Northern Finger Lake Area, New York

Our journey continued from the 1000 Islands to the Finger Lake Region, Montezuma, NY.  Stop had two purposes: 1) to see the area, 2) Larry last wrist check with a Syracuse Orthopedic (fully released bone was completely "welded", OK to begin rehab. 

  

Seneca Falls is known as the birthplace of the women’s rights movement.  Notable former residents include Amelia Bloomer ,who popularized the undergarments that bore her name, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, organizer of the first Women’s Rights Convention and an early feminist leader.  The first women’s rights convention was held in Seneca Falls in 1848.

  

In 1848 Elizabeth Cady Stanton and four other women invited the public to the First Women's Rights Convention to discuss expanding the role of women in America. At the end of the two days, 100 people made a public commitment to work together to improve women’s quality of life. While women have achieved greater equality with the vote, property rights, and education, the revolution continues today. 68 women and 32 men signed the Declaration of Sentiments drafted by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and the M'Clintock family.

 

Stanton's home

Seneca Falls was an industrial boom town prior to 1848.  It was part of the national shift from a farming to an industrial economy.  Water-powered factories like the knitting mills sprang up along the water.  In the "new" economy men earned cash that their wives then spent buying factory-made goods. 

Am sure we have all seem a ruler made by this company, Westcott, of Seneca Falls

Some history.  One of the challenges of the churches was to try to "save" society, by ending what they saw as a social sins like drinking alcohol, slavery, and prostitution.

This Italianate style home was built in the 1850's.  Numerous homes from this era still remain.

The Cayuga-Seneca Canal connects Cayuga and Seneca lakes and passes through diverse landscapes.  The double locks at Seneca Falls create a 49-foot change in elevation. 

Boat entering lock on the high side

Small leak in the door when closed!

Boat has been lowered to the next level

Gates open and off she sails, 49 feet lower!

Montezuma National Wildlife refuge is the link in the Atlantic flyways refuge is a nesting and resting spot for migratory waterfowl and other birds including geese, ducks, and shorebirds.   We didn't spend as much time as we wanted bird watching but it was interesting driving through the refuge.  When we lived in Rochester I actually hunted duck in the refuge, limited permits were issued during the season.

Osprey nest

Red Wing Black bird

Friendly Geese.  This one was within 3' of the car.  Guess they know when they are protected!

Believe this is a crane?

As a continuation of Presidential Home, we visited a replica of President Millard Fillmore cabin.  Fillmore was born about 5 miles from Fillmore Glen State Park, Moravia, NY.

Fillmore was Zachary Taylor's vice president, when Taylor died he succeeded him but was not nominated for President during the next election.  Fillmore is best known for signing the Compromise of 1850, which attempted to forge a compromise between pro and anti slavery interests.  Because this measure established a stricter slave law he lost critical northern support. 

Not the great luxury presidential home that you witness today!

Water fall in Fillmore Glen State Park

Fillmore Glen State Park scenery. 

Interesting landscape in the Park

Attended an Auburn, NY "Doubledays" single A, Washington Nationals game.  These small parks are great, you can enjoy a good game, have a hot dog and beer and don't need to take out a loan. 

Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse, NY is a 1850 Syracuse Weighlock Building. Designed to weigh canal boats for assessing a toll, this building is reputedly the only surviving structure of its kind in the country.

1000 Islands New York

1000 Islands and the St. Lawrence Seaway

Here Canada and the United States meet… their cultures blending in the waters of the mighty St. Lawrence. The native peoples called this region the “Manatoana” or “Garden of the Great Spirit.” The river, 15 miles at its source, gradually narrows to five miles in width, and the islands over 1800 of them, vary in size from mere points of rock to those of several square miles in area. They extend from Cape Vincent to Ogdensburg, a distance of 50 miles. This is a world renowned vacation paradise with its  gorgeous garden of woods and waters.

We spend a beautiful week here with Larry's niece Teresa and friends.   

Our campground was in the town of Clayton

Jim and Joann(owners) have a very nice campground.  Jim's family has owned this site for many years.

View of the St Lawrence from our campsite.   

Our first night sunset over the river!  How romantic!!!

Teresa (Larry's niece) and Doug preparing food at their campsite. 

The girls (Denise, Janette, Sandra & Teresa) challenged Doug to a game of chess.  This is a guys dream 4 - 1, but he did lose the game. I think he was just being a gentleman!

All week long ships kept sailing through! 

OH BOY we are getting on a boat!  We had a 4th of July Uncle Sam's dinner cruise which also included fireworks at Alexandria Bay.

Tour of the islands!

The POOR people! 

Beautiful homes along the river

Bridge that connects US and Canada.  This goes to Wellesley Island then continues to Canada.

Boldt Castle in the background.  More about the castle later.

Another view of Boldt Castle

Everyone waiting for the fireworks!

The dinner cruise included a band for your dancing pleasure.  Cheryl, Teresa and Sandra kicking up a storm!

This  sums up the 4th of July celebration.

Osprey nest.  Look close and you can see the chicks on the left.  These birds love the high life. 

Relaxing and enjoying the views of the St Lawrence.  Cheryl and Teresa.

BOLDT CASTLE

At the turn-of-the-century, George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, set out to build a full size rhineland castle in Alexandria Bay, on picturesque Heart Island. The grandiose structure was to be a display of his love for his wife, Louise.

In 1904, tragedy struck. Boldt telegraphed the island and commanded the workers to immediately “stop all construction.” Louise had died suddenly. A broken hearted Boldt could not imagine his dream castle without his beloved. Boldt never returned to the island, leaving behind the structure as a monument of his love. He had invested over $1.5 million!

For 73 years, the castle and various stone structures were left to the mercy of the wind, rain, ice, snow and vandals. When the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property in 1977, it was decided that through the use of all net revenues from the castle operation it would be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.

Lovely couple touring Boldt Castle!

Since the island is heart shaped the landscaping follows the same.  Remember Boldt was building this castle for the love of his life.

Another view

Dining room

Stained glass dome over Grand stair case

Grand staircase, marble.

Fireplace in Louise bedroom.

Boldt Gardens

More flowers

The theme of the "Heart" is captured throughout the gardens!

Of course a house on on island is not complete without its own Yacht House!

1929 "Time Out" - 22' Fay and Bowen Boat & Engine Co boat of Geneva, NY

Steam Boiler from the early 1900's.  This was used on yachts during this era.

Of course there was always "Happy Hour".  Sandra and Larry enjoying a cold one.

Denise and Teresa relaxing before continuing the Alexandria Bay tour.

Alexandria Bay park over looking the St. Lawrence.

The group had to do some wine tasting!

Cheryl had to capture the beauty of the flowers.

Sun setting from Alexandria Bay Park over the St Lawrence River!

A log along the St Lawrence viewed from Wellesley Island State Park

Mom and kids enjoying a day in the park

A deer (middle) in the park

This was an interesting graphic.  It's hard to believe these birds have this large of a wing span!

Denise, Sandra and Jeanette relaxing on the camp dock, this was the last night in camp.

This sums up the week at 1000 islands.  Beautiful and enjoyable!