Chateau Ste Michelle

Chris and I 
Chateau Ste Michelle, WA
August 27, 2023

 One of the really fun things we did while on our trip to the PNW and Alaska was to visit a winery. Yup. Wine!

We visited Chateau Ste Michelle right outside of Seattle on a glorious Sunday afternoon. It was the last day of nice weather for the entire trip. 

The Tasting Area with Fran and Chris
Chateau Ste Michelle
August 27, 2023

We thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the winery and decided on a high end tasting served outdoors in the bright sunshine and heat of the day. The wines were tasting great and the tasting came with a small charcuterie tray to help understand the nature of the wines better. 

I remain, however, convinced that handing wines and munchies to visitors and allowing them to do their own thing is not the best way to tell the story of the winery. But, Chateau Ste Michelle is HUGE! It may be the largest winery operation that we have visited. 

once we were finished with the tasting, which was $50 per person, and we decided to join one of the top end wine clubs we were invited to the members only lounge for more tastings and some relaxation. I had forgotten how expensive West coast Wine Tastings are. 

Our first wine club shipment should arrive next week and I am excited. The wines we tasted were very good with a nice price point. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And it's Friday

Finnegan at the new Starbucks
Tequesta, FL
August 30, 2023

 I'm not even sure why I know today is Friday, except that it is on my watch. 

I've been aware of the excruciatingly uncomfortable weather in the Northeast. While we are seeing 90 degree days here, the humidity is finally down and we once again enjoy being outside. I am happy to be away from the 50-something degree days of the PNW and Alaska and back into the warmth of South Florida. 

I hope that things begin to settle a bit now that we are back and have addressed the elephant in the room, that being Riordin's failing health.

And then there was one
Finnegan, Makayla, Riordin
Tequesta, FL
February 11, 2022

In an anthropomorphic moment yesterday, I felt as if Finnegan knew something serious was afoot as we carried Riordin, in his carrier, out of the house for the trip to the vet. He made an unusually extraordinary effort to accompany us. Chris had to physically restrain him from charging out the door. I believe he knew something was happening. 

Even after we returned home, Finnegan was strange. He examined the empty cat carrier and immediately began searching for Riordin. It was sad to watch this small dog look in all of the usual places for his pack-mate. He continued looking through bedtime and even made some small noises trying to get Riordin to respond as if they were playing a game of hide-n-seek. I wish there was a way to help him understand. I guess it was easier with Makayla, since she died in my arms at home and both Finnegan and Riordin were there at the moment she passed.

I guess it is the circle of life!

Will there be another cat or dog added to the household? Right now the answer is a solid no. I have the memories of two great friends to sustain me and I always felt bad leaving Riordin alone when we traveled. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Traveling Home

Mountains Above the Clouds
Leaving SeaTac, WA
September 5, 2023

 It is finished!

Chris and I arrived home last evening about 6:45 PM, completing a 12-day travel adventure in the PNW (Pacific North West) and the southern coast of Alaska. 

The trip ended with gray overcast skies, pretty much the same as the whole cruise. I need to remember that the three days we spent in Seattle were mostly blue skies and sunshine. It is easy to forget since the last nine days were gray. Yesterday, once we got above the clouds, the mountains were finally visible.  I managed the image shooting out the airplane window from an aisle seat. 

At the Entrance to Endicott Arm
Quantum of the Seas
September 1, 2023

And speaking of SeaTac. Ugh. What a mess yesterday. We flew on a 7:55 AM Delta flight. The first mess was baggage check-in. We had two bags, at $30 each. The process for checking bags took a good 20 minutes, possibly more and required painful line waiting. Now this is what really gets me, we paid extra to have our bags and were subjected to substandard service. Why would I do that again?

But wait, there is more. Chris and I are both TSA Pre. There was only one TSA Pre line for the entire airport. And it was a long way from the terminal we needed. We stood in line for another good 10-15 minutes to clear TSA only to have them discover a cork screw that we missed in Chris's backpack. It had a one inch blade and was confiscated. Now here is the weird thing--3 inch succors are allowed, but a small blade designed to cut the foil from a wine bottle is dangerous? Really? 

Chinatown Alley
Victoria, BC, Canada
September 3, 2023

Don't get me wrong. We enjoyed the trip, it is just that air travel in America has become very tedious. I calculated our departure time from the hotel based on my experience elsewhere and added a pad. Thankfully, I added a pad. By the time we got to our gate we were able to walk right onto the plane. We did manage a quick stop for breakfast once we cleared security. 

