Friday, September 18, 2009

Elizabethtown Trek

Friday, September 18th
Packed the Trailblazer and headed North by way of the Thruway without the our E-Z Pass which has been temporarily disabled. Did not pack a lunch. But as we were tooling East on Rt. 90 Joan suggested that we have lunch at that restaurant which is visible from the Thruway.

As we approached Interchange 30 (Herkimer - Mohawk - Route 28) the restaurant appeared on the right along the Erie Canal. The restaurant turned out to be The Waterfront Grille.

Waterfront Grille Chef


Our hostess seated us at a window table with a full view of the canal. The Lil' Diamond II, a 60 passenger United States Coast Guard certified vessel operated by the Erie Canal Cruises, was boarding just as our first course was served. We watched as the Lil' Diamond II left the dock and headed east on the canal.

Lil' Diamond II


For lunch Joan had the Haddock Sandwich which was fried to perfection and I had the New England Clam Chowder and the wrap of the day - a Caesar chicken wrap. Our waitress was most attentive. The neighboring waitress placed a dish of mustard next to my wrap. Was puzzled as to why she did this. Later found out the mustard was for one of her patrons.

After lunch we browsed through the Gems Along the Mohawk. This visitor's center was unique in that it displays and sells only New York State produced products. We noticed packages of New Hope Mills flour on their shelves.

We resumed our travels east. After filling our gas tank at the Gulf station in Ballston Spa. We parked in public parking and walked around the downtown area. While Joan went into a art and craft emporium I noticed a NYS historical marker on the corner of Washington St. & Fenwick St.




Never knew Abner's origins before.

Arrived at 32 Roscoe Road around 5 PM. Had dinner with Brian and Heather at Cashin's Cobble Hill Inn.

We sat at the table on the left.


Jenna, our waitress, was attentive to our needs and offered dinner suggestions. Heather had a quesadilla, Joan ordered the taco salad, Brian and I had burgers, Brian the Plain Jane and I the Bronx Bomber.


Saturday, September 19th

Woke up at 6:30 AM. Went to Stewart's for the morning paper,Press Republican. Stopped to check our geocache, the The Footbridge. All is well with it.

After breakfast, climbed Blueberry Hill to check our geocache, Fats Domino Tribute. Trail was dry, the view clear, and the cache box intact.

Blueberry Hill looking East


Blueberry Hill looking West


Taken with cell phone


Heather made lasagna for dinner.

Sunday, September 20th
Woke up at 6:30 AM. Went to Stewart's for the Sunday paper. Stopped at our geocache, The Colonial Garden. Although the gardener has clipped back the tree branches, the cache should still be a challenge.

In the front yard of the Adirondack History Center Museum was a unique sculpture. Heather gave me some background concerning the Wadhams artist Edward "Ted" Cornell and this work.

Angel of Inerrancy Conveying Meaningful Souls to Hell


We all went to the Arsenal for breakfast. Being Sunday the place was packed but Faye was doing her usual magic and everyone was served quickly. Brian had the full Adirondack plate and the rest of us enjoyed blueberry pancakes. Faye's sister came in after church, put on an apron and started clearing tables.

Drove to Plattsburgh High School Auditorium. Since we were early we drove to the Plattsburgh Boat Basin. Conditions were sunny but breezy. A family was having a picnic, an elderly photographer was snapping gulls with his Canon, and crew was enjoying snacks and drinks on their docked sloop.

Sailboats - Lake Champlain


Seagull


Return to the Plattsburgh High School Auditorium, the Adirondack Wind Ensemble's Fall Concert -"Gems and Treasures" began promptly at 3 PM. Bugler's Holiday (a march tune), Place St. Henri (a swing piece by Oscar Peterson) and the score from Richard Rodgers' South Pacific were my favorite selections performed by the ensemble. This would be the last concert for conductor, Dan Geldert, who has relocated.

Heather chatting with one of her students after the concert


Dan Geldert accepting accolades after the concert
Dan on the far right


Dinnertime. Went to Bazzano's Pizza. Brian had a personal pizza and the rest of us had chicken parma. The sauce was excellent.

Monday, September 21th
Woke up at 6:30 AM. Went to Stewart's for the morning paper. Sent Heather and Brian off to work. Joan and I went to the Arsenal for breakfast. French toast and hash. Faye wished us well and said that she would see us the next time we passed by.

Decided to take the scenic road home. First stop - Long Lake. New restrooms - clean and environmentally kind.

Long Lake

Town workers taking in the raft.
Can you find the tiniest worker?

Kayaker

Sea Plane

The Happy Trekkers


Continuing on we made our way down the chain of lakes. Pulled over into the Inlet public parking area. Walked to the beach and checked our geocache, Walkin' Fourth on Water. Cache is secure.

Fourth Lake - view from the cache

Sea-doo passing by

Holl's Inn

Trekking - you've got to love it


Back on the road. Got out in Old Forge. Look at a couple of shops new to us. On to Utica. Gassed at BJ's. Had a snack - chicken wraps - at KFC. Drove into 88 Perrine about suppertime.

Capped off our trek with dinner at Doug's Fish Fry/.

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