2019 06 17 - 2019 06 25 Saugerties, Woodstock, Kingston, New York

Arrived at Saugerties, New York - 17 June 2017

We found this bird nest in the 5th wheel hitch where the trailer is hooked up to the truck. We felt sad because it seemd like we had chick-knapped someone's potential children. There were at least 5 eggs. It wasn't more than three days later when Bob noticed a bird flying right back into the same space trying to build a nest. Please, little birds. We are surrounded by trees.

Hyde Park, New York - 18 June 2019

A rather soggy day for exploring the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. This mansion was built to recall the Gilded Age of unparalleled growth in industry, technology, and immigration. Frederick Vanderbilt, the grandson of Cornelius, and his wife, Louise bought the property as their spring and fall country estate. It's a neo-classical style with Beaux-Arts ornamentation and incorporated the latest innovations: electricity, central heating and indoor plumbing. Furnishings and contruction costs totaled around $2,250,000.  

Frederick, a quiet man, preferred to avoid social occassions, but Louise loved to entertain, throwing lavish weekend parties. This entrance room covers almost half the first floor.

The Gentlemens room where the men gathered after dinner is dark paneled and covered with firearms, books and stuffed heads. By contrast, the Ladies room is bright, filled with flowers and soft fabrics and furniture. 

Similarly, Louise's bedroom reflects her obsession with French design and furnishings. The railing around her bed is copied from the one which surrounded the bed of French Kings and Queens who "held court" before rising. The railing kept the ministers and foreign dignitaries away from the royal persons. Documents and gifts would be places on the railing and maintain separation between the royals and all others. 

Eveready Diner, Hyde Park, New York - 18 June 2019

In need of refreshment after our tour, we selected a popular spot and well worth it. Extensive menu, good service, attentive staff and reasonable prices for breakfast, lunch and dinners. 

Franklin D. Roosevelt House, Hyde Park, New York

While it is called Springwood, the home of Franklin Roosevelt, it was, in fact, the house owned by his parents, James and Sara (Delano) Roosevelt. The two side towers were added on by Franklin after his marriage to his cousin, Eleanor. The house was built on a 110-acre estate purchased in 1867 which included the house and a working farm. FDR was an only child in a rich and privileged life. In later years, FDR expanded his parents land holdings to nearly 1,500 acres and planted over half a million trees.  

The sunken living room was also used by FDR as his office and reception room during stays is Springwood. He would station himself behind his desk or in a chair and remain there until everyone left the room. A small ramp was added along one side of the stairs to accommodate his wheelchair. 

The elevator was added so FDR could avoid the stairs to the second floor. He would roll into the elevator and use the ropes to hand haul the elevator up or down. 

FDR's Boyhood Bedroom

Birth Room where Sara delivered her only child.

Right: Franklin's bedroom. Left: Eleanor's adjoining room so she could be available if he needed anything. 

Horseback riding was an important part of life in Hyde Park. This is the horse barn with the flower garden in front of it. 

In the middle of the rose garden are the graves of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. The graves are bare except for the American flag and brass plaque indicating Franklin's. One year after his death, the home was opened to the public. Also on the property is the Presidential library and museum documenting FDR's 12 years as President, including the Great Depression and World War II.  

2019 06 10 - 2019 06 16. Lake George, Battle of Saratoga, Fort Ticonderoga "Scot's Day"

Lake George, New York - 10 June 2019

Arriving at our new campgrounds we were gratified to see a continuation of the fantastic Adirondack region. Having only been to New York City once, we had come away with what is probably the typical thoughts - washing the entire state with the same brush of skyscrapers, concrete, steel and hordes of people.

While the Seneca Lake area was a lovely contrast to this out of touch concept, it in no way compares to the majestic vistas of tree covered mountains we saw marching on all sides of our drive to Lake George. Our trailer in the picture above is just under 14 feet high and the surrounding trees are 8 times that height. Behind our site flows the Schroon River. Such beauty and serenity called to us each day to sit outside, relax away the hectic pace of sightseeing, slow down and enjoy the quiet of nature in all her glory. A little wine with some New York cheddar cheese and crackers. 

Battle of Saratoga, Stillwater, New York - 11 June 2019

The significance of the Battle of Saratoga during the War for Independence cannot be overstated. It is here, in 1777, that American troops battled and beat a British invasion force, marking the first time in world history that the British army had ever surrendered. This crucial victory secured foreign recognition and support, affirmed American independence and changed the face of the world. 

Along the Park Tour Road are more than a dozen memorials to participants in this battle. Colonel Daniel Morgan's corps of Virginia and Pennsylvania were the first to engaged the British. After 3 hours, the British lines wavered under blistering American fire until German reinforcements steadied the breaking line, gradually forcing the Americans to withdraw. 

John Neilson farmed this land on the summit before and after the war and joined the American troops to oppose the advance of General Burgoyne. His house was used by Benedict Arnold as quarters during the campaign and has been restored to look much like it did. 

