Leaf-Peeping 2012

Pig Rock

Speculator NY

The tradition of leaf-peeping has been one of our passions since Joan and I first got together. Fall is our favorite season. While it is pleasant to observe the leaves near home.

Skaneateles - Guppy Falls - 2008

There is no better place to relish Fall’s magic than in the Adirondacks.

Inlet Beach 2009

Francis Lake 2011

After being unable to purchase a Danny’s sub since the deli was not open at 9AM, we set off seeking the Fall foliage. As we we got closer to the Utica Thruway exit we saw our first indication that it was going to be a good day.

Heading up Deerfield Hill towards the Rt. 8 turn towards Speculator the leaves projected a colorful if somewhat subdued display. After leaving Poland the day cleared and the leaves came out in all their splendor.

Decided to have lunch at the Oxbow Inn. Glad we did. Although the Waiter/Bartender was a one man band, he did good. Our order - California Wrap (for Joan) & Mt. Snowy Burger (for me) - came quickly. Both were appealingly presented and my burger was piping hot. We both commented on how tasting our lunch was especially the crispy fries.

Oxbow Lake

Oxbow Inn

Leaf-Peepers at Oxbow Inn

We stopped at the Speculator Beach. The picnic tables as well as the benches were being used with the exception of one. We sat there for some time allowing our lunch to settle. A little old lady approached us with a smile and a tract. Evidently Friday must be her day for evangelizing. Everyone from the bikers sitting on the bench next to us to the middle-age women eating their lunch on the picnic table behind us cordially accepted her gifts.

Speculator Shoreline

Cottage on Speculator Lake

Alien Visits Speculator

Heading out of town on the way to Indian Lake we stopped to rephotograph the Pig Rock.

Before reaching Indian Lake we pulled over to a scenic spot.

Indian Lake Scenic Overlook

Indian Lake Scenic Overlook

Leaf-Peepers at Indian Lake Scenic Overlook

Driving through Indian Lake we looked for the 1870 Bed and Breakfast. We did not locate it.

After turning south at the Blue Mountain intersection we took a pit stop at Blue Mountain Lake. Met a gentlemen from Liverpool. He is a season ticket holder for Syracuse basketball. During our conversation both of us expressed hope that the Syracuse football team would be successful this evening.  (They were 14-13.)

Blue Mountain Lake

Blue Mountain Lake

Leaf-Peepers at Blue Mountain Lake

Pulled into Inlet Beach. Checked out our geocache and Holls Inn (Too bad Hans has passed - not the same inn that Joan worked in). After the mandatory visit to the Rochester Bar, Joan picked up some brochures at the Tourist Center and then we headed for Old Forge. Across from the Old Forge Hardware we phoned Doc and Judy. Getting the answer machine we proceeded towards Utica as it began to rain.

 Fourth Lake - Geocache

Fourth Lake

Rochester Bar

We had dinner at Cavallo’s in New Hartford. The place was packed - the bar with thirty-somethings and restaurant with the Friday fish crowd. Our waitress was excellent. Her service was speedy and efficient. Joan has Chicken Parm and I had Eggplant Parm. Both meals as usual were good Italian.

The drove home went well. Although traffic was heavy everyone moved swiftly without applying pressure. Another great chapter to this leaf-peeping tradition.

 Til' next year.