Off to Cleveland, OH

Thursday, July 28

Finally had some connectivity at the Allegany State Park lodge, so spent some time figuring out driving and camping logistics, as well as getting information about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which is in Cleveland. I am planning to go there on Friday. Also looked for and found some doggie daycare options for Auggie while I am in the museum.

Am finding that it takes an awfully long time each day to prep for the following day(s). Here’s where it would be nice to have a second person along on the trip to share some of that work.

We (finally?!) left New York state, which I find to be a lovely state, indeed. I find myself singing that little jingle, was it from the 70s? or 80s? “Iiiiii love New York, what a great vacation. Iiiiiiii love New York.”  C’mon. You know it.  Auggie and I had a great time here. We’ll come back soon.

But as we leave the state, I also find it a relief to find gas prices minimum 30 cents cheaper than in heavily taxed New York. Time to get through the 50 miles in the western chimney of Pennsylvania and on to the Cleveland, OH area.

Tomorrow is a bit of an early day to get Auggie to daycare and me to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Looking forward to it! 

Seneca Lake Wine Tasting / Allegany State Park

Wednesday, July 27

All those bottles from yesterday are intact.  J

After a quick breakfast, I made my first call to the closer RV dealership. I told her what my problem was. She told me that the first appointment she had open was for August 14.

Are you kidding me?

I told her that I was traveling and that the middle of August was not going to be possible. She told me she’d check and see if she could squeeze me in and would call me back. Fast-forward a few hours … yes, they are really booked till August 14 and cannot fit me in before then.

Deciding that I was going to let the Universe help take care of this one and that it was not going to ruin my day, I packed up and left cute little Keuka Lake State Park and headed over to Seneca Lake to the Hermann J. Wiemer vineyard (another of the wine judge’s recommendations from 2006). 

Herr Wiemer is German and we actually met him back in 2006 (and I had a good conversation with him in German then). Well, no sightings of him today (I was told that he retired back in 2007), but the dry Riesling was still excellent. Tasted three reds, too, and it was apparent that the reds are just not as good in this part of New York state. (Note to self: look forward to Washington state, Oregon and California!!!)

OK, wine tasting is done. Now … back to the wastewater problem. Barbara from the hotline last night had also given me a number for a local CampingWorld. I ended up driving to that store, which told me that they could not fit me in until August 12.

Are you kidding me?

So now I’m left to wonder what good this warranty really is. Perhaps if I am stranded on the side of the road and having a major problem with the van, they will send a tech team to come and get/fix me. But having a minor problem that does not impinge on my ability to drive means I have to wait for minimum two weeks to get fixed? How does that fit with a mobile traveling vehicle that is supposed to be mobile and traveling? (i.e., not sitting around for two weeks waiting to be fixed …) Hmmmmmmm.

I told the CampingWorld lady I was heading west to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and asked if there was another CampingWorld along the way that could fix me. Nothing in PA or OH that’s close. Ann Arbor/Detroit area seems to be the place. CampingWorld lady called ahead to CampingWorld guy in Michigan, and he can take me any day but Sunday.

Well, OK, then. It seems I’m off toward Michigan!

I said a happy good-bye and thanks to the Finger Lakes for another spectacular visit. Then I headed west and found a campsite in Allegany State Park in western New York.

And now I have to share this success with you: I poked this afternoon!

For those of you whom I have not told this dilemma, here is my true confession: I don’t know how to poke. In my vocabulary, “poking” is taking the time to drive down a little country lane and see what’s along the way. Or “poke” your nose into a store, just to see if there’s anything interesting.  Well, in my “old” life, I was always so intent on getting from Point A to Point B in the car, usually running late, that the fastest, most efficient way from A to B was always the route I chose.

However, today I reached a milestone – I poked.

I got off the exit before the state park because I needed some fruit and vegetables. But … I drove past the grocery store … and kept going down the road … just to see what was there. And I found that Allegany State Park is smack dab in the middle of Seneca Indian territory. (Oooooh, that’s why there was a casino right along the side of the highway when I took the exit. And signs of the names of rivers that I could not pronounce.) I drove past the Seneca-Iroquois National Museum, the offices of the Seneca National Advocate … and a broken down little town that seems to have lost all life at least thirty years ago. Empty store fronts, abandoned buildings, really just a dusty, shadow of a town. 

