Archive for the ‘New York’ Category

Old Forge, Family Reunion

Tuesday, July 18th, 2023

It feels good being here again. If it wasn’t so far away and so hard to get here from an airport I could spend all my summers right here – after July 4 of course! The bugs before Fathers Day are brutal and just not fun. We arrived on Saturday and got checked into our campsite. We are staying at the Old Forge Campground until Tuesday when we move to town and parking at the air B & B where the kids will be for a week.

One of my favorite spots in the area, Uncle Dick’s patio on Fourth Lake. A beautiful spot. We visited on Sunday and returned Tuesday morning with our coffee and donuts from Eagle Bay Donuts. The best donuts as far as I am concerned. Not too sweet, no crap on them unless you go for the cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar ones. I like plain.

The kids arrived in the middle of the night after a very long flight with a 2 hour delay and then a 2 hour drive from Syracuse. See it’s not easy to get here!

We had lots of plans and got right to it after they were fed, showered and rested.

Two days at the Enchanted Forest where we played in the nursery rhymm forest, rode the train, enjoyed watching the girls on a few rides. The best was Lacey on the ferris wheel with mommy and aunt Stephanie. Lacey loved it and was raising her arms – mommy not so much! What we do for our children.

All the kids enjoyed the waterslides when the sun was out. I enjoyed a Pina Colada

We played a favorite golf course (miniature) Nutty Putty has been there since before I ever came to this town. My first trip was in 1983.

The wild life is wonderful. The locals are mostly annoyed with the deer and the tourists but soon we will all be gone and they will have their cold winter back.

One day (no one got photos) the girls and I did bumper boats. I got Lacey and she took over the steering and the spraying! Everyone was wet and laughing so much.

The family reunion was a big success and the family shirts will be a rememberance of the 2023 Roberts family reunion. It is the descendents of Pauls grandparents on his dads side. There were six children and only Uncle Bill is still with us.

And no trip to the adirondacks goes without a trip up the chair lift at McCauley Ski Mountain. Pauls nephew works at the top escorting riders off the lift and that is our best way of a short visit. The view from the top on a good day is amazing and our day was perfect.

We saw lots of family and made many new memories. This was Carrie and Lacey’s first trip, I hope they get to come again. We make it about every 5 years. Heres hoping for several more.

Niagara Falls

Monday, July 3rd, 2023

Got here Friday afternoon and just before we arrived at Four Creek SP it started to pour. By the time we got checked in and heading for our spot it stopped. We have been to this park several times and really enjoy the location and the sites are all grassy and spread out. The bummer this time because we didn’t plan is we get no electricity which shouldn’t be a problem but right behind us a family pull up and have a generator which it appears they run just to use fuel. A petpieve of mine! If you aren’t there you don’t need to run the generator. That is what the batteries are for.

Looking for something new in Niagara Falls. Found Lockport. But on the way we found a pick your own cherries. They were perfectly ripe and so many, We bought 2 lbs for $6 and ate cherries for 4 days after.

Lockport: A cute city which just happens to have Locks for the Erie Canal. Of course Paul could have spent all day. They had a tiny farmers market and a wonderful ice cream shop. 2 large scoops for $4.50! I ordered the two scoops and it was like getting a quart of ice cream! Yumm

We have to see the falls and a trip across the border just to see if the Passports still work. The weather wasnt the best but we had a nice drive thru Niagara by the Lake. Very pretty, very wealthy area right on the river.

Day two in Niagara Falls area we went to the falls, on the USA side. Beautiful State Park and you can walk right up next to the raging river just before it goes over the edge. I read in one of the brochures that most attempt have not survived. Surprise!!!

I love the drive from Lake Ontario along the river back to the falls so we spend a lot of time here. Every trip I say ”I’m going to ride the tram” It just never works out.

Our last day we headed to the river again, but closer to our RV site, the village of Youngstown is right on the River very close to Lake Ontario. Very small, quaint and a hoppin spot for lunch. We enjoyed lunch watching the boats and people.

I love the flowers hanging on posts everywhere we go outside of California. Wish the water would come more often. Most places don’t even have to water these pots as they get rain often enough during the summer months.

Statues! Another thing I am always looking for in our travels. This was in the park in Youngstown. Very discriptive.

Another Roberts Family Reunion

Thursday, October 11th, 2018
This one is for the youngest Roberts 50th birthday. Yep, we all left our lives to celebrate Stephen turning another milestone!
We all made our way to Old Forge again and had a great 4 days of togetherness. Lots of laughs, more than enough food and snacks! If you couldn’t find something to snack on well…..
The weekend was Columbus weekend which means it is also homecoming and the big Varsity soccer tournaments.

