Cocooned

8/3/2024

Good karma brought me to the last weeklong spot available at Whetstone Gulf State Park in Lowville, New York. While weekends are busy, I enjoyed 5 days of peace and quiet alongside lovely visits with a couple from Syracuse, and another from Virginia. In between social time, I sat by the creek with a book, did a bit of hiking, and cycled the countryside.

Whetstone Gulf is over 2400 acres built in and around a three-mile long gorge cut into the edge of a plateau. The park staff are locals who are amazingly kind and always cheery. The town of Lowville is just a couple of miles north if needed, but I enjoyed cycling south by gorgeous farmland and into small village centers. It felt like summers past with farmstands offering sweet corn, honey and whoopie pies. Mother Nature delivered just what I needed.

I'm now spending August on the NY/VT border in a small town with big hills.

8 Comments

Suzanne Tyler

8/9/2024 09:13:17 am

I am so happy you found some beauty and peace for your birthday month. The sights look lovely. I do hope you find a place with good pie!

Judy

8/9/2024 03:23:56 pm

HEY!
Yes, the birthday is coming. I actually have my eye on an old fashioned drive-in with fries, milkshakes, and other caloric delights! It's right on the rail trail in Bennington, VT so I can pedal, consume, pedal :).

Suzanne Tyler

8/28/2024 02:41:04 pm

I hope you have a wonderful birthday and get a chance to enjoy all of your cards while eating fries and a thick cold milkshake!

Judy

8/30/2024 11:49:31 am

Hey: Thank you! Had a great day starting with opening my mail and ending with maple walnut ice cream! Just going through the past month's photos now so update coming soon. Really appreciate your greetings!!! j.

Nancy Bartha

8/15/2024 04:43:42 pm

Hi Judy!!
Jim and I are here at John Bryan State Park! Bicycled yesterday, and today did a good bit of hiking here in the park! We think of you EVERY time we stay here and glance over at your tent site “ for good measure “ !!! It is raining this afternoon, so we are both ensconced in the Chinook reading! I am catching up on your blog! I grew up in Webster, N.Y. The 1000 Islands were a regular visit for us! I simply love reading all about your adventures ! Carry On , Judy!!!

Judy

8/19/2024 02:33:10 pm

Nancy! OMG, I am so excited to hear from you two! I can just picture that gorgeous wood trim, classic Chinook! Are you still saving it for me?

Yes, 1000 islands was the highlight of my summer and I drove there from visiting friends in Rochester so passed right through Webster! Who knew? I'm definitely not done with Cape Vincent and Clayton!

I'm indeed carrying on though I continue to seek a spot where I can now homestead half the year and travel the other half. It doesn't seem to exist at this time! I have to ride my bike, have some water nearby, and a great library. That's it. Open to ideas!

Stay in touch. Stay well. Keep babying that Chinook. J

Karen W

8/28/2024 02:01:44 pm

I was intrigued by the "space of solitude" photo. Amazing to see the tall, beautiful trees with no undergrowth this time of year. Shows how little I know of forestry. lol. Be sure to share your pie celebration photo and enjoy your special day!

Judy

8/30/2024 11:51:59 am

K: Yes, the gorgeous hiking solitude -- I think the gorge height impacts the change of undergrowth from down below in camp. I'm also so unfamiliar.It was a fun birthday that just unfolded. Loved your card! More to come ...j.

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