Ep. 360: Finger Lakes | New York RV travel camping tourism gorges Watkins Glen

[@dottyfreeman5473]

Love how informative your episodes are. Thanks for taking the time to include the history and details!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Dotty, and thanks for watching!

[@bobcruikshank2010]

Every July, my friend hosts a Greyhound gathering in the Watkins Glen General area. For $20 registration fee you get a large booklet of wine sampling tickets. There are 14 to 20 participating wineries on lake Seneca that allow the greyhounds to come in and lay around while their owners sample the vintage. The finger lakes region is a beautiful area.

[@GrandAdventure]

That's fantastic, Bob! Such a deal, and such a wonderful way to relax.

[@danielmayton2194]

Great Job! I've been to Trumansburg several times and Ithica also but never saw the true beauty like you showed us!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Daniel! As we mentioned in the video, many of these places are somewhat hidden and presented without much fanfare. But a quick Internet search can always point you to them.

[@leighmcqueeney9848]

So beautiful. Greetings from the opposite end - Joshua Tree NP. The two Tasmanians.

[@GrandAdventure]

Enjoy, Leigh! Be sure to drive out to Eureka Peak while you're there if you have a high-clearance vehicle. The views of the San Jacinto Mountains from there are amazing. And few make that drive.

[@moretoliving2236]

I have never been at Watkins Glen but back "in the day" while in college and taking water management classes I found myself with classmates traveling that entire stretch to Erie and back many a times learning and studying dams and all that engineering stuff. Beautiful area indeed.

[@GrandAdventure]

There's so much to see, and so many of those things aren't out in plain view. The countryside is gorgeous, but the little finds between the hills make it all the more special.

[@pennysaufley8974]

Beautiful area and videography! You deserve a “major award!” 💡

[@GrandAdventure]

Only in my own mind, Penny. 😁Thank you!

[@historysablast]

We’re glad to finally see a top tier KZbin channel covering the Northeast! Oh, the irony that you guys are based in Utah. 😅

[@GrandAdventure]

You bet! Thank you. Even more ironic, we have some friends in Utah who also own a home in Vermont. We were there the other evening and actually have now seen their home in Vermont before we've ever seen their new home in Utah.

[@warrenscorner]

Thank you for showing the positive sides of New York. It’s not all high taxes and liberal politics. When we travel around the country and tell people we’re from New York we get eye rolls, not to mention negative comments.

[@GrandAdventure]

Our pleasure, Warren. Many folks from outside the region don't realize that Upstate and Downstate are two completely different places. Then again, the definition of "Upstate" depends on where you're standing at the time. 😆 More New York coming to you from Lake Champlain this Wednesday evening.

[@jimcurry5458]

It really is nice around there. Regarding the state parks, the only real problem is actually getting a campsite, even during the week!

[@GrandAdventure]

It sure is, Jim. I'd also add about the state parks is that they open their camping seasons rather late. They weren't yet open during our visit.

[@jimcurry5458]

@@GrandAdventure I live in upstate NY, it’s definitely a short camping season. As you noted, some of the parks have a lot of non-electric sites. We have a 30 foot travel trailer and are upgrading to a fifth wheel. We’ve never been set up for boondocking so that makes it even tougher to get a site. We weren’t sure what we’d be doing this year but next year I’ll be ready when the booking window opens!

[@georgecarpenter4126]

A beautiful area of the country...we visited near there a couple of years ago. Watkins Glen - the site of a great rock festival back in the day. Enjoy your trip, but be safe !

[@GrandAdventure]

Yessir, bigger than Woodstock IIRC.

[@jesib7526]

So much beauty to draw a person in making them forget current days, transporting them back to a pristine time to bask in.

[@GrandAdventure]

Well said, Jesi.

[@garymann5998]

We caught this one as it premiered, great video, really showd the beauty of the area, lots of waterfalls, you had a premium camping place, glad to see Zoe enjoying herself too. Thanks for sharing, travel safe.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Gary! Zoe can't see jack, but she sure still seems happy, just a little confused about what's happening to her. Safe travels to you and yours as well.

[@barbwire65]

Definitely a gorgeous area

[@GrandAdventure]

No doubt about it, Barb.

[@RVTIPSANDTRAVELS]

Love Watkins Glen, going back this summer. Great little town, wine, hiking trails. Great video Mark.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you so very much, and thanks for watching! Wishing you a wonderful return to Watkins Glen.

[@sondraodell9351]

Absolutely beautiful..Mark, as always, your narrative I f this gorgeous area was spot on! Thanks for sharing this wonderful trip with us.😊

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you as always, Sondra, and thanks for coming along!

[@surfpapo]

Nice video and cool story like always 🍹👌☮️

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you @surfpapo!