David and Ethan both play varsity so we got to see them run around the bonfire that is set by the volunteer fire department after the 5 floats are dismantled.
The team had a great first game but lost the championship game. They came in 2nd in the tournament !
Saturday we had the big party for the birthday boy, Stephen with all 9 siblings and some cousins and one aunt.

And our favorite hike to Bald Mtn. Of course! This view never gets old

That’s me with Paul’s sister Nancy  (#5) and his niece, Jennifer. The only one from her generation besides the boys who live in Old Forge to make the weekend.
And the best reason this was a good time to come to Old Forge! We hit peak!

Old Forge, New York, such a beautiful spot

Sunday, January 14th, 2018

We arrived in Old Forge just after dark and it is already 0 degrees!  But the house is nice and warm!  And now we have a shower and running water, YIPEE!  Life is all about the small things that make me smile.  We had a very uneventful evening and slept great, we even had to turn the heater down a notch.  The Van was very cold and both heaters were working overtime.  We woke up about 8 and it was -20 degrees!  WHAT???  Well I did say I wanted to experience “REAL” winter.  I think this is as real as I want!

Well that is a “new” look!

The van used a lot of propane so we will be out refilling it this am as soon as it warms up a bit!

We finally got ourselves bundled up and headed into town.  There are lots of snowmobiles on the roads, trails, bars and it is before noon.  It is a beautiful morning in the Adirondacks but most are staying inside next to the fire.  We found propane and the gauge said it was out.  The poor guy had to get down on his belly in the snow and then Paul had to drive up onto a board because the tank is low and his hose was stiff!  Duke and I waited about 50 feet away because I am very nervous around gas and don’t want to get caught in the explosion; I can just watch as Paul and our van go I guess!  It took the guy at least 20 minutes to get hooked up and then he pumped our 4 gallons into the tank.  At these temps it may not last until we leave on Thursday.  The weather says it is going to warm up again after more snow on Tuesday.  Warm up is 20 for a low!!!

Anyway, we cruised around town and I got to see my frozen lake!

1st Lake in the Fulton Chain of lakes

I have ridden in a boat on this lake many times!

The track is from Snowmobiles

Snowmobiles heading for the next bar

The deer are still around

Above is the Moose River which we canoe on every time we are here and usually go for a swim right here as we are just about done with our 10 mile paddle!

 

It’s not Frozen but WOW!

Saturday, January 13th, 2018

It is bitter cold when we get up and the roads are covered with a thick layer of white stuff!  I have not driven in snow in years and we are in a van with regular tires!  I am quite nervous but we head out anyway!  First stop Starbucks!  I wonder how long my latte will stay warm?  It is 11 degrees!

 

We made it and no one is here!  Perfect weather and oh so beautiful.

Looking towards the falls from the Bridge to Canada. The river is a solid sheet of ice and snow

 

Baby its cold out here!

The view of the falls is best from Canada and we needed some exercise after sitting in the car for 4 days so we grabbed our passports and headed across the bridge.  It is a beautiful day and no one is here.  I think this is my favorite visit to Niagara Falls and we are just getting here.

From Canada looking at the American Falls

Taking Duke for a walk near the American Falls, He thinks the snow is really fun, especially making yellow snow

Posing for mom, not their favorite thing to do especially at 0 Degrees

 

The American Falls, it is just beautiful every time I see them

Looking toward Canada. The falls are flowing right over the edge

Remember the photo above? Not anymore.

Poor Duke, he was having such a good time, running, sniffing, peeing and then he stepped in a puddle of melted snow and at 0 degrees it is freezing!  He held his paw up and would not move!

Just after a snow fall is the best!

Since we have been here many times and it is almost too cold to just hang out we are going to continue to Old Forge today. There we get to stay in a nice warm, cozy house all to ourselves!  The RV will sit in the driveway and we will try to keep it warm enough to survive!

 

 

Adventures to the Great Northeast

Friday, January 12th, 2018

Paul is from way up north in New York and has always told me about life in the winter, the reason he came to California.  We visit often to Old Forge which is where he lived after high school, but only in the summer!  He still has a sister and brother living here.  It is beautiful in the summer, kind of like Lake Tahoe but much smaller.  We have never come in the winter, mostly because the weather is very unpredictable.  The town is big in snowmobiles when they get snow and summer being on the water is perfect (although cold).