American river fortifications, designed by Col. Tadeus Kosciuszko, a Polish military engineer and volunteer to the Patriot cause, was constructed overlooking the Hudson River to support infantry and cannon posted here. This closed off the British route to Albany and forced them to attempt to attack the American line on the summit. 

Americans captured this hill, charging the breastworks 100 yards long and 7-8 feet high being defended by less than 200 German soldiers and officers. They were no match for the more than 1300 Americans under the leadership of Benedict Arnold.

It was during this action on Breymann Redoubt that General Arnold was shot for the second time, received just as the Americans captured the position. The Boot Memorial commemorates his bravery. Since the Memorial was erected in the late 1800s, long after his treasonous activities in New York, it commemorates his service without mentioning his name.

Hackensack Mountain, Warrensburg, New York - 12 June 2019

A very warm, sunny day for a hike under the tall trees at the Hackensack Mountain Park just north of our campsite. It started out as a nice peaceful walk in the woods. With some uninvited guests, the mosquitos drove us back to the truck where we thankfully had some repellent which held them at bay. Restarting the hike, we were now more interested in our surroundings. The fauna was very nice, including Moccasin Flower, Interrupted Fern and Sensitive Fern.

And then "Yikes!" What happened to our lovely walk in the woods. I guess we should be thankful the trail wrapped around the mountain instead of going straight up. But does it really look like a moderate rated trail? I took the middle picture after I had descended from that perch. So Bob and our dogs are still trying to figure out how to get down. The right photo is looking back up after working our way down using the rope. My sister said, "That's not a trail for people. It's for goats."

But we survived and were rewarded with splendid views from the summit, about 560 feet of elevation gain. But it sure seemed like much more to my legs. The dogs were very happy to return to our site for some much needed rest and sleep.  

Fort Ticonderoga "Scots Day", Ticonderoga, New York - 15 June 2019 

Originally built  by French forces in 1755 and named Fort Carillon, it was used during the French and Indian War to attack the British forces in Fort William Henry. Surrendered and captured British soldiers were masqueraded by Native Americans in 1757. It wasn't until 1759 that British forces finally forced the French to blow up Fort Carillon's powder magazine and retreat. The fort was renamed Ticonderoga. Scots' Day commemorates those descendants of Scotland who fought for the Crown. 

Brimming with cannon power which were taken by Americans in 1775 when Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold's men captured the fort's small garrison. Fifty-nine of the cannon were disassembled and moved by sledges on a 300-mile journey to Boston in less than two months beginning early December. After being floated down Lake Champlain, the 40 sleds and 80 oxen hauled the 5400 sleds with the captured cannon to Boston by January 24, 1776.

Most of the buildings are reproductions of what researchers believe was present when the French blew up their powder. First floor rooms display barracks of ordinary soldiers and officers quarters plus craftsmen necessary to maintain the soldiers readiness including gunsmiths, shoemakers, cooks, blacksmiths.  

Upper floor rooms house an extensive collection of weaponry including swords, guns, halberts, pikes, knives, dirks and rifles. 

For Scots' Day, the Leatherstocking District Pipe Band performed on the Fort's Parade Grounds.

Boarding the Carillon for a boat tour of Lake Champlain. A breezy day to be on the water but the boat handled it well without anyone having tummy troubles. 

Lake view of Fort Ticonderoga. Across the lake is Vermont where the Green Mountain Boys led by Ethan Allen captured this vital installation which was only held for two years until General John Burgoyne's British offensive forced the American evacuation.

Honoring his Scottish ancestry, Bob wore his tartan. 

David uses his muscles, a tripod and winch to hoist a small cannon.  

Mount Defiance is an 853 foot high hill on the New York side of Lake Champlain overlooking Fort Ticonderoga. This is where the British positioned their artillery which caused the Americans to withdraw from Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Independence without a fight. 

On our drive back home, Bob and I were so enthralled by the scenery along the west side of Lake George that we got lost. We were looking at all the resorts and B & Bs along the lake shore and missed our turn. But sometimes these kinds of detours are well rewarded. And this is one of those times. From quaint family run resorts to 100 year old hotels and hidden private homes and mansions, all nestled amongst the trees and perched on the hillside that makes up the lakeshore. Suddenly, we drove into the town of Lake George, a town in the protected Adirondack region of mountains and old growth forests. The "Million Dollar Beach" is a State run public beach among the private areas with lifeguards, boat ramp and picnic areas. Wineries, historical sites, walking and hiking trails, festivals, restaurants, boat tours, caves, shopping, museums and an amusement park are just some of the things to do in this idealic town.

We have been asked repeatedly what is our favorite place since we have been on the road. We believed the Ashville, North Carolina was ideal. There is little doubt that, for now, the area around Lake George and Lake Champlain have become our favorite location.