25 - 29 June, 2012 The South Shore Lake Ontario New York State, USA Day # 4

25 - 29 June, 2012 The South Shore Lake Ontario

New York State, USA

Day # 4

Don't forget clicking on photos enlarge them

Wow!!!! What a change in weather, I woke up early and not wishing to wake any of the other campers I quietly broke camp and pulled out of my South Shore Camp Site without even eating breaky.   I just wanted to get to the water and get a couple of lighthouses in while the winds were still low.

Sheriff/Coast Guard Office to right of truck 

I got to the Sodus Point Beach Park and realized that I had not thought about a launch point the day before. Thinking to myself “ it was likely cause your skin was being removed by flying beach sand “. At this hour in the morning there was no one around at all, let alone on the inner bay beach, which happened to lay next to the Sheriff’s/Coast Guard Offices. Hummmmm ..

Beach on Sodus Bay behind truck

I said to myself, this be the spot, I should be out and back before anyone else arrives. I launched from this sheltered sandy beach and began my paddle along the channel leading out to Lake Ontario and to the Outer Light which was established in 1870 to show fishermen the end of pier that protected the channel leading into Sodus Bay.

Sodus Point Outer Light

This morning the winds and lake Gods where in my favour, with nearly no waves I paddled up to the outer light. Enjoying the freshness of the morning lake air I took several photo’s of this truly important light, then continued on out into Lake Ontario.

Much different look at this light this morning, no waves crashing over the pier.  I love that there were a few clouds in the sky.

Out of the channel I then pointed my kayak westerly to the original and more majestic Old Sodus Point Lighthouse. I could not believe my good fortune, the sun was just perfect behind my back as I paddled the 2.6 Kms to the Lighthouse.

Sodus Point Lighthouse

As I approached the lighthouse I started to take photos then stopped and sat just taking it all in. Here I am, no one to be seen and I get to enjoy this simple but breath-taking vista. I guess it is the eye of the beholder thing.

Nice lighting.

Can this be the same place as yesterday???

Photos taken, I turn and paddle back to the outer light then down the channel to the beach.

Looking into Sodus Bay while paddling the harbour channel. 

I was just tying down the kayak as the first employee of the Sheriff Office showed up. It was the Sheriff himself, he stopped and we chatted about the weather and my paddling project for a couple of minutes. He mentioned that he had seen me the day before on the beach braving the sand storm taking photos of the pier and the light. He also said he thought at one point I was thinking of going out to paddle and he was just about to come out and stop me. I told him at no time paddling was on my mind, he chuckled and said, I see all kinds here. Wishing me luck he was off to open the office.

Goodbye Sodus Point Lighthouse

I too was off and as I turned onto Hwy # 104 the Seaway Trail I looked at the trucks clock 08:15 am and already two lights off the list.













By O8:30 I had logged my next Trail Cache, named Maxwell’s Silver ( Steel ) Hammer ( head ) located in Beechwood State Park. It was a very short hike next in and out along the creek. It was worth it as I had recovered a Proxy: Groundspeak Lackey 2009 Geocoin



St Peters Wreck Cache

At 09:00 I had stopped at B. Forman County Park to recover my second Seaway Cache of the day “ St Peters Wreck “ this was a very nice park overlooking Lake Ontario. By 09:45hrs I was on Hwy # 104 heading to Rochester NY and my next two lighthouses.






On my way to the Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse on Lake Ave, while sitting at a Street light I noticed another Library so I made a mental note to come back and E-Mail Mollie as to where and what I was up to.

Turning on to River Rd, I found the Boat launch for the Genesee River. I hope to get two Lighthouses and a new one that sits on the Coast Guard Building. Arriving at the Boat Launch, ready to launch I find out that the town of Rochester does charge a fee to launch.

The launch security guard showed me the machine which does not take cash, so using the my credit card I get my launch pass. Having the launch pass is cool cause it gave me an idea when I launched 11:33 am.

As I paddled out of the launch the first thing that I came across was the old Railway Swing Bridge which is no longer in use, but still remains as a reminder of days gone by. The Rail bed that connected on either side of the swing bridge is now used as a State Multi Use Trail.

Paddling south past the bridge I headed down the Genesee River to the Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse, unfortunately this part of the river is now quite commercial so getting a nice photo of the lighthouse was near impossible. I hang the MS flag on a dock in front to take my photo.

Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse photo taken from link just so you get a better idea of what it looks like.

Pinta & Nina Tall Ships

Pictures taken I now head north up the river to Lake Ontario and the Rochester Harbour light which is another pier and channel light. On my way to the Harbour Light, I passed a couple of replica Ships.







