New York: Farmers Markets in Ithaca and Trumansburg

Regardless where you travel you can usually find a "Farmer's Market".  There were many markets in the Finger Lakes and we were able to visit two during our stay... Ithaca Farmer's Market and Trumansburg Farmer's Market.

Ithaca Farmer's Market

Now the definition according to the Oxford Dictionaries · © Oxford University Press is 

1. a food market at which local farmers sell fruit and vegetables and often meat, cheese, and bakery products directly to consumers.

But we have come to expect a bit more... more of a Green Market according to Local Foods

"Ultra-fresh produce, pastured meat and eggs, artisan cheeses, hand-harvested honey, and other fresh, small-batch foodstuffs are the hallmark (and benchmark) of the best farmers markets."

Entrance to the Ithaca Farmer's Market
this is located on the river and promises
to be a mostly food related market

The Ithaca market started in 1973 and is an owner–operated cooperative market with over 160 members, who grow or produce their wares within 30 miles of the pavilion. This market is all about the food!  Yes, you may see a few non-food items but that is not the focus of the market.  I don't know if you consider wine and beer food but you will find several vendors at wine booths who happily offer you a taste in hopes you will purchase a few bottles of local wine.

Local Flowers are the perfect
accompaniment to your meal
and don't forget the bread, cheese, and wine!

So, we spent some time wandering through the booths in this well constructed barn-like structure with an oriental flair.  Really, I'm not certain how to describe this rustic, open shopping area with a roof line and seating reflecting the orient.  It was crowded when we visited around 9 AM on a Saturday morning.  Most booths were hawking their wares and many the same vendors we saw at the Trumansburg Farmer's Market earlier in the week.  

Trumansburg Wednesday Market
This is certainly a gathering place for locals

And sometimes we expect even more from a farmer's market... live music, craft vendors, artists, food trucks, and a meeting place.  Yes, they do tend to run the gambit and we in the good old USA have adapted the market for a morning, day, or evening of entertainment rather than simply shopping for fresh food.  Perhaps that is not a bad idea just mis-named.

Trumansburg Farmer's Market
Features reading for the youth

So head to the Trumansburg Farmer's Market for a different scene. First, it happens on Wednesday evening in the town park.  Here you will find locally grown food, both fresh and prepared, honey, jams, pottery, hand crafts, Read-a-Story, and live music.

Crafters in addition to fresh food
 both prepared and unprepared.

After a day of volunteering at the GrassRoots Festival setup we bicycled downtown to the park to experience the local "Farmer's Market".  Yes it was similar to the "new green markets"
green market 
- an open-air marketplace for farm products
- a public marketplace where foodand merchandise is sold

This was a place where we could relax on the village green listen to music, sample food items, shop for vegetables, and chat with friends.  

Folks relaxing, visiting, dining, and
listening to the music
at the Trumansburg Farmer's Market

New York: Helping with the Grassroots Festival

Guess we are now professional volunteers... especially when you travel over 1000 miles to volunteer for two different music festivals: Old Songs in Altamont NY and Grassroots in  Trumansburg NY.

Downtown Trumansburg NY
Yes, a river runs through the town

So, late on a Sunday afternoon in early July we arrived at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds to find a the dance tent and kitchen tent in place but little else.  Being late on a Sunday afternoon there were few people around but that did not stop us from finding a relatively level place to park the trailer for the night.  Early the next morning we were on the job, meeting new volunteers and catching up with friends from the Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival where we volunteered the previous February.

Staff member Leslie from North Carolina
Fairgrounds infield in the background

About Tuesday it was time to venture into town, a short bicycle ride, and explore.  We canvased the main street checking the laundromats, pubs, bakeries, coffee shops, and health food store.  As we wandered back to our bicycles we noticed a friend from the Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival.  She was leaving a staff meeting at the GrassRoots Headquarters and suggested we pop in.  This was a great plan as we could visit with more of the crew.

