Yankee Doodle Dandy

We decided to drive away from the local rain and head for the clear skies in the Finger Lake Region for July 4th for an adventure. Since there isn't anything to do where we live, I had thought visiting Watkins Glen State Park at the most southern end of Lake Seneca while my mother was out visiting would be a nice distraction.

There was a small but very neat playground by the picnic area, containing play structures that we don't have at any of the near by local parks. With all the time spent in the car and then being dragged along to boring outlet mall shops, this was a welcomed break for the kids. They really challenged the kids with the untraditional ways to climb, even bringing out a little fear in little miss daredevil. Nolan was quick to catch up to Eliza, proving he could do it just the same!

Watkins Glen's beauty is found in the wet paved trails, above and below the gorge with waterfalls. If you are not in the best of shape, you will still find trails that make it easy to walk without feeling like you weren't able to see enough of the falls.

It is recommended though, if planning on visiting with infants or young toddlers, to baby wear them, as the trails do have portions of stairs sprinkled in the trails. At least enough of them to detour you from wanting even a jogging stroller. This is when having an infant who is still very little, made my poor man's ergo carrier very enjoyable despite the stairs and distances walked. If you plan to stay for the day in the warmer months, your entrance includes access to a very large public pool with 3 diving boards and a good sized wading pool.

We stopped for dinner on the lake's waterfront and watched the boats come in and out and cruising along. Despite one cloud cell dumping some rain while we ate under the covered deck, the temperature was comfortable for the most part and didn't require any jackets.

On our way home, we drove up the other side of the lack and came into a small town's fireworks show. We pulled into a church parking lot and had the best up close viewing for the show.....and gave the local mosquitos a feast in the process! This was the first time the kids had seen fireworks, as we've always been visiting family and doing a BBQ at the house. Eliza loved all the colors, but Nolan was undecided for half the show if he liked them or not. Lots of running in and out of the van were had until finding a safe place with daddy.

Despite coming home very late and a few more bug bites than we'd like....it was a great way to spend the holiday with family and enjoying God's beauty!