But, we made it to Ft Lauderdale and to the place where we parked our car. The flight was pleasant and I have to admit, Delta has the best in-seat entertainment and free WiFi (for mileage members). The almost 6-hour flight seemed to pass quickly. 

And now, it is all a memory.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

And So it Ends

Float Planes in Ketchikan
Ketchikan, AK
August 30, 2023

 It has been 12 days since we departed Florida for the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.  Wow! What a rush!

The days in Seattle before the cruise were fantastic. We really appreciated the city and the opportunities. Chris and I also joined another winery: Chateau St. Michelle! I will write more about that later. 

Ice Flow
Endicott Arm, AK
September 1, 2023

And then the cruise. Sadly the cruise was gray and overcast most of the time with rain. But, We enjoyed Alaska and the wildlife.

What a trip this has been from the heights of Mt Rainier to the Sitka Bay. And then walking Victoria. 

I am putting together a video of some of the sights--especially the whales. 

We have enjoyed so much--I was amazed by the float planes--theyt are everywhere and fly everywhere. I almost wish I were a float plane pilot. 

I wish the weather had been better. Gray was the color of the cruise skies with a few limited exceptions. 

Well, tomorrow it is back to the regular grind, I guess. 

-- Bob Doan, Seattle, WA

The First and Final Sunset

Final and Only Sunset
Victoria, BC, Canada
September 3, 2023

 How weird was it that the last night of the cruise provided us a view of the the first and only sunset? The gray skies broke for a few hours last evening as we enjoyed Victoria, British Columbia. That was a relief. 

Fisherman's Wharf
Victoria, BC, Canada
September 3, 2023

For our evening enjoyment we chose a walking tour of Victoria, which also included a water taxi and a shuttle back to the ship. It was an enjoyable evening. Fortunately, we chose to enjoy dinner before getting off the ship and so we were ready to see the city. 

We began right at the pier and proceeded to walk down into the city to Fisherman's Wharf where we boarded a water taxi and proceeded across the harbor to the main part of Victoria. We continued walking through Chinatown and were provided with history and stories of the gold rush years. It was fascinating. And I got my steps in for the day. 

I enjoyed learning about Victoria, but more importantly the gloomy weather parted, just for a few hours. 

The Legislature Building, where the provincial parliament meets, is lit with a multitude of lights and provides a Disney-esque sight. 

The tour we took, BC Bites & Sights, was fun. We enjoyed a small dessert, a small beer and fish dip, and chocolate along the way. 

We were provided only a few hours in Victoria, but it is a city that deserves more time. WE made it back to the shop just 15 minutes before all aboard, which was 9:30 PM. That is the closest we have ever come to an all aboard time. 

This morning we woke in Seattle. Chris and I are planning on spending the day exploring a bit more--but are surprised how many things, like wineries, are closed for the holiday. And of course, it is gloomy and raining again.

-- Bob Doan, SEATAC, WA

Enjoying a Sea Day

Heading out of the Harbor
Sitka, AK
August 31, 2023

 I enjoy Sea Days. We needed the down day to recover from three straight adventure filled days. 

It was strange in that I did not take any pictures during the day and that we spend most of the day just chilling.

Sea Lions on Channel Marker
Sitka Bay, AK
August 31, 2023

I attended a raffle for jewelry and an art auction. I did not win jewelry nor did I purchase any overpriced art. I was disappointed with the art displayed as there was only one piece that even mildly interested either Chris or myself. 

So I have reviewed some of the multitude of images that I have snapped. I found a few from Sitka that I want to share. First, Heading out of the Harbor, was taken in Sitka. It also captures the rare blue sky that gave us the best morning of the entire cruise. 

Quantum of the Seas
Sitka, AK
August 31, 2023

While on the wildlife cruise around Sitka Bay we came upon a group of sea lions enjoying life and sunning themselves, although there was no sun, on a channel marker. They were fun to watch and did not seem to mind the boat getting close to them. 

And writing of boats, or maritime vessels, I did enjoy snapping an image of Quantum of the Seas from our boat while cruising Sitka Bay. It was a picturesque scene with the ship tied-up at the base of the mountains. 

Today we port in Victoria, British Columbia, for the evening. Tomorrow we begin the two-day journey home to Florida, sun, and warmth. 

-- Bob Doan, Quantum of the Seas in the North Pacific

Juneau in the Rain and Cold

Mendenhall Glacier
Juneau, AK
September 1, 2023

 Yesterday, Chris and I walked in a driving rainstorm to look at . . . 