It made me wonder why everything in this country that has to do with Native Americans today is outwardly in need of a huge influx of cash and enthusiasm. And then I thought that many, many people smarter than me have written dissertations and spend their lives discussing the state of Native American relations with the U.S. Government. And so I humbly paid for my zucchini, tomato and my peach and I drove off. Still pondering the question, but certain there is no simple answer to be found.

Different from the town of Salamanca before it, the Allegany State Park is a lovely place. 

Gorgeous lakes, beautiful mountains, some deer (Auggie was on leash), historic natural-made ski jumps from the early 1930s and unfortunately … not-so-lovely campsites. Too many sites cramped one on top of the other. As I type this, I can hear kids whispering two sites down (and it’s after quiet hours!). When I checked in, I thought I might stay two nights. Having seen my campsite, we’ll check out tomorrow morning for sure. 

Long, rolling and eventful day. I will close now to read some more Harry Potter as I fall asleep. He’s just made it to Hogwarts on the train that left from Platform 9¾ in London. What a fun story – J.K. Rowling, you deserve to be a billionaire!  J  

Keuka Lake Wine Tasting

Tuesday, July 26


You can find a map of the Finger Lakes wineries here.

Did some great wine tasting today. I just love Keuka Lake! One of the smaller of the Finger Lakes, but a ton of charm.  (I have a soft spot for small things in this world … J)  

One of my favorite wineries, Dr. Konstantin Frank, was our first stop. 

Tasted five or six wines, ended up buying three bottles of wine and one champagne. Yuuuummmmyyy! The Finger Lakes are known for their white wines, particularly Rieslings.  I’m not usually a Riesling fan, since in this country it is usually sold as an incredibly sweet wine. But there is just the right amount of “minerality” (their word, not mine!) in the soil, coupled with the cold winters to make it a fantastic grape – and an even better wine – in the Finger Lakes. Dr. Frank does a nice dry Riesling, and their champagne is delicious, too. Dry, very pale and crisp.

Auggie and I sat outside and admired the view for a while to let the mild wine buzz wear off – such a beautiful mix of vineyards, lake, farms, blue sky and clouds. I could stare at that all day.

After that, we drove the short distance down to Hammondsport for lunch at the Village Inn & Tavern. I was there in 2006 – it’s great. The place boasts an award-winning beer selection of more than 130 choices. (I know, I know – the Finger Lakes is wine country, not beer.) But back in ’06 when I was there, we actually met the owner’s daughter, who is an international wine judge. She was great – informative, sophisticated palette, well traveled and definitely knew her wine and the Finger Lakes region. She let us try a few reserve wines she had on the bar, and also gave us tips as to which wineries to visit and which to skip. We followed her recommendations that trip and we were not disappointed!  

After a lovely lunch next to a couple that was biking through the Finger Lakes for the week (50-70 miles per day for seven days!), we took another walk around this quaint little lakeside town to digest the Fumé Blanc I’d had with my fish. Then it was off to Bully Hill vineyard and a nice, not-too-oaky chardonnay and another great champagne, but way too many other sweet wines. Blech. 


Bully Hill is known for its labels – and its sense of humor – both of which were on full display. Or maybe it was just the wine by that point???

Good news from the day for all of you is that I got you great gifts from the Finger Lakes. The bad news is that I will probably drink it all before I get home. 

Ha ha ha ha ha.  

Headed back to the campground, and made a stop at the dumping station to empty my “black” and “grey” tanks, and to fill up with water. Unfortunately, at this stop, I encountered my first “problem” with my trusty van, Grover. My wastewater wasn’t pumping out. So, I placed my first “Damsel in Distress” call to Scott back in Maryland, who walked me through a couple of things to help troubleshoot. When I walked over to the other side of the van while I was on the phone with Scott, I saw that my wastewater was leaking onto the street … from a visible break in the pipe. Ugh.

