will help to protect the deer.
Beaver Lake Nature Center: Enjoy 6 Miles of Cross Country Skiing
Just a few miles northwest of Syracuse, New York, in Baldwinsville, is Beaver Lake Nature Center. What is really awesome about Beaver Lake Nature Center is the six miles of trails beautifully groomed and reserved for Cross Country Skiing.
Continue Reading February 19, 2017 at 8:46 pm Leave a comment
Shotwell Park, Skaneateles New York, Veterans Day
Grateful to be able to vote today. Thankful for those who fought to preserve that right.
I was driving along Route 20 last Thursday and stopped in Skaneateles to observe a beautiful display of American flags in the park, by the lake. It was an unusually sunny day, as I wandered through taking pictures, I thought about my Dad and the role he played in serving his country.
This was what I found in the newspaper:
“This Veterans Day, more than 125 American flags decorated Shotwell Memorial Park in the village of Skaneateles. The Skaneateles High School girls’ lacrosse team sold the flags for $30 each and put them in the park in honor of or in memory of a veteran of the buyers’ choice.”
My Dad grew up in Skaneateles, New York, and is a veteran of WWII. Here is an excerpt from his autobiography on his Army experience:
“When you are drafted in to the armed services, you start at the bottom. It…
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Kayaking and Biking Honeoye Creek
Launch spot: State Boat Launch with parking under 390.
A hot afternoon is perfect for a kayak & bike adventure. We wanted to be able to kayak downstream and then bike back to our car. Honeoye Creek in July is about 12″ deep in most spots and requires an occasional portage through shallow spots. This is a scenic and safe kayak ride through 3.5 miles of clear, winding water.
This is the section we paddled. Put in at the state boat launch on Fischell Rd, and pull out under the railroad tracks, near Golah Rd.
Chasing Kingfishers downstream
While floating along we saw Raccoons, Woodchucks, Deer, Hawk, Heron, Kingfisher, Turkey Vulture, Fox, Snapping Turtle, Painted Turtle, Rainbow Trout, Suckers, Carp, Frogs, and very few people.
In July and August the water is shallower. Wear sneakers and enjoy cooling off.
This greeted me when I climbed out of my kayak
Here is the spot where you end your ride. Pull your kayak out by the bridge. This is next to Golah Rd.
Once we pulled our kayaks up to road level, we unlocked our bikes, locked the kayaks and started riding on Golah Rd to East River Rd. Head north on East River Rd until you see the entrance to the Lehigh Valley Trail. You can bike on the trail and it rejoins Fischell Rd right next t the boat launch.
It took us about two and a half hours to very lazily kayak and about 30 minutes to ride back to our car. Pack a picnic, bring lots of water, and remember there are no rest rooms.
Kayaking on the Erie Canal
Ayrault Rd launch:
Bikers and hikers glow in the evening light
geese, ducks, kingfisher, herons, and oriole
lots of motorized boats in this area
Perinton RT 250 to Ayrault Rd. Located just before Ayrault Rd. Bridge on right. Concrete ramp; Parks 20 cars and trailers.
Time-Travel Kayaking: Canadice Lake
Three miles long and only 95 feet deep Canadice is great for kayaking as it remains calm with the steep hills that surround it and can be kayaked from end-to-end. Thanks to it being designated a water supply for the city of Rochester in 1872 and the eventual repurchasing of all private property along the lakeshore, Canadice Lake appear as untouched as it did hundreds of years ago.
The best way to experience the beauty of this “wild” lake is from the water. A 360-degree view from the center of the lake allows you to imagine you are the first explorer to experience the calm waters and wooded shoreline, with steep hills carving the horizon. You will see no homes, no cell towers, no development of any kind.
What you will see is Eelgrass, Water Lilies, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Brown Bullhead, Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Snapping Turtles (HUGE), Herons, Kingfishers, and maybe an Eagle. Along the edge of the lake Wild Roses and Wild Raspberries bloom.
Giant snapping turtles with moss growing on their shells, laze a few inches below the surface of the water allowing a close-up view of something frighteningly prehistoric.
Where can you launch a boat? Kayaks can be launched from several trails that go from the road to the water’s edge. Small motorized boats can be launched on the east side of the lake (see map).
Warfields in Clifton Springs
Heading east across the Finger Lakes region on Route 96, we were looking for a spot to stop for lunch. Between Shortsville and Phelps we headed south to Clifton Springs and stopped at Warfields.
If it’s a sunny summer day ask to dine outside next to the English Garden.
Clifton Springs is such a pleasant visual surprise. Matching store fronts invite you to stroll down the street and explore.
What was once a health community, founded because of the believed healing minerals of sulfur springs, remains today as a an integrative medicine center and spa.
For more history on Clifton Springs, check out the Foster Cottage Museum.
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