(Wait for it)

Water and Ice.

The big event of the day was visiting the Mendenhall Glacier. Wee had an afternoon tour and that was a bit of a mistake as the rains began in earnest during the afternoon. With the temperature approaching 56 degrees (the high), it was a cold hike to see the glacier. 

Looking across the Morning
Entrance to Endicott Arm
September 1, 2023

Fortunately, I took this image of the glacier before the hard rains began. By the time we got closer and were at the base of the waterfall, the rain made the images very gray--like both the day and my mood!

Upon arriving, we hiked about a mile into this portion of the Tongass National Forest to bat at the base of Nugget Falls, the waterfall near the glacier and which feeds Mendenhall Glacier Lake. The cold, raw, wet day really sapped our enthusiasm for the adventure. The day actually began with disappointment as the ship was unable to enter Endicott Arm (a fjord) for a view of the Dawes Glacier. The fog made navigating the area too dangerous given the multitude of ice flows. We got up early to view the glacier, but that just meant we had more time to enjoy the day. 

Departing Juneau
Juneau, AK
September 1, 2023

The cancellation allowed us to arrive about two hours early into Juneau. We enjoyed walking around the capital city of Alaska. 

The interesting part, however, was that as the ship pulled away from the pier last evening, I was able to get a good-bye image of Juneau and Alaska. 

And we are on a sea day today with arrival in Victoria, BC, Canada, tomorrow evening. 

Sadly, our cruise is coming to an end. Here's hoping for fair winds and following seas. 

-- Bob Doan, Quantum of the Seas, somewhere off Alaska (5536N 13425W)

Conquering Sitka

Chris in Sitka
Sitka, AK
August 31, 2023

 Day four of the cruise was Sitka!

We came, we saw, and we were amazed!

The city itself is modern and very welcoming to cruisers. But, if you are searching for that idyllic scene from the movie The Proposal--give up. The outdoor scenes were not filmed in the city and it looks nothing like what was portrayed in the movie. 

Humpback Whale Spout
Sitka Bay, AK
August 31, 2023

Sitka is a hard working fishing city where, I was told, the number of registered boats outnumbers the residents. It is easy for the cruise ships to deposit more visitors for the day than residents.

We enjoyed spending time in the city proper, but the highlight of the day was our over three-hour tour of Sitka Gulf and the wildlife we saw and appreciated. 

Humpback Whale Flukes
Sitka Bay, AK
August 31, 2023

The day was filled with otters, sea lions, and humpback whales! That she blows! Literally. As we mooted out in the bay we were looking for the spouts to find the whales--and we did! We stopped for at least an hour to watch probably at least six humpbacks feed in the area. None broached--but we were told they rarely broach in Alaska. They are in Alaska to feed and get prepared for their southern transit.

The boat experience on the bay was the best excursion EVER on a cruise. It was cold and windy, but the wildlife was unbelievable.

-- Bob Doan, aboard Quantum of the Seas heading for Juneau, AK

Ketchikan and Rain

From Quantum of the Seas
Ketchikan, Alaska
August 30, 2023

 We ported in Ketchikan, Alaska, yesterday under gloomy and rainy skies. The rain and gloom continued all day, but it did not dampen our spirits as we enjoyed out first shore day of the cruise. 

One exciting event occurred as we were approaching Ketchikan--a seaplane took off right alongside of the ship and right past my stateroom. I was a bit slow getting the video going because I spent time getting Chris outside to see it, but the effect is still there. It seemed very close. 

We took a tour that included a bus ride, a short boat trip, and a walking tour of the temperate rainforest also with a seafood feast. It was a four-hour excursion and one of the highlights was seeing eagles and then a very busy sea lion. We took the Exclusive Alaskan Lodge Adventure and Seafest. A comment about the excursion. We had fun, do not get me wrong, but they need to rewrite the tour description to more closely match the actual day. The boat, for example, is ill-equipped for a cold and rainy day. They provided squeegees to let us keep the condensation off the windows so we could see the wildlife and scenery. And the safest in a family-style dining room is actually on a porch exposed to the cold. 

I did, however, see eagles pretty close up and I enjoyed the stroll through the Tongass National Forest which is a temperate rainforest. 

Eagle in the River
Ketchikan, Alaska
August 30, 2023

Returning to Ketchikan, we enjoyed strolling around the town and seeing the salmon run in the creek. We were amazed at the number of salmon swimming upstream and also saw a harbor seal working the schools of salmon for lunch.

We were fairly tired once we returned to the ship.