GrassRoots Headquarters
An upstairs office in this
historic Masonic Lodge

Now we performed many random tasks during the two weeks of setup... everything from cleaning the toilets to building the kitchen.  It was all good fun and comradery.  One highlight was the day we made a lumber run.

A real lumber yard
our destination for rough cut lumber

Not knowing the area, we took the pick-up and head out to the lumber yard... about 20 miles away in Cayuga.  This is a rural area so we didn't expect there to be another lumber yard right down the road as happened on our return route.  However, Robert Collins Sawmill was the business we were told to frequent and I am so happy as it was a true experience!

Yes, it had rained the day before we visited

This was truly a "over the hills and through the woods to the lumber yard we go..." experience as Cayuga is located near the next lake in the Finger Lakes chain.  And, it seemed the hills were small mountains to this flat-lander.  The trip south west to the lumber yard was mostly through the woods and valley farms.  At one point we turned too early only to find a church thrift shop, it was open so we had to stop for a look.  Back in the truck, we drove back one block to the main road and continued to the lumber yard road.

When was the last time you selected lumber
from the store room?
Bet is wasn't like this!

Now, we were expecting to see a sign or a warehouse for the lumber.  No dice.  There was no sign only a dozer, two old buildings, a couple of pickups, stacks of lumber, and plenty of mud.  With a shopping list in hand we entered the building and inquired if this was the correct lumber yard.

Lumber stockpile
surrounded by hills and mountains

Yes, it was.  The younger gentleman stopped the mill, read our list, walked around the lumber piles and started selecting boards.  These were rough cut boards and the full 1x8 or 2x4.  Somehow we managed to fit a huge amount of lumber in the truck and prayed the ratchet straps would keep the lumber in the back of the truck.

Dance tents, serving as the volunteer check-in
on the grassy fields at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds

We made it back just before lunch and delivered the wood to the in-field.  We could not miss one of the wonderful crew meals which are provided by local residents and/or businesses.   

Relaxing at lunch with the
Volunteer record keeper (computer)

The lumber was used to build additional 'comfort houses' AKA a multi-station, unisex, plumbed outhouse.  Sorry, no pictures.

Building the dance floor

After two weeks of set-up we were hopefully ready for the festival opening on Thursday 7/16... I was set to open the kitchen registers and help with random tasks, Bill was a Stage Crew Leader on the in-field stage.  But the universe had other plans for us as the cell phone rang late Wednesday evening with disturbing news... we had to return to Florida immediately due to my mother's condition.  So, we packed it up, said our farewells and left Trumansburg on a rainy Thursday morning.

Trumansburg after a rain

On the positive side, we had a wonderful two weeks in the area with old and new friends, sampling wonderful ice cream, hiking the gorges, and in general enjoying life.

New York: Selkirk Shores State Park

How can you go this far north and not visit a Great Lake?  You simply can't.  As Lake Ontario dominates this area... you guessed it we had to camp on the shore.  

Sunrise from the campground
Selkirk Shores State Park

Selkirk Shores State Park gave us the opportunity.  There are several camping loops and being July 6th, two days after the holiday weekend, we had a wide choice of sites.  The park ranger suggested we stay in a loop that offers lake views from every site to which we immediately agreed.

Bill surveying the lake with the comment,
"It is big enough to be an ocean!"

Yes, the Great Lakes are huge, you can't see the other side!  If it were salty with waves then I'd call it an ocean.  However it is not salty and on this visit the water gently lapped the shore line which varies from sand to mud to small rocks.

So this is the source of the river rocks...

The name ontarío means “Lake of Shining Waters” in the Wyandot (Huron) language.  The lake is correctly named as it does shine and sparkle.  Surprisingly, Lake Ontario is the smallest lake of the Great Lakes in surface area; however, being 53 miles wide and 193 miles long is still huge.  In any case, I couldn't see the other side and would not want to attempt a canoe trip across much less a swim.