More on the ship:

Rochester, NY.- On Thursday, June 10, the ‘Pinta’ and the ‘Nina’ will arrive in Rochester. The ships will be docked at 1000 River St. (formerly 4658 Lake Ave,) adjacent to Ontario Beach Park, until their departure early Monday morning June 30th.

The ‘Nina’ was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools. Archaeology magazine called the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.” The craftsmanship of construction and the details in the rigging make it a truly fascinating visit back to the Age of Discovery.

The ‘Pinta’ was recently built in Brazil to accompany the ‘Nina’ on all of her travels. She is a larger version of the archetypal caravel and offers larger deck space for walk-aboard tours and has a 900 sq. ft. main salon down below to view slide shows of the ships’ construction. The ‘Pinta’ is available for private parties while in port.

Both ships will be touring together as a new and enhanced ‘sailing museum’, for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the ‘caravel,’ a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world.





While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ships for a walk aboard self-guided tour. The ship will be open to the public, June 11, 12 and 13 from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. No reservations necessary. The prices are $7.00 for adults, $6.00 for senior citizens and $5.00 for students. Children 4 and under are free. Teachers or organizations wishing to schedule a 30 minute guided tour with a crew member should call 1-787-672-2152 and leave a message. Minimum of 15. No Maximum. $4.00 per person.

Scott getting the flag in order

It’s at Rochester Harbour Light that I had the chance meeting with Scott & Andrea. Scott was enjoying the great views from this location under the light when I asked him if he would hold the MS Flag for the photo. As much as he knew this task could be difficult was more then pleased to help me out.

Rochester Harbour Light

Andrea a kind young mother out on a walk with her young mothers group, graciously asked Scott if she could help by holding one end. Two people drawn together by chance doing a good turn off. I noticed Andrea walking with Scott back along the pier. Thanks, Scott and Andrea for you help. Sorry, I did not catch your last names, often think about what the two of you talked about on your return walk down the pier. “ Shore People “

Coast Guard Station Rochester Harbour

The second lighthouse completed I south again heading back along the east side of the river taking in the Coast Guard building with it’s unofficial light and viewing tower. I thought I would add this to my list of lights.

By 12:40 I was off the water loaded up and heading for the library to e-mail Mollie. In my E-mail to Mollie I mentioned that I would try and get Braddock Lighthouse in today. The winds are good and I have been very lucky. At 13:30 I was on the road to Braddock Point.

Braddock Point was a short drive from Rochester, however on my arrival at it’s location I come to find that there is no access to the light. Closest launch point would be Hamlin Beach State Park 11 miles west of the lighthouse.  Driving the area trying to see the lighthouse I turned off Lighthouse Rd onto Ampor Beach road.  Which is more like a dead end lane, if not private was very close to it.   I drove the complete road and turned around at the end, while slowly driving back out I had to wait for a young man to pull out of his driveway.  He asked if I was lost and I told him what I was doing and that I was looking for a launch location.  Before I knew it he jumped out of his car, which was still blocking me from continuing along the road.   In a couple of minutes he was back, he walked up to my truck introduced himself as Bill Surash and said park there as he pointed to a spot next to thier garage, you may use our boat launch.

I had to carry my Kayak to the garage hidden
behind this pretty lake front home.

He showed me around the house to their boat ramp and then said good bye, he was off to cut the lawn at his grand mother's home in town.

Kayak and gear at the boat ramp I’m ready to go, I lifted the kayak fairly high as the ramp was steep, half way down the ramp I lost my footing and down I went landing on this slippery concert slab and then into the water. I landed on my elbow and hip with the kayak falling on top, laying there I was thinking this is really going to hurt. Slowly rolling or floating the kayak off my arm, not sure now. I managed to crawl out of the water and sat on the ramp for about 10 minutes taking stock. Forearm is some what aching, hip seems ok so not bad all in all.

Just light Motel 6.  They left the light on for us.

Thinking to myself suck it up buttercup lets get on with this, I slowly climb into the kayak and got paddling the 3 kms east to Braddock Lighthouse.

This Lighthouse is now privately own and shows true commitment and pride of ownership. The original tower was 110' tall but had extensive damage so the owners only restored the essence rather than the complete tower.

All I can say “ beautiful “. Several flag/lighthouse photos taken I turn my kayak west and head back to that evil boat ramp. With great care manage to get my kayak and gear on shore with out incident, always a bonus.

Wish to thank the owners of the
lighthouse treasure, your keep a history alive. 