Today we explore Sitka! I hope the excursion today is a bit better. 

-- Bob Doan, Quantum of the Seas nearing Sitka, Alaska

Sea Day

North Pacific Ocean Looking East towards Canada
Quantum of the Seas
August 29, 2023

 The overcast skies followed us most of the night and during the early portion of the day as our good ship, Quantum of the Seas, plied the waters heading north. The sun did break free at one point to illuminate the beautiful North Pacific Ocean, yes we were in the one point of the journey where we were in-between Puget Sound and Alaska's Inside Passage. 

We arrive this morning in Ketchikan, Alaska and the weather forecast is for rain, overcast skies, and a high of 58 degrees! And we have outdoors activities planned!

Sequins & Feathers Show
Quantum of the Seas
August 29, 2023

Our Sea Day was busy. We enjoyed a welcome reception for Royal Caribbean top tier travelers--yes, we have finally arrived in the top tiers (although at the bottom). There was also a moving salute to veterans. The afternoon saw us enjoy the hot tub for a while to melt away the aches and pains from the just a bit too hard bed.

For our evening entertainment, after dinner, we attended the show Sequins & Feathers. It was 45 minutes of bright colors, dancing, and live music including singing. It was fun to watch and was the almost perfect exclamation point for a fun and enjoyable day. 

We are looking forward to getting feet on the ground in Alaska. Although I have been fortunate to visit Alaska on a number of occasions, this will be Chris's inaugural visit to the great northern state. As I have not visited any of the places on our itinerary, I am also very excited about being in the region. 

And our ship sails on. 

-- Bob Doan, Quantum of the Seas off the coast of Alaska

Seattle in the Rear View

Seattle off the Stern
Quantum of the Seas
August 28, 2023

 We are at sea headed for an exciting Alaskan adventure! 

Boarding the ship, Quantum of the Seas went as smoothly as can be expected. Really, much better than some boardings. We were enjoying our first adult beverage of the day onboard by 11:30 AM. 

Quantum of the Seas
Pier 91, Seattle, WA
August 28, 2023

Puget Sound was very calm and the seas, so far, have been flat. We are racing towards our first destination with an arrival expected tomorrow in Ketchikan, Alaska. 

Last evening as we were enjoying the atmosphere of the ship in one of the night spots onboard, they played the classic song, North to Alaska, by Johnny Horton. I was amazed how many people knew the lyrics and sang along. We had a great time becoming accustomed to the ship and the people aboard. 

Sea day today and dress-up night tonight preparing us for shore activity tomorrow. I will be wearing jeans today for the first time ever on a cruise ship as this is my first cruise not in the Caribbean!

-- Bob Doan, Pacific Ocean aboard Quantum of the Seas

Chihuly--Color, Light, Unbridled Imagination

Exhibit in Chihuly Garden and Glass
Seattle, WA
August 26, 2023

One of the places we visited during our time near the Space Needle was Chihuly Garden and Glass. We were smart and purchased a combo ticket which saved some money. The other thing we did was purchase parking in advance--that saved a fortune as well.

Part of the Persian Ceiling
Chihuly, Seattle, WA
August 26, 2023

Chihuly Garden and Glass is one place that received high recommendations from everyone who has been there. And they were right! It is a spectacular display of color and light. Walking through the indoor portion of the exhibits, I was amazed at the complexity of the glass and the high colors. The use of mirrors to assist in appreciating the art was well done.

We learned that the displays are cleaned daily with special cloths to ensure they remain as vibrant as the artist's mind envisioned them. Some of the exhibits reminded me of illustrations in a Dr Seuss story. 

Chris and I
Chihuly, Seattle, WA
August 26, 2023

The outdoor portion, the garden, was equally as amazing as the indoor exhibits. Being at the base of the Space Needle provided an opportunity for some amazing settings and images, but the glass of Chihuly actually needed no assistance in being the center attraction. 

After touring the exhibits and displays, Chris and I went inside and watched a series of short vids about Chihuly and how the creations are made. They are worth the time to watch all of them to gain a fuller appreciation for the artist and his work. 

The Chihuly Garden and Glass is a must see while in Seattle! It came highly recommended and for good reasons--it is worth the visit.

-- Bob Doan, Kent, WA

From Atop the Space Needle

Space Needle
Seattle, WA
August 26, 2023

 It's historic--built during 1961.

And tall--605 feet in the air.

And cool. 

And the view from the top is breathtaking--really!

Chris and I visited Seattle proper yesterday and enjoyed two of the biggest attractions there: the Chihuly Glass Museum and Garden and of course the towering Space Needle. 