Trees and shrubs grow to the edge of the lake

From our point of access the lake is fed by two rivers that flow through Selkirk Shores State Park.  Both The Salmon River and the Little Salmon River are accessible by boat, automotive vehicle, or foot.  Being a bit road weary foot travel was perfect.  

Trail along the east side of the lake towards
Salmon River

Our first hike was to the Salmon River which flows along the north end of the park.  This river is touted for it's world class salmon and steelhead fishing.  Unfortunately, I can't verify the park's claim as I wasn't fishing.  But we did view the village of Pulaski (1804) and the Selkirk Light (1838) from the banks of the river.

View from the park, looking west across the Salmon River

For our return to the campground we selected a trail which traversed several hills allowing us to walk along the river banks and then through an old growth forest.  As park is home to some of the highest quality freshwater marshes in New York State we were not surprised to find several spotted frogs in the area.

A wonderful frog
Northern Leopard Frog?

We left the river bank and headed back west into the old growth forest which was beautiful with the quiet broken only by the chirp of birds and an owl call.  We felt as if we were privy to a prehistoric era as we traversed the forest. 

Hilly trails through an old growth forest

When you spend time in the quiet of nature there are many interesting sights but were amazed to find a rat snake feasting on a toad amid the forest floor.

A rare treat to view in nature

As we returned to the lake we realized we observed many 'Florida' birds.  A quick check of the park brochure confirmed the lake is on a bird migratory route  ... guess the term snow bird has a real meaning in this flyway.  

Sunset on the lake
recall it is huge with both east and west views

After dinner it was time for a hike to the south end of the park and explore the Little Salmon River and Grindstone Creek.

Grindstone Creek towards the Little Salmon River

As this end of the park we found several fishermen, typical shore birds, and sunset watchers.  To pass the time waiting for the sunset several folks were skipping stones, those nice round stones, into the lake.  An old activity that was shared by adults and children alike.  Yes, we joined in the stone skipping but quickly decided another fella was the champion rock skipper.

Skipping Rocks on the banks of Lake Ontario
awaiting the sunset

New York: Whetstone Gulf State Park

Back on the road after a delightful stay with Al and Phyllis on the Hudson River.  We crossed the Adirondack Mountains as we headed west towards the next volunteer opportunity.  With several options for the next stop we selected Whetstone Gulf State Park which promised a great canyon.

Whetstone Creek races through the gorge
cooling the area and
providing a fine mist for trees and shrubs.

The State Park literature indicated the park was built in and around a three-mile-long gorge cut into the eastern edge of the Tug Hill Plateau. We can attest to the river cut gorge which made interesting hiking from both the rim and inside the gorge. 

The creek that built the three mile gorge
Somehow it doesn't seem possible

The creek moves rapidly providing a welcome coolness in the gorge, especially after hiking the rim on a still afternoon.  Our first hike was along the gorge rim followed by the cool down walk in the gorge.

The creek pauses to create a swimming hole
which was welcome on such a hot day

Looking towards the rim from the gorge floor

 However it may be a bit exaggerated to say, "The gorge is one of the most spectacular scenic vistas east of the Rocky Mountains."  This was our first hike of the afternoon, we found the trail head and started a steep climb to the rim.  Only, the climb did not stop once we reached the rim, the trail simply leveled a bit before continuing a slower elevation gain.  No matter, it was a well marked trail that spiraled through tall conifers along the rim.  The disappointment was a lack of visibility across or into the gorge due to the lush leaf cover.

Hiking the rim was amazing with the tall trees
and sharp curves near the edge.

Perhaps in the winter when the ridge trees are leafless and you don a pair of snow shoes the other side of the gorge becomes visible.  But in early July it simply isn't the case, all you see are trees, trees, and more trees.  Still, we did enjoy the hikes.

There were not many blossoms but this was a beauty

New York: Touring the Hamlet of Warrensburg

After several days of touring the area with our wonderful hosts it was time for a solo tour.  Phyllis and Al are wonderful guides as they play tour guide for every visitor and believe me they do have visitors! 