[@nationalparksprincess3216]

Fantastic episode! Those canyons are gorgeous 😊

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks as always NPP! It's a gorge-ous area.

[@nationalparksprincess3216]

@@GrandAdventure I would love to see it one day 😃

[@Thomas-sp1pp]

Marc, what a great adventure, wonderful and accurate narration of such a beautiful place, I lived outside of Syracuse and visited the area but not as thoroughly as you presented, therefore I am once again inspired to get in my motorhome and make this destination part of that BUCKET LIST. Thanks again for the GRAND ADVENTURE travel log.. Sincerely, THOMAS

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you very much, Tom! And I feel like we barely scratched the surface, too. Safe travels to you, as always.

[@timclosson7166]

Its too bad all that beautiful scenery is in New York. Good job, Marc on the video!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Tim!

[@jimlee8785]

Beautiful and great video, thanks

[@GrandAdventure]

Tnank you Jim!

[@mark98070]

I need to get up to this part of the country and escape the hot humid south for a few weeks. Thanks for sharing your adventures. I also wanted to visit Letchworth state park

[@GrandAdventure]

Letchworth is on our list too, Mark. But the NE isn't the place to avoid the heat and humidity right now. It hit 90 here today, dew points are in the upper 60s, and I find myself in a dry campground with restricted generator hours. 🙄

[@seanbeck3042]

Hate to break it to you summer in upstate NY is humid. Very humid.

[@GrandAdventure]

@@seanbeck3042 as a former Saratoga Springs resident I know all too well. I just figured I'd beat it through here before the hazy/hot/humid conditions would get here. I was wrong. 😁

[@skpjoecoursegold366]

thanks Marc, beautiful photography as usual, Finger Lakes is on my List.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank YOU as always, Joe!

[@ShawnPatterson402]

New York does provide for some amazing scenery and wonderful camping. quite a nice area. And Lake Champlain, next week is wonderful as well. continued safe travels...

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Shawn, and same to you! Champ hasn't disappointed thus far.

[@joannewinters9616]

❤ so beautiful thank you for sharing❤

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Joanne!

[@davidhillbrand2302]

Thanks for sharing. Great area to visit.

[@GrandAdventure]

It sure is, David, and thanks for watching.

[@seanbeck3042]

Grew up in Buffalo. You're making me home sick with your last two vids. Spent time in Erie and the finger lakes as a kid. Great memories.

[@GrandAdventure]

We're happy that we could bring you back, Sean!

[@kurtschulmeyer1041]

Love the falls and trails, absolutely gorgeous. Stay sage.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Kurt! Glad to hear that you enjoyed this one.

[@laughingram7287]

Super video with awesome shots of all the water falls. Wonderful area. I was there back in the 80’s, but didn’t cover it like you did. Would love to go to see it again more thoroughly. All those steps! Not sure if my metal knees’ warranty is covered there. 😉 Nice work with the images. Ram 👍🏼👍🏾

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks Ram! And FWIW this wasn't anything close to "all the waterfalls" -- there are a ton I passed on, for I was thinking while filming, "OK, that's enough waterfalls for one episode." I've got some close ski buddies who ski with knee replacements, and they're much better skiers now than they were with their old worn-out, painful originals. I'm one of the few lifelong avid skiers I know lucky enough to lack any serious knee issues (knocking on my wooden head for good luck to not jinx myself).

[@robertpahlowjr4257]

Fantastic scenery and very informative narration. Great video.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Robert!

[@craftytraveler9238]

Thanks for the video. WOW! that is a long driveway. Beautiful waterfalls and scenery.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Lani!

[@sgtwrench69]

I'm from Buffalo I miss the finger lakes but only June July and August

[@GrandAdventure]

My tolerance for dew points in the 70s dried up 😉 when we moved west a couple of decades ago. I'll be glad to be along the Canadian coastline for most of those months this season.

[@horizon42q]

Hey Marc! This is about one hour from my home. I wish I bumped into you when you were here. Great highlight video. Good job!!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you! We always love bumping into viewers as we travel. Pity that it didn't happen this time.

[@BikesBoatsBivouacs]

Our cabin is about 40 minutes from Watkins Glen. There is a winery near Interlaken that has "Tugboat" wines. The Tug Boar Red is a fan favorite. With our cabin being so close I haven't camped there but I'm thinking I going to have to do it. Nice job.

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks, BBB! Perhaps a weekend side trip to camp in the State Park?

[@geraldsouthard7092]

Loved the video, Marc. Thanks!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thanks as always, Gerald!

