Episode 8 – Farther into Upstate New York.

Your trepid adventurers have landed outside of Conrith, NY which is just past Syracuse. We are staying at Alpine Lake this week and what a very nice campground. This is Amish and Mennonite country having seen several horse drawn carriages and huge barns on farms. We left the interstate and have traversed some narrow two lane village roads. Don’t make good time, but the views are very pleasurable.

Did get to check off a bucket list item yesterday. Were able to spend 2 hours at Cooperstown NY and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. What an amazing place! Sensory overload in terms of baseball memorabilia and would love to return and spend much more than 2 hours. It took four hours for the round trip and it wouldn’t be fair to Roxie couped up in the rig. She’s been having a bit of a gastric problem and sadly we had a bit of mess to clean up after our return. No damage that a hose, scrub brush, and a drying fan could repair.

Seeing so many of my boyhood heroes along with the bats, balls, gloves and caps associated with them is something I’ll never forget. Vicki had a great time too. As you can see, she definitely had her Mariners on and was so happy to get a picture with Edgar’s HOF stuff. Cooperstown was not even close to what I had envisioned. It is a tiny village in upstate New York with parallel parking right outside the museum. Down from the HOF is the usual schmaltz associated with museums and sports, but it was definitely worth the drive. We were also just outside of Saratoga Springs with the running of the Belmont. Didn’t go to the race as we didn’t realize we were so close until it was too late. Spoke with a barista in town on Monday and he said it was absolutely crazy! Glad we didn’t go.

We have so far been very fortunate with the weather. It has been warm during the day, but still having to channel our Seattle skills by layering up. Highs have only been in the high 60’s while night time and early mornings have been in the high 40’s low 50’s. Definitely makes Roxie’s walks….brisk! Was able to catch a couple of Emmet’s baseball games and he’s fun to watch. Also am looking forward to seeing Oliver’s track highlights from a successful season. Learning to throw the shot is a skill that is a sight to behold. So proud of both those boys. Dominic is electrifying as he comes closer and closer to becoming a journeyman electrician. So proud of him as well!!

Elisabeth and Justin are now part of the RV world as they have purchased their first trailer. It’s a pull behind and they will have so much fun. Had their first shake down cruise and of course there were issues. But since Justin and Elisabeth are both mechanically minded they remedied the situation and are enjoying the ride. Annalise is recovering each day from knee replacement surgery, so any white light and healing energy you can send her way is always appreciated. Josh is staying busy between announcing baseball, chauffeuring the boys around and working at Boeing. Looks like they’ll go on strike so the Roller Coaster ride begins yet again.

Our health is good and looking forward to our next stop which is in New Hampshire. Looking forward to explore more of the Eastern portion of our country and enjoying new sights, smells and local cuisines. Hope that this finds you well and did I mention?…we’re still loving retirement.