Getting the kayak and gear the 150 yards back to truck and then up on the roof rack, my body is telling me I’m not 20 anymore…smiling. Just as I’m ready to pull away Bill’s mother comes out to meet me and wish me a safe journey. She said she had been busy in the basement and was sorry she missed my paddle as she herself was a kayaker and would have joined me. Goodbyes said I was once again on the road west.  " Shore People " Thank you



Not on any Lighthouse list I found a newly built replica Lighthouse at Point Breeze. I found this lighthouse while looking up Geocaches along the Seaway Trail. Now on Hwy #18, Hwy # 104 just turns into #18 I get to Point Breeze and turn into the village. As I’m heading to the water my GPS chimes, Geocache 65ft, I looked ahead to my left and there is a Restaurant and Yeppers it’s called, The Lighthouse Restaurant.   I pull in and start to look for the cache which I found in short order.   Short Order, Restaurant. Ok, not so funny. 

I did however go in and I had an order of salad and fish………very good I might add.

Light Anyone???
I know I hope I don't get worse. 

Do you think I was mean to eat here.  They like their lighthouses and they have clients that bring them lighthouses from around the world. 












Coffee and late lunch completed,  I head to the Lighthouse called “ Oak Orchard Lighthouse “. I most say nice job to the friends of the lighthouse group.   I take several photos and find the Seaway Trail Geocache at the lighthouse and decide to move on.

  Not an official Lighthouse I decided not to float my boat…….smiling.







This was not a live Goose, it was a decoy glued to the rock.

This was a very nice little park point of interest this lighthouse replica was built by the US Army,  Corp of Engineers out of Buffalo NY


Talking to folks at Oak Orchard Lighthouse they recommended I camp at Golden Hill State Park.

Camp in Front of Thirty Mile Lighthouse

Well to my pleasure I find out that Golden Hill State Park just happens to have a lighthouse. Yeppers this is the location of my next Lighthouse “ Thirty Mile Point “ .  








I arrived at the parks after office hours I was unsure if I could get a camping site for the night. Just then the parks  C.A.P. “ Camper Assistance Program “ Camper came by in his golf cart. He stopped and informed me to take any free campsite and drop by in the morning and straighten up with the Park Administration Staff. While looking at the posted park map I noticed what looked to be the location of the lighthouse. So off I go and you would not believe it a site right in front of the lighthouse.

I set up camp have my dinner and walk the park. There is still lots of day left I’m thinking why not get this Lighthouse done in case tomorrow is another windy day. Armed with the knowledge from the Park C.A.P camper I now know that the park has a boat launch east of the lighthouse by a couple of miles.
So off I go. I arrive at the boat ramp to find it’s in a small lagoon off Lake Ontario. This Lagoon most have caught all the floating algae and moss from the storm the day before, cause it is the worst smelling spot on earth……….I quickly off load the kayak and gear, park the truck in the parking lots and launch right of the dock.   No way do I want to put one foot in this lagoons stagnate water. Paddling out of the lagoon I am pleased to breath fresh air.  

Paddling into the late day sun.

I turn my kayak into the setting sun and head for the Lighthouse in 20 minutes I reach the shore off the lighthouse and take my flag photos.

This is another beautiful Lighthouse and this one is owned by the State Parks. I come to find out later in the evening that they use this lighthouse for public meeting and park staff offices. Also if your to visit this lighthouse during the day you are allowed to climb up to the light and look out. That would have been way cool. As it turned out I was up and gone before the park staff arrived.

History on the shore.

Photos taken I head back east to the Lagoon, NOT THE LAGOON !!!!!! On my way back I take my time an follow the shore. I came across an interesting rock structure/formation and wished that I had Nathan from the last night with me to explain what they were.




Getting back to the lagoon I paddle in just as a state employee was there taking water samples, this made me uneasy. I made sure to pull up beside the dock and crawled out of my boat again, not wishing to get any of that foul smell water on me. The water tech helped me pull my kayak out of the green smelly liquid and load it on the truck. Thanks to Jim, you’re the man, “ Lagoon Man “ in your hip waders.

I get back my camp site I felt all in, another day how many lighthouse did I do? REALLY!!!! Seven Lighthouses in one day. Not counting the Coast Guard light in the Genesee River. Really, is that even possible, I guess so I just did it. Off to the shower and then sleep. 

On the way to the shower I had a nice chat with the folks in the site a couple over from me, they invited me back to share their campfire. I did visit for a short time, what a nice family and life long friend. I said my good nights as I was falling asleep, I was off to bed.  It did not take me long to fell asleep.

This Photo taken on a my short walk around the park.

Beautiful sunset at Thirty Mile Lighthouse.

Knowing I would likely be packed up and ready to go prior the Park Administration Office/Gate opened I wrote a small note giving them my Name, Vehicle Lic. And the site. The C.A.P told me the cost of the site, so I left the cash in an envelope and put on his Golf Cart windshield.





I was in the tent and I’m sure asleep by 21:30hrs, 9:30pm.   Good Night

So Ends Day # 4

Once again folks remember we are raising Awareness & Funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Kingston Chapter. If you wish to make a donation/pledge please call the Kingston Chapter at 613-384-8500 . Tell them you wish to pledge to

“ 20 Years To Enlightenment “ and it all stays in the Kingston and area.