Chris and I at the Top
Space Needle, Seattle, WA
August 26, 2023

As the image to the right shows, it was a beautiful day for wandering around the city. 

Once we arrived at the top of the saucer, we had a great time accustoming to the view, which provided far more downward vision that, for instance, being atop the Empire State Building. I have to admit, it took a while to feel comfortable. And then there are the glass panels in the floor on the second level which allow for viewing straight down below as that floor actually moves, slowly, around the central core. 

I ultimately discovered that I really enjoyed being so high and in the open. I king of remember feeling similar standing atop the Eiffel Tower--but that was a few decades ago.

Straight Down through the Floor
Space Needle, Seattle, WA
August 26, 2023

The Space Needle caters to adults with the inclusion of bars at the top make the experience more enjoyable and, perhaps, to help calm the nerves of some of the guests. 

I fully enjoyed an IPA while viewing life outside of and down below the needle. 

I must confess that as we departed the upper floor for the lower which revolves, I did have some trepidation about stepping onto the see through glass floor. Fortunately, there are also panels which do not provide the "see through" experience. 

After a few minutes I was able to both walk onto the glass flooring and look down! I do not think I am yet ready for the glass bridge at the West Rim of the Grand Canyon!

What a glorious day and so much fun. The only negative was the line we waited in at the bottom even though we had timed entry admission. The entry process could and should be managed better. I actually overheard attendants say that they would not turn away anyone arriving in the wrong time slot because the line was so long. That discussion seemed to accept the fact that the process is poorly managed and it occurred after a patron pointed out that there were people in line over an hour early for their timed entries while those with current timed entries were still a long way from the entry. 

-- Bob Doan, Kent, Washington

Going up the Mountain

At the Sunset Turnoff
Mt Rainier National Park
August 25, 2023

 We enjoyed a mountain top experience. 

We set our sights on Mt Rainier yesterday and checked another national park off the list. Although the day started rainy, and we departed Kent, WA, under stormy skies, by the time we arrived at the mountain the day was breaking into full sunshine. I am glad that I can read a weather radar. 

Looking Down the Valley
Mt Rainier National Park
August 25, 2023

We had a great time exploring the national park. There was so much natural beauty to see that we ended the day on overload. Well, that's not true--we reveled in every new vista. And images--we took so many images and yesterday was only day one of our almost two-week trip. 

But then who is complaining? Certainly not me. If every day of our trip is as inspiring and beautiful as yesterday, well, then we will have enjoyed the perfect vacation. Wait--is it still a vacation when we are retired? What would we be vacationing from? Hmmmm.

Tree Snot
Mt Rainier National Park
August 25, 2023

And in the funny item of the day, I discovered tree snot! Yup. 

What, you ask, is tree snot? I am not sure. It was just hanging there on a tree branch. Fortunately, it was not dripping.

From the Today I Learned (TIL) department. The tallest trees in the forest are Douglas fir. The same trees that many people decorate for Christmas. And not only that, I also learned that the only trees that grow taller are the giant sequoias. Really cool! And they are tall!

-- Bob Doan, Kent, WA

Chasing the Sunset

Chasing the Sunset
AS 517 Over the US
August 24, 2024

 Chris and I took an afternoon/evening flight from Ft Lauderdale to Seattle last evening. 

It was a scheduled over 6-hour flight that thankfully lasted only about 5h30m and it was on Alaska Airlines--with whom I have flown before. The flight was great and I have to say that the passengers on Alaska Airlines seem to have a better understanding of the rules and methodology for loading and unloading an aircraft than those on Southwest. Things went smoothly. 

Sunset Over America
AS 517
August 24, 2023

It was a great flight and for the last part of the trip we were chasing the sunset. The scene outside the aircraft was changing colors and beauty. I had to capture some of the scenes. It has been quite a while since I have enjoyed watching a sunset from an aircraft.

And not for the not so good part. SeaTac, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is a mess! Especially trying to retrieve luggage and get a rental car. I have never, and I mean never, been confronted with so much chaos and inefficiency. The actual rental car pick-up was good, once we got there--but still a confusing process with poorly designed instructions. It worked out because I got upgraded for free when I stopped at the kiosk for help.

And so the adventure begins!

-- Bob Doan, Kent, WA

The Long Road

 

Riordin
Tequesta, FL
August 22, 2023

Welcome to Hump Day!

Oh wait, that's right, I'm retired and I don't really celebrate hump days any more. Sadly. I always kind of enjoyed helping coworkers over the hump of the week. 

