Upstate Beauty

Several parks in this very pretty city provide yet more trails, gorges and waterfalls. Robert H. Treman State Park presents more than most state parks combined could provide. We can't believe what we find here!



The lower falls host a swimming hole, although not officially opened today, brimming with early guests who have waited long enough for the warmth to make an appearance this spring. We find many families pouring in this afternoon, all enjoying the crystal clear pool of refreshment. The Gorge Trail connects 2 1/2 miles upstream to the higher falls. We opt to drive to the top and hike a mile of the upper falls, combined with the ridge trail for what appears to be the optimum views. And, oh, are we rewarded beautifully!



























































It is hard to imagine anything that could rival what we experience here, and we know the western portion of our trip will be spectacular. But, New York state is a force to be reckoned, there is no doubt!






Though the climb is quite steep, Celeste claims this would be an advanced hike for New Life, the payoff is more than worth the effort. We love it here!!!





After a full day of hiking, gorgeous vistas and beautiful falls, we concede and take a quick auto tour through the darling downtown area, evident of college life. We can't help but stop in at Jason's convenience store - fro yo and all. We think of both Jason and Ash at this destination, needless to say!

Our home away from home provides dinner for us this evening and we're quite happy as we've exerted a lot of energy on our Ithaca tour today. Plans for a good night's rest a must as we head to Canada in the morning!!!!

Wildflowers and Waterfalls

Our journey from New Life en route to Niagara Falls takes us through the beautiful finger lake region of New York. We both fall in love with this area. Base will be at the Homewood Suites in Ithaca for a couple of nights, good midpoint stop, comfortable accommodations and a wonderful area for exploring some of the gorgeous outdoor amenities that abound.














Cornell University is a five minute drive and we find their magnificent Plantations to explore first thing. The wildflower garden is impressive housed along the river. Meandering here is paradise.
















The arboretum presents magnificent views along it's two mile trail and a suspension bridge takes us onto a very pretty back trail also skirting the river. There is a plethora of options in this piece of heaven and we soak up as much as possible this morning.

























A quick tour through the main campus escorts us to Ithaca Falls where we picnic, plant our sunflower seeds and gape in awe at the tremendous waterfall we're able to virtually touch. It's the perfect prelude to the next day's grand Niagara and we get more excited by the minute.




We pause a good while here soaking it in before jetting to our next adventure in this amazing place!

Central Park to the Battery

Central Park is truly bustling this afternoon, the perfect park day. The carriages are very busy and picnics are found at nearly every turn. Everything Central Park should be on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. We zigzag our way around the zoo and artists, playground and ball fields, traverse little bridges and meander back out through a tunnel escape into the Upper West Side area. A bit hungry, we find an adorable eatery that is just perfect, Le Pain Quotidien. Fresh baked breads fill the welcoming bakery entry. Small and family style tables dot the small restaurant area, filled with locals, always a good sign. A fellow diner heartily suggests the mediterranean sampler platter, loaded with a variety of those breads we passed and spreads of hummus, babaganoush and taboule. A huge platter, easily shared, we added one of their interesting tartines and a cup of soup. Beer and wine accompanied and we were more than happy. Our walk has caused us to work up a bit of an appetite and the indulgence is wonderful.




















A taxi ride from here brings us down to the battery for the obligatory Statue of Liberty viewing. Our driver takes us by Carnegie Hall and through the financial district en route. The three of us board the Staten Island Ferry for a closer view as we sail by and subsequently encounter an amazing New York skyline on the return trip. Right out of the movies, folks! We are not alone on this journey, as you can imagine. The views afforded make it well worth the crowd. Upon our departure, we stroll along the shore for one final glimpse toward Ellis Island. Time does not allow a trip out, unfortunately. We've made the best of our time on this quick tour and catch a final taxi back to the train station. We pass under the Williamsburg Bridge we found ourselves on two days ago on the way to the Hamptons, and also the Brooklyn Bridge (we can almost see Steven and Amanda meeting halfway across!)

Back at Grand Central, we find time for a final cocktail and some oysters at The Grand Central Oyster Bar. This is the perfect end to our day here. Evening is coming in and the place is starting to fill, patrons waiting to catch trains and locals in for a bite, some on their way to the theater. We can feel the city night start to come to life. Alas, it's time for us to catch our train back to Connecticut.


Returning home, we extend our evening a bit longer sitting out by the water. It's so peaceful. Though it's a bit chilly, we toss on jackets and sip some wine, reflecting on the fun and full day. The quiet is a stark contrast to the busy city we've just left. It's amazing! This is the perfect place. The calm beauty of the sound in Connecticut on one hand and a short train away the city that never sleeps. Who could want for more?!

Ferry Hopping on the Sound

Planting the sunflower seeds in NJ is a mixed bag this morning. Sharing the event with precious Elie is fun, but saying goodbye to our dear friends is somewhat sad. We've had a lovely visit with Karla and Pat, and really enjoyed our special time with Elie. Can't wait until we get to see them again! Thanks for such a great time!!



The journey today takes us into Connecticut, via New York. The plan is to drive out Long Island and visit the Hamptons before taking the ferry to New England. We didn't realize our handy Garmin was going to take us directly through NYC until we arrived abruptly at the Holland Tunnel. So, here we are!!


Turns out to be quite empowering as we make our way into Tribeca (just outside the Financial District) and then Chinatown. The lower East Side is revealed as we approach Delancy. The Williamsburg Bridge brings us out of the neighborhoods and heading toward Long Island. Celeste is a bit white knuckled for the journey, I just shoot pictures from every angle. As we continue our path, there is now a sense that we will no longer be nervous about entering a new area. We conquered driving in NYC!!!




The Hamptons are busier than we expect for this time of year, but the pretty place we had thought it would be. A visit to the shopping hub to ferret out the Barefoot Contessa's shop reveals it is no more. But, we find the spot of it's initiation just the same. Vineyards are around several corners and the little market we're pretty sure Ina visits, comes around yet another corner and we are able to catch a quick glimpse.



Further driving brings us into Sag Harbor - a very pretty waterfront. Here it is a bit more peaceful and the gateway to the first ferry over the sound en route to New England. This first leg brings us into Shelter Island, a lovely spot, still not quite open for season, and therefore very desolate. The cross over to Greenport on another small ferry is even prettier. We drive through the little town, contemplating for a moment an overnight stay here, but we opt to continue forward. Another really pretty short drive along the coast brings us to Orient, the launch point for the larger ferry into New London, CT.

A storm is brewing on the distant horizon, and a little lightening storm entertains, followed by a small rainbow. The weather clears as we enter the harbor in Connecticut, bringing scenery just as we expect New England should be. Sun is setting across the marina and it is a truly spectacular welcome. New London is a bit larger than the other ports so far and as we head into Mystic, we note that if we are unable to secure lodging in the little seaport, this is a good option.










































A 10-minute drive brings us into the quaint town of Mystic. It is getting later than we usually arrive at a destination indeed finding a stopping point is not working out as well as we had hoped. We do come upon the infamous Mystic Pizza restaurant and decide a "Slice of Heaven" is in order after our full day. The movie plays on several screens, pictures of the cast are abundant and the waitresses match the part. The pizza is even really good. It is not a disappointment at all and the stop is rejuvenating. The drive back to New London is quick and a room at the Radisson very comfortable and reasonable for this late night check in.

It has been a very busy and long day, one that brought many different regions. Leaving the peace of western NJ, through the bustling Newark area and into NYC, on to the famed Hamptons and ferry rides across the sound before arriving into the quaint seaports of New England make for a quintessential journey on this adventure we're taking. How fortunate we are!!!