Week Forty - 12 To Go

Building on the long European tradition of anthropomorphic folk tales, this story features a mouse and a fox. Mouse solves Fox's literacy problem. The book's abrupt end might put some young readers off.

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2013

Eaton Birding Society - Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve

The Eaton Birding Society visited the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve today. Lyn Jacobs led the walk. The group consisted of 14 birders included first timers - Mary and her son Mark from Oswego and Joni.

As we headed for the Northern Overlook a slight drizzle forced some to put on their rain ponchos.

Down in the grass an occasional Song Sparrow call could be heard. However, they went down so fast, it was nearly impossible to see them. There was one call was very distinctly different. It was identified as a Lincoln's Sparrow. This was a life bird for me.

The rain subsided as we approached the Prairie Overlook. A few wildflowers especially asters were still to be seen.

The group decided to have breakfast at the Star Diner in Waterloo. I opted out and went to the Magee Diner instead.

After digesting a breakfast of Western Omelet, home fries, rye toast and a bottomless cup of coffee, went to South Spring Pool and Tschache Pool for photo opportunities.

Decided to take a different route home and stopped in Montezuma at the Heritage Trail.

Another great day for birding.

Week Thirty-Nine - 13 To Go

This volume is for the reader who wants to know more about the Adirondacks and the wilderness experiences of interesting men. Plus great photos.

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks in 2013

Montezuma Heritage Park

Mural at the trail entrance

After birding the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve with The Eaton Birding Society stopped at the Montezuma Heritage Park in Montezuma NY.

This 140-acre park along the Seneca River/NYS Barge Canal is part of the eastern portion of the Seneca River Crossing Canal Historic District and is designated on the National Register of Historic Places.

As I parked the car was greeted by Cheryl Longyear, Montezuma Town Historian. Cheryl was sprucing up the entrance to the nature walking trails. Cheryl introduced me to the trail system suggesting it was only 0.8 miles to the magnificent Richmond Aqueduct. Thanking her for the directions stepped off onto the trail.

Approached Trail #2.

Here was a bench, historic sign and an informative kiosk.

After reading the the information entered Trail #2.

Came upon a bench on Trail #2. Read the marker and followed the arrow to Clinton's Ditch and Lock 62.

An description plaque gave the background history of Clinton's Ditch and Lock 62. Used a makeshift bridge to cross over to take a photo.

Approaching the end of Trail #2 came upon another sign post.

Explored the Richmond Aqueduct from the top and underneath.

Used a plank bridge to cross over to Paper Mill Trail #4.

Walking down Trail #4 came upon a sign post describing the Montezuma Fibre Co. Explored the ruins.

Further down Trail #4 appeared a direction finder for Trail #6. Took the path less traveled.

Came on to the Meil & Son Drydock.

Then approached a trail leading to Cayuga-Seneca Lock 11. Took a quick look.

Concluded my walk at a berm at the entrance of Heritage Park.

Enjoyed experiencing the Erie Canal in Montezuma as much as those who visited here long ago.

 

The following photos were taken from on board the Emita on our August 19, 2013 trip.

From water or from land the Richmond Aqueduct makes for a pleasant viewing experience.

Hank Williams: Lost Highway

 Take my advice or you'll curse the day
You started rollin' down that lost highway
Hank Williams

In the span of his short life, Hank Williams changed the landscape of American popular music forever. Lost Highway follows Williams from his roots in Alabama to his meteoric rise to stardom on the stage of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry.

This Merry-Go-Round toe-tapping musical tribute showcases what Williams did best: performing.

This performance featured Williams's best loved songs. Peter Oyloe provided a knockout interpretation of Hank Williams, and the Drifting Cowboys, a skilled stage band, featuring Christopher Lewis on guitar, Kent M. Lewis on bass, Russ Wever on steel guitar and Keith Potts on fiddle, provided a humorous and heartfelt counterpoint.

Actor George Wendt appeared in the role of Pap. Wendt is best known for his role as Norm in the hit series "Cheers". Wendt stopped by NewsChannel 9‘s Bridge Street. You can watch his full interview here: http://bit.ly/16mC6VZ.
  
The actors produced an intimate portrait of a passionate and troubled man.

Len Fonte's Review in The Post-Standard.

David Wilcox’s Review in The Citizen.
Melinda Johnson’s interview of George Wendt in The Post-Standard.
Bill DeLapp's Review in The Syracuse NewTimes

Other shows of this season:
Singing in the Rain
The Great American Trailer Park Musical
Legally Blond 

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes
Cats

Birding - Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

South Spring Pool

Midweek. Decided to go birding. Driving into the Refuge sighted a Greater Yellowlegs along the entrance driveway.

Along the Auto-Drive came upon a group of American Coots. There on the edge of the reeds was a Juvenile American Coot.

An adult American Coot leaped in front of a group of Mallards.

A Kingfisher was perched on a sign at the Spillway.

A pair of Trumpeter Swans were in the pond just before the western turn in the road.

A Greater Yellowlegs was in the water in the new excavations along the Thruway. This is the first bird that I have observed in this area.

Continued on to South Spring Pool. There was the resident Kingfisher.

Walking the trail noticed a Brown Hawker Dragonfly in the grass.

Off in the distance perched on a bare tree was an osprey.

Another great day for birding.