Welcome to the world of RV fix-it, Christine.

Being a non-mechanical female who has never bought or traveled in an RV before, I did buy the warranty package that the RV dealer offered. However, since I wasn’t broken down on the side of the road, “Barbara” from their support line gave me two RV places not too far away and suggested I give them a call in the morning. 

Well, thanks for that. I guess. 

Finger Lakes, NY / Keuka Lake State Park

Sunday-Wednesday, July 24-27

Slept till 10 am Monday morning! Took it very slow today. Finally stretched and gave my body some attention – it felt great. 

We had our first thunderstorm/rain in the van. I have now discovered the places where we get water inside the van when doors/windows are open. 

Was also a much-needed Putztag – I organized, cleaned up a spill from the fridge and am happy to report that the carpet no longer smells like V8 Tropical Blend. Auggie and I also took a walk down to the lake and watched people water ski. In the spirit of the ultimate of lazy days, I laid down on the stone beach and just listened to the waves lap against the shore. What a beautiful day – not much accomplished. But then again … isn’t that the point?

Note to self – not many bugs at the Finger Lakes, either! Another reason to love them. 

Tomorrow, on to wine tasting ... 

Special Training (martial arts camp)

Thursday-Sunday, July 21-24

Thursday morning we left Hamlin Beach and headed to SUNY Brockport, just a few miles away. First, though, I had to drop Auggie at a local kennel. Another killer-hot day – close to 90 degrees by 10.00 in the morning. Ugh. I was informed by the kennel that they have air-conditioned runs. Whew. Auggie probably will not set foot outside; he is no dummy.

I got to camp just in time to register and head over to the opening ceremonies. “Bloody hot” does not even begin to describe the feeling of more than 130 women in a stifling-hot gym with no air moving.

Despite the heat, it was a good camp this year. I had a fun time playing. Finally used my sword/bokken, which I had gotten for Christmas last year, for several classes. Also learned a new weapon, tonfa, and found out that I like them very much. Took several Malaysian Silat Gayeng classes, as well as a Hojojutsu class, which is the Japanese art of rope tying. I now know how to do basic ties that will choke and confine my attacker on the Samurai battlefield. Very cool!

Great time with the DCSDKA sisters, which is really the best part of Special Training every year. Though we were a small group, we had a great time and giggled a lot. Mostly, I think they were laughing at me, after my one-beer-induced giggling fit …

... and the horrible case of poison ivy that I had while I was there. I usually get it at least once per summer ... from my dear old dog. Auggie runs through anything, oblivious to what he's running through. I, however, know that the evil, evil plant looks like this: 

I participated in the Saturday-night demo, as part of the board-breaking crew. A particular highlight was when Sensei Middleton came out and broke a board over my head. The crowd seemed to like that one very much!  J

At the end of the demo, I had a particularly serendipitous moment: when they pulled the winning raffle ticket for free entry to next year’s camp … I won! A second after my brain had registered that the number called was mine, I stood up, fists pumped high in the air, and did a whooping prance down the stairs that would have done any “The Price is Right” contestant proud. I even clicked my heels in the air once or twice on the way to the microphone to receive my gift. Something tells me this is going to be a good trip!  J

I left camp Sunday afternoon sleep-deprived, but happy to have been there and to have learned and shared so much.

Drive to Rochester / Hamlin Beach State Park

Wednesday, July 20 

After drying out my liver overnight, Auggie and I hugged Trisha, Tom, Everett, Shannon and Helga goodbye. We did a big drive to Rochester and found our campsite at Hamlin Beach State Park, situated on the banks of Lake Ontario. A scorcher of a day, for sure, and the evening hours weren’t much cooler. The big bummer was that there was some bioorganism in the water, so no swimming or wading was allowed. We couldn't even cool off that way. Boo. 

Visit to Suffern, NY

Monday-Wednesday, July 18-20

I picked up Auggie from the dogsitter’s and headed up to my old neighborhood, Suffern, NY. Destination was Trisha and Tom’s house, great people who I am honored to call friends. 