We had no plans for this winter other than the usual, go to Arizona and Texas in February so when Paul told me that Niagara Falls had frozen I said “Lets go!”)  I have no idea about winter, the coldest I have ever experienced is about 17 degrees  and I hated it.  Yes, this is a stretch and not easily done on a whim but if you want to see the falls you need to hurry because it doesn’t usually happen and if they get a warm snap its all over.

Paul winterized the van and I cancelled and rearranged the calendar and borrowed what I could of winter wear and Monday in the rain we headed east.  We made it to Little America, Wyoming the first night after only 14 hours of driving.  We have to stop more often because since the van is winterized we cannot use the facilities.  That means pee only in emergencies, brushing our teeth with Crystal Geyser, and washing up with wet ones!

Our second day the weather started warming up and we made it to about 50 miles out from Omaha.  Then I start looking at the weather more closely for the New York area and see they are having a warming trend!  By Wednesday I’m figuring we will see the falls just like we saw them in September!  There is no snow anywhere and we do not need these boots, hats, scarves and coats we rustled up to come here.  Oh well, life is an adventure and we will get to see some of Paul’s family on this trip so all is not lost.  Maybe we can rent golf clubs and play instead of snowmobile?

Wednesday is more of the same and another 14 hour day.  It’s looking pretty dreary but the forecast for Niagara is good!  It’s going to get snow and the temps are going to drop.  We have been driving for 3 days on the interstate, not interesting at all so all we have is each other and of course Facebook.  Thank god for cell phones and Facebook!  Today was probably the hardest day all around!  I’m tired of sitting, Duke is tired of not getting to play fetch and Paul, well Paul is just trying to get us to Niagara Falls.  Nebraska, Illinois, Ohio, they all look alike and if you get on a Toll road even the service areas are the same, same gas, same Tim Hortons, Pizza and McDonalds.  Tonight we sleep on the thruway.  Very exciting as they have Starbucks in Ohio and it is only 50 feet from my door!  Grande Nonfat Latte to go!

Thursday we arrive in Niagara Falls near dark and it is still 50 degrees and raining!  Not good for frozen falls and snow.  By 9 pm it is freezing and we have to climb into bed!  This van is like a tiny metal box, do not dare touch the sides.  We cuddle in the middle of the bed and doze off.  About 11:30 someone has to pee!  That’s exciting in itself but then Paul opens the blinds above the bed and we have solid ice on the inside of the window!  This is like sleeping in an igloo!  We have electricity because we are parked in an RV dealers lot and our little electric heater is trying its best!  Even the furnace is working.  It is so cold but under the down comforter I am actually sweating a bit, off comes the socks and long underwear.  The problem with that is getting up!  The thermostat says 55 inside but my body says no way.  it’s getting cold and snow is predicted.

Friday we wake up to lots of snow and very cold!  Paul works and Duke and I hang out.  Friday night we park the RV because more snow is coming.  We walk the 1/2 mile to a great spot with a Fish Fry.  Tomorrow is suppose to be clear and cold.

 

Final goodbyes

Friday, August 15th, 2014

Getting ready to head to Iowa for our roof repair but not before a few final fun times.  The weather was beautiful over the weekend but on Monday the rains started and it is still raining today!  Being from California I should be appreciative of all this rain but I’m not,  I just want the sun to come out so we can get back out on the lake and have some fun.

We did make it for a beautiful hike on Thursday between storms.

Will never get enough of these beautiful mountains and lakes, love  the Adirondacks

Will never get enough of these beautiful mountains and lakes, love the Adirondacks

Can we call this a frontbomb?

Can we call this a frontbomb?

There were lots of people on the top of Bald Mountain and Duke was in the perfect spot so I just shared the view with a family!  Coming down the mountain Duke cozied up to some people posing on a rock, so he is in their family photo also!

We had one more dinner out and we choose Mountain Side restaurant even though we had not heard great things about it but we had heard about “THE BIG DADDY”  and Paul and Ethan were sure it was going to be amazing!

BIG DADDY - Buttered, Toasted thick bread with lots of Pulled Pork and topped off with Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese!  Wholly Cow!

BIG DADDY – Buttered, Toasted thick bread with lots of Pulled Pork and topped off with Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese! Wholly Cow!

They both ordered their own and had smiles on their faces from the first bite!  Although Paul was paying for it later in the evening!  Me, I’m sticking with the wonderful BBQ Chicken with the roasted vegetables!  Yummy!.

