Watkins Glen

Last weekend, we drove the five+ hours to Watkins Glen in New York State's Finger Lakes region. It's been a tourist attraction since the 19th century (and before). As one hikes up (or down) one passes through multiple dramatic waterfalls, cascades and pools cut into a dramatic shale and sandstone canyon.

It's like visiting a budget version of Rivendell (minus the elves and Liv Tyler 😞)

We also drove a few miles to the bumptious Corning Museum of Glass. I had to check it out because they claim to be the "Crystal City". Well, we all know that to be false don't we?! The real Crystal Cities are right here.

Watkins Glen
09-22-18
crayon

Watkins Glen
09-22-18
crayon

Watkins Glen
09-23-18
crayon, charcoal

Watkins Glen
09-23-18
crayon

Changes

09-16-18-dam
charcoal

My schedule has been perturbed in the last couple of weeks and I've been going to the dam in odd moments. Sometimes for just a few minutes. And some days not at all. This is good and bad: absence makes the heart grow fonder. Familiarity breeds contempt. All this change helps keep my witness keen and ready for surprise. Hopefully.

The river has a healthy flow of water (considering it's September -a usually low water month) which shouldn't have surprised me (but it did). The additional water has made it possible for a school of large carp to pool around in one of the eddies in front of the dam. On the other hand, the additional volume of water rushing over the top deters the ducks and geese. Change is good. It keeps us on our toes.