Reluctantly we departed from our overnight stay at Chateau LaFayette Reneau Winery with the beautiful view of Lake Seneca. Next stop Howe Caverns about 40 miles west of Albany. Howe Caverns is about 4 miles off the interstate on a winding, hilly two lane road. We were about 1/10 of a mile away when we round a bend and there before us is a low clearance bridge of 12'9". We being 13'4" come to a complete stop. Since backing up is not possible towing a car 4 wheels down. We get out and detach the car and Rosemary gets it out of the way. I then slowly go backwards while signaling approaching cars with my left arm out the window to go around the coach. Most get it promptly. Those who don’t get it promptly finally get it when they realize I am going in reverse and they must either get out of the way or else! After a few hundred yards I reach a parking lot in which I can enter and turn around. Luckily, the parking lot is in front of a business that is temporarily closed until the following Saturday. We lock up the coach and proceed to the caverns in the car. The caverns entrance is an elevator trip down 156'. Two unique features of this caverns is firstly, an underground river on which we take a boat ride. Secondly, the “winding way” which is a narrow, winding pathway for single file only with heights from 5' to 50' carved by rapid water movement as opposed to the slow movement of water that wears away the limestone which formed the caverns. Onward to Albany and a visit to Tram. Tram’s driveway is flat and more importantly, long enough to accommodate the coach. We had a delightful dinner at a Japanese restaurant about a 5 minute walk from Tram’s. After dinner we all returned to the coach for some wine and conversation. We enjoyed the quiet residential parking spot when lights out.
Day 26, Wednesday, Watkins Glen, NY
After a night at the museum we head to Watkins Glen State Park, a ½ hour away. It is incredible. 1-1/2 mile walk along the base of a gorge with waterfall after waterfall, 19 in all. A couple of them you walk behind the falls. A little rain caused us to use the ponchos but they came in handy walking the trail during which one does not stay completely dry. Afternoon we head to Hector (about 7 miles away) and the Chateau LaFayette Reneau Winery, a Harvest Hosts host, for a tasting and an overnight stay. Wine was very good and we made a purchase. The winery is in a beautiful spot overlooking Lake Seneca away from any city noise. Attended 2 more wineries and one distillery for tastings with more purchased. Since the coach gets a little hot at times, our purchases go into the fridge which is getting full of bottles - must drink more. Also had a tasting of local cheeses and also made a purchase. Dinner in Watkins Glen at Nickel’s Pit BBQ. The ribs and pulled pork made it a winning choice and served with local brew Original Nut Brown Ale from the Rooster Fish Brewing located in the restaurant. Back to the coach and find we are all alone. Open the coach up to admire the view - no noise but us, the birds and the frogs. This is our first Harvest Hosts winery and definitely won’t be our last. What a great deal Harvest Hosts is.
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