Later that evening we took a walk down Main Street because we were all feeling a bit overstuffed!  Main Street in Old Forge is littered with cute boutiques, antique stores, bars and restaurants.  This one we have never ventured into!

Hmmmm

Hmmmm

I wonder if they can pay the rent with those hours!

Today we will have a final BBQ with Fred, Judy and the Boys, maybe a fire with smores (rain go away!) and then tomorrow morning we are off on our own again with a couple days in Canada, Michigan and Illinios before settling in Iowa for two weeks while they fix our home!  I get to go home during that time so I am excited to get to September 9th!

 

Thanks for a wonderful day,

Sunday, August 10th, 2014

Holidays are the most difficult for me even though I love living my life and enjoy all the wonderful things we get to do.  We are forging new places as we create new traditions, ones of change!  Friday was my birthday and I have had several while being away from home.  This one was beautiful!  Paul and I along with his sisters, nephews and some friends enjoyed a beautiful, sunny day on the Moose River canoeing!  It took us over 4 hours to meander the river with several stops to snack and swim including cupcakes and of course the song!!!!

Then in the evening I enjoyed a night out, with a movie/play and then cocktails on the roof!  The movie was Grease complete with live actors and funny ideas about the “old” movie!    Lots of laughter!  Then we went to a new bar in town that is a rooftop lounge, open air with great views of the main street and real live grass growing!

The girls called, I got lots of emails and texts and if I can’t be home then this was pretty close and  memorable!  Thanks honey for making my day!

More summer fun

Thursday, August 7th, 2014

 

The weather is cooperating and we are taking advantage.  Summer is winding down for us here in the Adirondacks; Paul’s Sister Carol leaves on Saturday and we will be heading west in another week.  Yesterday we spotted the chicken in the backyard and today we found this turtle in the neighbors yard!

Far from the lake

Far from the lake

He was a bit afraid and was moving pretty fast as the audience grew!  Finally the neighbor picked him up and was going to walk down the road to a swamp area and release him.  It is about a 1/4 mile away.

Every evening

Every evening

We see deer most every day, at all times of the day.  Many have fawns and these two we see often as they hang out near Judy’s home.

We visited The Enchanted Forest, Water Safari which is a big deal in these parts, lots of rides, entertainment and water slides.  Paul’s brother Daniel works for the park as the park facilities manager!  He gets to fix all the rides or whatever goes wrong in the park.  We had lunch with Daniel,  watched the circus act and did a little walk down memory lane!  Paul worked at the park when he lived here in the 70’s.

Riding the train

Riding the train

I'm thinking this ride is from the 70's!

I’m thinking this ride is from the 70’s!

Maybe this one too!

Maybe this one too!

Daniel built some of this carriage for Cinderella

Daniel built some of this carriage for Cinderella

Love these musical bells!

Love these musical bells!

Bumper Cars, definitely retro

Bumper Cars, definitely retro

This sign is on the wall in the previous photo!   I think Daniel is proud of his work!

This sign is on the wall in the previous photo!
I think Daniel is proud of his work!

Waiting for sunset in Inlet

Waiting for sunset in Inlet

Today we were suppose to watch a little league game but it got rained out!  Instead we got to see this beautiful sunset

SunsetBoat

Looking at the reflection on the shoreline

Looking at the reflection on the shoreline

We weren't alone

We weren’t alone

Chicken for Dinner – and!

Wednesday, August 6th, 2014

Paul, Is this your chicken?”  Fred calls from the driveway!

“What are you talking about?”  Paul calls from the car as we are about to leave.

We had just finished a nice BBQ dinner of Chicken, salt potatoes and salad, and were on our way to BINGO! So I was very confused as I sat waiting in the car.  I’m thinking, someone thru their chicken out and Duke was eating it in the yard!

Yep, a real chicken is wandering thru the yard!  We have seen deer , squirrels, chipmunks, dogs wandering around but  never a Chicken!  I’m thinking he has no idea a relative was just on the BBQ!

Fred is the photobomber!

Fred is the photobomber!

Today was a grand day.  It has been raining a lot and we have had a picnic rained out and a backyard movie on the wall rained out.  We even sat under shade tarps for a campfire and ate s’mores in the rain but today the sun came out and we took advantage even though I was not prepared!

Not sure this is going to work!

Not sure this is going to work!

 

Hands Free!

Hands Free!

 

If you haven’t laughed already today, have a look at the video!

Tubing Adventure Video