Camp Michael Visit

Road Dogs

The sky was overcast. Channel 9 weather prediction did not look promising. However, refusing to be deterred at 8 AM Greg and I loaded Brad's truck from the refrigerator and headed North. With the exception of Thruway construction from Weedsport to Liverpool and getting behind three horse trailers outside of Adams Center, the trip from Perrine to Camp Michael was a smooth ride.

The cloudy skies made for a dull background for the wind mills. But Greg was still impressed.

We fueled up at Subway. Why is there never a parking space nearby?

Camp Michael was in pristine condition. Someone had recently mowed the grass. This brought a smile to our faces since we would not have to unload the lawn mower and weed whacker we brought with us. After moving in the refrigerator, attempted to turn on the water. Could not figure our the valve system so we left it alone. We ate our sandwiches and chips and wandered around the yard then walked back on the camp road.

A big surprise was looking across the Stillwater Road and seeing what appears to be some logging.





Drove down to Francis Lake. Walked to the shoreline.







Checked on the our geocache Francis Lake Revisited . All is well.



Since all was good and we had no tasks to do headed back home by way of Utica so Greg could see Snow Ridge. Our first rain came as we were approaching the Weedsport exit. All in all a great day to visit the Adirondacks.

Wednesday Naturalists: Summer Hike

Naturalist, Dave Spier, led today’s nature walk.

Arrived at Montezuma Audubon Center at 10:00 AM. Dave was out by the road sign photographing the flora and fauna. Went inside and registered with Carol, the Center's Education Manager, and met Becky, an AmeriCorps volunteer, who was busy restructuring the Center's terrariums.

Other hikers began to assemble. At precisely 10:30 AM our group of six (Ed from Geneva, Barb from Butler, Dave & Dottie from Auburn, Anita from Port Byron and I) stepped outside. After introductions in the parking lot followed Dave on a path toward the Crusoe Lake outlet.

As we were walking down the path three Great Blue Herons flew overhead. Dave mimicked the their wing movement, showing how one can recognize this bird in flight from afar.

The abundance of wildflowers produced many questions from the group. Using his vast knowledge Dave identified all but I believe one, which was so similar to another of its species he could not positively name it.


Hedge Bindweed (Convolvulus sepium)


Snail on Milkweed


Ouch! - Dave's advice - Do Not Touch!
Tall Nettle (Urtica procera)


Skipper & Flower??? Did not take notes


cinquefoil (Potentilla)


Flower??? Did not take notes.


Bladder Campion (Silene cucubalus)

On our way to the pools we passed the maintenance worker cutting the grass paths. After turning south Barb noticed a leopard frog which had not hopped as the mower blade passed. Dave would eventually gather up the creature and place it in a terrarium back at the lodge.


South Pool


South Pool

The highlight for me was viewing a snipe in a drained pool. Dave identified several other birds that were using the pool today.


Dave naming the birds.

Taking a short cut back to the lodge we put up another Great Blue Heron.

What started out as a another dreary overcasted day became a bright warm walk through nature. Everyone should take the opportunity to experience these informative tours of one of central New York’s jewels. The next Wednesday naturalist summer hike is scheduled for August 12th.

A bonus to my trek. On my way back home discovered two New York State Historical markers.


McDonald Road - Throop NY


Sherman Road - Throop NY

Plus passing by the Historic Mentz Church a flower caught my eye. So pulled over and photographed it.


Mentz Church - Adam's Needle


Mentz Church - Yucca gloriosa

What a great day!

Letterboxing Adventure - William Seward

William H.Seward

William Seward was Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of State. Seward was responsible for the purchase of Alaska, which some called "Seward's Folly". Seward also championed for the abolition of slavery. Seward supported many freed blacks in the Auburn area, including Harriet Tubman. Seward sold land to Tubman, which at the time was illegal.

Seward's former home, now a museum, is situated on a triangular lot between South Street, the Inner Loop Road, and William Street.



The letterbox was accessible from Seward Park, which is south of Seward House. Today pedestrian traffic was non-existent, but vehicle traffic was heavy.



A park bench provided a comfortable seat for stamping the log and viewing Seward's monument.



View from the letterbox



"The United States are a political state, or organized society,
whose end is government, for the security, welfare, and happiness
of all who live under its protection."
~ William H. Seward

Letterboxing Adventure

What began as an overcast day turned into a bright, sunny afternoon. Michael and I decided to go Letterboxing , an activity that we have not pursued for awhile.