New to me this trip to Suffern were two adorable little kiddles named Everett and Shannon, 3 years and 18 months, respectively. Auggie was also able to say hello to his doggie buddy, Helga, who seemed to have a doggie crush on my handsome furry man.

It was hotter than blazes when we got to Suffern. While Shannon took an afternoon nap, Everett played in the backyard pool while Trisha and I caught up. The heat, a visit from neighbor Nicholas and two squirt guns from my van produced one of the best squirt gun battles I’ve had in a long time. The battle went to a new level when Nicholas ran home to bring back two automatic assault squirters. Man up, ladies – you are about to be drenched by two skilled little squirt-soldiers! Those two young men had no qualms laying into me and Trisha with steady and unrelenting fingers on the trigger. But honestly, it was so hot that we didn’t much care. Trisha and I pulled out some Charlie’s Angels squirt moves, too. We rocked!

Gratefully, Tom’s skill in the kitchen has not diminished one bit and I was treated to delicious meals and an, ahem, “healthy” serving of wine. But laugh we did, and cry we did. It was a welcome treat to be back among great friends. Trisha & Tom - thanks!  

On our way out of town, we also stopped by our former neighbors' house to see Irwin & Francis Meyer. Unfortunately, we got Irwin in the morning, just as he was prepping to leave the house. Wish we would have had more time to spend and say hello! We'll have to come back again soon.

Sailing Off the Hamptons, Long Island, New York

Saturday-Sunday, July 16-17

While Auggie was being loved to smithereens with Jeannie, I was having a weekend full of laugh-till-your-belly-hurts moments on a 35-foot sailboat called the Renaud Argenté. As we were getting started out of the harbor, our Austrian captain, Wolfgang, handed over the steering wheel to Karin. Within a few brief minutes, Karin had run us aground on a sandbar. She will never live this down. J

But that wasn’t the only funny moment of the weekend. We stayed up late, drank way too much, grilled yummy food, danced to the Gipsy Kings, coated ourselves with minimum 10 layers of sunblock, and then got stranded on a small, nearby island after our dear captain ran out of gas in the dinghy’s outboard motor. 

Me and two other brave and strong women rowed the dinghy back to the boat, aided in the final stretch by a very kind Frenchman, his wife and granddaughter, who towed us in their dinghy the final bit to our boat. We were plotting the way to shore in the dinghy against choppy water and strong current to go and retrieve the others, when that very kind Frenchman came back in his dinghy and towed me in our dinghy to shore to get the five other folks from our boat and Wolfgang’s friends who had rafted with us. We rescued them! 

It was close to 7.00 pm by the time we were all back on our boats, and we still had to sail back to the marina across the harbor. Aided by a strong wind, we got back just fine, though windblown and covered with that incomparable mix of salt, sweat and sunblock, desperately in need of a shower. 

The drive home to Moonachie from the Hamptons was quick and free of bad traffic. We fell into bed exhausted but still giggling from a fantastic start to this trip. 

If every stop on the trip is as much fun as this one, then this will be a spectacular trip, indeed! 

Let the Roadtrip Begin!

Friday, July 15, 2011

We pushed off from Fleetwood Terrace at 12.29 pm. The odometer on the van stood at 18,209. Let the roadtrip begin! 

I was exhausted from a week's worth of cleaning up the yard, cleaning the house and simultaneous packing. Good grief - there sure was a lot to be done to get one small woman and one big dog ready to go!  Bye little house on Fleetwood Terrace - we'll see you in a few months! 

But off we were, headed to Moonachie, New Jersey, to overnight with my friend, Karin. Once we finally got through miserable Friday-afternoon NY/NJ traffic, I dropped Auggie off at his former dogsitter, the one who took care of him when we lived in NY/NJ a few years ago. Before Jeannie even came to the door, Auggie had sniffed enough to know who lived there in this new house and gave her the full-body wiggle when she opened the door. He got spoiled over the weekend for sure! (Thanks, Jeannie!)