[@MonacoMike]

Originally from that Southern Tier area I always enjoy visiting Watkins Glen. I was expecting to also see Montour Falls and Hector Falls and a few other local ones in your video. Like you mentioned there are a lot of hidden gems in the area and you even showed me one, Brookin's Market that I'm going to have to visit when we return in the Fall.

[@GrandAdventure]

We had to be careful to not overly saturate this video with waterfall shots. Besides, there's only so much you can see in a week when you are also working a full-time job. 😉 Thanks so much for watching!

[@rickbrown7067]

Great job Mark, beautiful area!

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Rick!

[@rickbrown7067]

@@GrandAdventure Mark be careful, you have real bad weather heading your way. Take care.

[@GrandAdventure]

@@rickbrown7067 thank you, you do the same. We're fine where we're at now.

[@e-square9976]

Awesome once again! You are an ambassador of travel videos!

[@GrandAdventure]

You're much to kind, as usual. Thank you!

[@normgibson6565]

Sorry for being late great video from Ludington MI will be here for a few more days and then to TN to see Yvonne

[@GrandAdventure]

Don't ever apologize for that, Norm. We were just happy to see you. Safe travels to TN!

[@tompfeiffer2755]

Beautiful video! Thanks for sharing,❤️

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Tom, and thanks for watching!

[@rossvillegas3927]

as always amazing video . we were at the fingers last year .

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you as always, Ross!

[@gorrdd]

Another great video presentation of the area, Marc. Your hard work and talent are never a disappointment. Sorry you hit the wet weather. But it's typical of this time of year in that area. It's actually part of the overall vibe of central New York State in the spring. Summer is different with less seasonal changes. More sunny and drier. Wow... that has to be the first time in years that you got to see real eastern maple leaves up close and personal again. I long to experience that again. I've been in Texas too long now. I really loved all those stone walking trails along the various river grottoes. You were able to catch the perspective of depth with your video camera. Often times everything flattens out and you can't see depth while viewing. Do you use a certain lens angle (wide/narrow) to capture that? 🤔 Gord

[@GrandAdventure]

Thank you Gord! Yep, I used to live upstate and endured grey from November until June every year. This year, however, was extraordinarily wet. I'd love to be around those maple leaves during sugaring season. That, and what I used to call "apple picking season" in Vermont were my faves. I try to use the zoom lens as much as possible in situations like Watkins Glen to show depth. That, and it's one of the few times that I actually enjoy having a random person walking through my shot, for it adds some scale perspective.

[@gorrdd]

@@GrandAdventure Thanks for your impressions, Marc. Indeed it does help with scale... having something universally familiar with which to visually scale perspective. So, it's a narrower field of view (zoomed in) that helps project perspective... correct? Gord

[@GrandAdventure]

@@gorrdd correct. You're describing what's called bokeh in the context of a still photo. It also helps to use zoom in video (as opposed to still photos) to gradually bring the viewer in to focus on something in particular, or zoom out to gradually reveal the bigger picture and to place the initial object into the context of its surroundings. Both zooming in and zooming out in video trick the brain into understanding three dimensions through a two-dimensional image, primarily because they mimic the human brain's response to visually focusing on a particular object. In a sense, your eyes and your brain "zoom in" and "zoom out" routinely without you ever thinking about it.

[@gorrdd]

@@GrandAdventure Thanks for that insight, Marc. I have been wondering about all that, periodically. Next week should be very interesting. Lake Champlain is a very extensive area. Will you be staying at different locations around the Lake for a few weeks? Gord

[@GrandAdventure]

@@gorrdd one week, but split between two locations and two episodes: 5 nights on the NY side, and 2 nights on the VT side.

[@susanamberg3960]

Just found your channel, love it. But can anyone say why do people foget to go up to the Thousand Islands Region of New York? Clayton Boat Works and Boldt Castle are fabulous places of interest.

[@GrandAdventure]

Funny, but I still remember from when I was a child my grandmother had a souvenir ash tray from Thousand Islands with the points of interest drawn on it, including Boldt Castle. We were there decades ago, and some day we'll return with the RV for sure. There are only so many places you can go in one season when you only move once a week, and Thousand Islands was considered but will have to wait as our primary target this season is the Canadian Maritimes.

[@wrk_4itpatriot882]

I was wondering about your kayak and your set up for carrying it on your truck with the fifth wheel. I want to take my kayak when we go camping with our fifth wheel. Thanks in advance!

[@GrandAdventure]

We actually did an episode on that very topic kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGGUe5uropd1iqc, although with the F-350's longer wheelbase we no longer need to use the front T rack as we did with our Tundra in that episode. Everything else we are using is still the same.

[@daviscrt]

Great video of finger lakes. So cool to see friends back east. Thanks Don

[@GrandAdventure]

You bet Don! We've met up with friends every stop thus far this season.