An impromptu song session
 in Phyllis and Al's home

So, we headed down the road towards the Warrensburg Fish Hatchery.  Now this hatchery has a long and interesting history.  In the early 1800s it was a farm and sitting on the banks of the Hudson River this makes total sense. 

Adjacent to the Hudson River

water descends the mountain to the tanks

and is then released to the river

Photos complements of Warrensburg Fish Hatchery

 Long about 1880 the farm sold and eventually purchased by the State of New York for operation as a Fish Hatchery.  At some point around 1900 the state wanted to close the hatchery; however, the people of Warrensburg had other ideas and purchased the property.

Main office of the hatchery
Photos complements of Warrensburg Fish Hatchery

So, it has been an operating hatchery since the early 1900's.  Today you can take self-guided tours through the facility and view Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Atlantic Salmon in various stages of development.

Tank #7 where the fingerlings mature
Photos complements of Warrensburg Fish Hatchery

In speaking with the hatchery staff we learned they use weight to calculate the number of fish at each stage.  First they weigh several eggs to determine the approximate number of eggs being hatched.  Before transferring to a new tank a few sample fish are weighed and again the number is approximated.  

Fingerlings in the tank.
Photos complements of Warrensburg Fish Hatchery

Once in the larger pools it is easier to count the number of fish that don't survive their leap to dry land and then subtract that from the original number.  Somehow, I can't imagine getting an accurate count but she assured me the count is valid.  Should you have a free hour or two, a trip to the hatchery is well worth your time.

Lovely flowers along the hatchery nature trail

Next stop...Hackensack Mountain Park which is just off the main road through Warrensburg.  Now Hackensack is a relatively small Adirondack mountain and rises 1,357 feet above the town.

Bill climbing up the side of Hackensack Mountain

This is not your typical hike... oh it starts out innocent enough by wandering around the base of the mountain, through a swamp, and along side a stream.  But then it starts to rise and the trail is both steep and rocky.

Notice this is truly a climb and not a hike!
It is not for the timid.

The meaning of the name “Hackensack” is derived from the Algonquin word  Achkincheschakey (A-kin-hes-kakee) which means, “where two rivers come together”.  And it is true as it is the confluence of the Hudson and Schroon Rivers.   At one time, a quarry on the mountain produced stone from which a number of buildings in Warrensburg were built.  The quary is easy to understand when you hike this rocky mountain.

One view from the top of Hackensack Mountain

From the peak you find many views of the mountains in both New York and Vermont.  In fact, for a short time in the 1970’s, there was a small, Town operated ski center known as Blister Hill located on the south end of the mountain.  Today there are multiple trails that crisscross the mountain which become snow-shoe trails in the dead of winter.  

The Green Mountains of Vermont
 viewed from the Hackensack Mountain crest

We finished the day with a short hike in the Pack Forest which is directly across the road from Al and Phyllis' camp in the southern Adirondacks.  The forest covers 2,500 acres of woodlands and used for educational purposes.  Here you will find several ponds, streams, and an 85-acre lake along with dorms, classrooms, dining hall, and other camper facilities.  There are miles of trails and roads that explore the area from the banks of the Hudson River to mountain peaks.

White 'paper' birch abounds in the forest

With only a few hours left in the day and no map we traveled the well marked paths and trails except for the poorly marked trail that paralleled the highway to and from our hosts' camp.

Returning to Al & Phyllis' camp
along the Hudson River

As usual, Phyllis had planned the perfect ending to a perfect day.  We spent time chatting along the river as we awaited dinner...

A quiet moment along the Hudson River
with Phyllis and Al

Giving Al the opportunity to play grill chef.

Al grilling... they do love their guests

Yes, it was another wonderful day visiting Al and Phyllis.

Phyllis just wouldn't join us in a tune...
too busy taking pictures!