My mid-week is going to be filled with preparations for travel. The reservations have been made and we even selected the food we wanted on the plane. It has been a while since I flew on Alaska Airlines and they allow food to be ordered and paid for in advance. Since it is a six-hour flight right through the dinner hour, we need food. 

I will also be determining the future of Riordin. He spent the night in the animal hospital and is not doing well. They are trying a "Hail Mary" treatment for his asthma to bring him around, but I was told the chances were slim. He lost about 15 percent of his body weight while we were in New York last week and has stopped eating and drinking.

It could be a sad day by the time it ends. 

But, when I looked into his eyes yesterday before deciding upon the treatment option, I saw he still had fight in them. 

Regardless, tomorrow will begin a new adventure!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Getting Back

 

Getting back into the swing of life after being away takes time and effort. 

After the unpacking and the wash are done, then there is time for life to resume.

In our case it also means packing for the next adventure. We leave Thursday for Seattle and an Alaskan cruise. Turns out the weather will be very different between Seattle and the Alaskan coastal cities. 

Hopefully, we will have a great time. We have been planning this trip since Christmas--and it is finally upon us!

Yay!

I wonder what important thing I will forget?

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

8th Annual

Chris at the Hole we Sponsor
Elm Tree Golf Course, Cortland, NY
August 19, 2023

 Yesterday, Chris and I played in the 8th Annual Troy Whittemore Classic golf tournament. The tournament is conducted in memory of my nephew, Troy Whittemore, who was taken from us at age 23 by cancer and the proceeds are used to fund a scholarship awarded to high school seniors usually from Ithaca High School.

The Sponsor Sign
8th Annual Troy Whittemore Classic

Chris and I had a good time at the tournament and it was a solid way to end a very emotional week in Ithaca remembering Chris's sister Jodie, with a memorial service on Friday and the tournament on Saturday.

We sponsor a hole at the tournament. This was the first year that Chris actually played. The family had two teams in the tournament with 5 first time players between the two teams of 4. Needless to say, but we did not win or even come close. I was lucky enough to land a drive on a par 3 green on one of the contests. Only 5 players of the 92 in the tournament actually landed their ball on that green--so I was pretty excited to be in the 50-50 par 3 raffle--but did not win the over $300 prize.

We are safely back home in Florida enjoying the warmth. It was cool to cold in Central New York!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

The Ski Slope

Greek Peak
Cortland, NY
August 17, 2023

 The Maryland part of our family arrived yesterday and we gathered at a house near the major ski area in the region: Greek Peak. I must say, I prefer ski slopes in the summer because there is no snow and less crowds. Of course, I don't ski and therefore I really do not appreciate ski slopes and mountains. But they are beautiful in the summer. 

The location is a bit remote. It is a 15 minute drive to the nearest significant village with services, like gas and groceries. The scenery is great to look at and it is quiet, although it rained last evening and everything is very wet this morning so I am not sitting outside enjoying the dawn. But at least it is not raining. We will be golfing tomorrow in the annual tournament for our nephew, Troy. Today is a memorial service for Chris's sister, Jodie. I wish were were gathering for more celebratory reasons.

-- Bob Doan, Cortland, NY

Enjoying the Natural Beauty

Taughannock Falls
Ulysses, NY
August 16, 2023

 Ithaca has a slogan:

Ithaca is Gorges!

And it is! There are numerous gorges with waterfalls in the immediate area and they are fun to explore. 

Yesterday we managed to visit one of the the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi: Taughannock Falls. The water makes an impressive 215 foot drop to the pool below nestled deep within a gorge. It is one of the signature waterfalls of the region. It may not be as spectacular as some of the waterfalls along the Columbia River near Portland, Oregon, but Taughannock is definitely in the league of awe-inspiring waterfalls. 

Sailboat on Cayuga Lake
Ithaca, NY
August 16, 2023

And of course there are the lakes, the Finger Lakes, to enjoy in the area. We are closest to Cayuga Lake, the second largest of the Finger Lakes. Ithaca sits at the southern end of the lake and the beautiful summer days have been making me dream of boating. Last evening we were are dinner and had a view of the lake and the boats. I enjoyed watching the lake activity while I was also reveling in the pleasant weather which allowed us to dine outside. 

The day was the last relaxed day as activity ramps to a fever pitch today and through Sunday when Chris and I make our return to Florida. I am glad that we were able to enjoy the scenery and local natural beauty. 

-- Bob Doan, Ithaca, NY