Our first letterboxing adventure was A Haunted Houseful. This clever romp was created by Red Barn Photos.

This treasure hunt contained five letterboxes. These boxes were dedicated to a ghoulish group of friends, Count Dracula, Mummy, Jack-o-lantern, Frankenstein, and their residence. Their fabulous resting place, along with some other very quiet folks, is Cold Spring Cemetery, just north of the intersection of York and State St (also known as Route 38) in Auburn.



Cold Spring Cemetery is a historical landmark, the final resting place of immigrants who escaped the Irish potato famine and veterans of the Civil War.



The yellow gate was our starting point. Our first find was the Count. Then after passing Fitzpatrick and a fallen O'Horo found Mumm E's niche. We kept going past Finn and Patrick and Ellen Clancy and lying next to Thomas Clancy was Jack in a good shelter.

Frank was among the missing. But after paying our respects to Sarah Nolan and Margaret Kennedy, we uprooted the group home.


View from Home Letterbox

Our second letterboxing adventure was Mayura. This pleasant stroll was also created by Red Barn Photos.


Hoopes Park Club House

This letterbox was hidden in Hoopes Park. This park is one of our favorite walking paths. The flowers were especially attractive today. Also the number of people using the park this afternoon was impressive. We had to use stealth is acquiring the stamp.

Flower Bed

The stamp was carved in the image one of Red Barn Photos’ favorite animals, Mayura. The box name is the Sanskrit name for this beautiful bird. In the Hindu belief, Mayura is a symbol of benevolence, patience, kindness and compassion. The carved image was based on "Pride" by Micah Guenther.
Gazebo & Pond Fountain

It was good to get back into letterboxing. Surely Michael and I will be out and about again soon.

Michael

Yours Truly

Copper John Visited

Copper John

Since I had a letter that needed to be mailed, decided to make the Post Office a destination for my morning walk. Usually the downtown motels host the spillover hot rod enthusiasts from the Syracuse Nationals, however, there were no customized cars in the lots as I walked by.

Coming out of the Holiday Inn parking lot noticed that the morning sky accented Copper John in a good light. Took several photos. As I was making my way down State Street, a white-shirted sergeant passed through the construction gate and walked across the street towards me. Before he could speak I told him that I was photographing Cooper John. The officer identified himself as Tony, his last name escaped me. He said the prison administration was concerned about pictures taken outside the prison gates being given to inmates who might use the snapshot to plan an escape.



I assured him that I lived in the neighborhood and simply wanted to take advantage of the lighting to capture Copper John.



Note the guy with the two Great Danes

Before we parted ways I told Tony a couple of Cooper John stories. Tony admitted that aside from viewing Cooper John when he was recently on the ground for repairs that he knew little about this iconic figurine.



We shook hands and as Tony prepared to reenter the facility he stated that he once had a math teacher who was named Cameron. I let his comment leave with the wind.

2009 St. Hyacinth's Parish Picnic

On Sunday, June 28th, St. Hyacinth's Church held their annual summer parish picnic. The raffles, child-centered activities, and polkas kept those in attendance busy. But the main reason people were packed into the church parking lot was the food. The Polish plate which included kielbasa, two pierogi, a generous helping of kapusta and a slice of rye bread was the crowd's favorite.



The line for the pony rides seemed to never diminish. All the kids left the ring with a smile.



Several parishioners drove their classic cars to the picnic.



Live entertainment was provided by the Fritz's Polka Band featuring special guest, Rocko Dorsey.

Milli's Graduation Pancake Breakfast

To celebrate Milli's graduation from high school, her family opened their backyard to friends and family. From 9am til Noon they served a good old-fashioned pancake breakfast.



Food Tent

The menu which included New Hope Mills pancakes, farm fresh eggs, link sausage and fresh watermelon featured Milli's family's homemade maple syrup.



Breakfast Entertainment

Between 10am and Noon entertainment was provided by Sara Horner and her bandmates.



Table Setting

Linen covered tables adorned with fresh cut garden flowers splashed by a warm sunny breeze made for a pleasant seating arrangement.



Clothesline Timeline

Attendees followed a clothesline timeline of Milli's childhood portraits to the sign the guest book.



The Graduate

Happiness is a Class of '09 Pancake!