The gliding adventure deserves its own page.  Mary Jo and Tony are both pilots as well as Nick so this was extra fun for them.  We went to the Soaring Capital in Elmira, NY. Nick's pilot let him take the stick and fly it himself, which was an extra thrill. I was the official photographer and kept my feet firmly planted on the ground.

Beautiful gliders

Tow plane

Nick getting ready

Nick was too tall for the front seat

Getting settled in and ready to go!

Mary Jo ready to go!

Tony all set and ready!

Nick taking off

Nick landing safely

This was an exciting experience for all!

It's been a busy week of sightseeing and fun with Mary Jo and Tony Taggart visiting as many wineries as humanly possible and eating at every possible opportunity.  Also a visit to Watkins Glen Gorge and Corning. It was wonderful spending this time with good friends.  The highlight of the week was truly a "Bucket list" thing for Nick.....flying a glider.

Entrance to Watkins Glen Gorge

Unbelievable works of nature

Beautiful scene where we had lunch in Watkins Glen

Design at entrance

Corning Museum of Glass

Glass Blowing Demo

Fascinating Glass Demos with beautiful results
Also great store for shopping

Another wine stop

Lunch at Knapp Winery

Had to stop at Barnstormers for the pilots

Pompous Ass Winery
(couldn't resist stopping here just because of the name)

So many wineries, so little time and each one is in an incredible setting, many of them overlooking the lake.  Such a beautiful part of our country.

Tuesday took us into Ithaca and Syracuse for an outing of lunch and shopping for a new satellite for the RV.....now if we can just get it to work.

We also discovered Preble, NY and just had to stop by.

Our Port St Lucie friends, Mary Jo and Tony Taggert, arrived last night to join us for a few days of fun.  They've been in NH visiting relatives and will start heading across the country this weekend.

Went to Spencerport, NY to visit Don and Leslie Ezard on Monday. Don was getting ready for knee surgery the next morning but took us around to show us the area including a great dinner in downtown Rochester at the Genesse Brewery. 

After retiring from the Sheriff's Dept, Don headed up security for the George Eastman Mansion, founder of Eastman Kodak. He was able to take us in for a private tour of this magnificent 35,000 sq ft home including beautiful gardens.  This home was built by Eastman for just he and his mother. It was such a treat to get to see this. Does anyone know how Kodak got its name?  George wanted something to go with Eastman that was short so he took the 'K' from his mother's name and put it on the front and back of the word trying out letters to fit in between and finally came up with Kodak.

Enjoying a visit at their home, Spencerport, NY

Don and Leslie Ezard

 

Genesse Brew House

Rochester, NY

George Eastman Mansion

Arrived safely yesterday at Sned Acres, Ovid, NY in the Finger Lakes near Cayuga Lake in time to get to 3 wineries with many more to see. They are everywhere, and it is a beautiful area to explore.

First stop Cayuga Ridge Estate

Converted barn for shopping and wine tasting 

Restaurant attached to barn

Thirsty Owl Wine Co.

Beautiful landscaping at entrance

Another tasting!

Cayuga Lake

Grapes growing everywhere

Cider House Tasting Room
(These were not our favorites)

Since we had cool weather today, we made a tee time at Trumansburg Golf Course and ended up playing in the most unusual and varied weather.  It rained off and on, the sun tried coming out a few times, but the best part is that is was only about 64 degrees.  I actually had on long pants and a jacket. Weather reports say it will be in mid 90s by Wednesday so in spite of the weather we were very glad we played today.