      

25 - 29 June, 2012 The South Shore Lake Ontario

25 - 29 June, 2012 The South Shore Lake Ontario

New York State, USA

Day # 3

Don't forget clicking on photos enlarge them.

Day # 3 Westcott State Park

I was a little later getting started this morning. I had the tent down, breaky done and gear all loaded by 08:10. My plan for today is Selkirk & Oswego lighthouses combined with a Geocache or two along the way. Passing through the park gates for the last time I stopped to said good bye to Becky Humiston, big hugs and she asked if she needed to send Mollie an e-mail telling her my plans. I said thanks but will talk to her later in the day. Becky then asked if I would be paddling in these strong wind, they are saying on the radio 25 to 30 knot winds on the lake. Another day of questioning the lakes forces.
I was looking forward to the nice drive along Hwy # 3 the Seaway Trail. I once again passed Henderson Harbour, as I did I was drawn to the large rolling waves crashing over the heavy grey rocks which made up most of the shore line here. It looked very uninviting to a sea kayak paddler. However on the good side I had a ways to go before I reached Selkirk, with time the winds may decrease.

Parking Area and Boat ramp at
Sandy Creek

It seemed before I knew it my GPS gave the 500 meter to a cache chime. Sandy Creek, this was a Seaway Geocache and a must do. I started to slow down and there ahead was a parking area next to the small Creek. I parked and started my what turned out to be about a km hike to the cache site. It was an easy find and a very interesting hike………this is a very busy fish creek.

Another Seaway Trail Cache down

I know I had my coffee while hiking in, it was not that far 1.1 kms one way. 

All along the trail in there was interesting information stops, actually very cool stuff.

Selkirk Lighthouse

Back in the truck I’m on my way listening to my book on CD before I knew it I was reading signs Selkirk, next right Lake St which is the road I needed to follow to the lighthouse. Traveling along the Salmon River on Lake St I noticed that this was an old village, with few new homes in this area. It seemed within minutes I was at the end of the road and at the lighthouse.

This once beautiful lighthouse surely had seen better days. The out buildings certainly had not seen a caring person’s hand in a great deal of time. Once again I felt a sadness at seeing such a beautiful building fall to ruin. I later found out that the locals have also been greatly effected by the lighthouse falling on hard times as it brought many visitors to this once busy sports fishing port.

While sitting in my truck taking it all in I once again had to noticed that the winds had not let up if anything they had increased in strength. I was very lucky with this lighthouse as it over looked a very sheltered harbour and I could stay next to the breakwater out of harms all the way to the main lighthouse and the outer breakwater light.

Building on the left was the old Hotel

Turning around in what was once the lighthouse hotel parking lot, I could see the cabins and the old hotel which were part of the lighthouse property. If their old bones could speak, I’m sure the story of once grander times, would rivet amateur sportsmen like myself to their seats. The stories of the fish that got away, fish caught and stories about what Lake Ontario is noted for, the quickly turning high seas and strong winds. Yes, strong winds that is what I need to focus on today.


On my arrival at the lighthouse I drove through a gate which said private launching only, I did not know if that meant the parking lot I was sitting in as well.   So not wishing to encroach I drove back out in search of a public launch location. As I was driving back along the Salmon River this time not looking for a lighthouse I paid more attention to the riverside homes and that is when I came across what looked to be rental cabins.






I pulled in alone side one of the cabins and as I did a very busy looking woman came out. She turned and noticed I was there and with a great smile, this lovely women quickly said hello and welcomed me to Clark’s Cottages.  I introduced myself and I soon found out I was chatting with Patricia Clark of Clark’s Cottages

Clark's Canoe/kayak launch

Briefly I explained to Patricia that I was paddling all the lighthouses on Lake Ontario and was in need of a launch location. Before I could ask if they had such a spot and how much it would cost, Patricia quickly said we would love for you to use our small canoe/kayak launch and there is no cost. She walked me to this very small dock between two boat houses.

All I could say was thanks and the wind will not get me here…..smiling. Did I mention “shore people “  I carefully off load the kayak and launched all the while smiling to myself, the places I see and the people I meet how lucky am I. 

Note to the right of the lighthouse
more of the old hotel

Leaving their dock I paddled out of a little bay into Salmon River and the Harbour under the Lighthouse. The winds were swift and starting to play with my light kayak. This was a Charter Fishing Harbour and along the shores lay, waiting for calmer days, a small fleet of seriously rigged charter boats for hire. Salmon River, what do you think….smiling.

The wind does not show on the water,
however I feel it moving the kayak

I paddle to a location I thought would give me my best photos. Once again while taking my flag shots I could not help but imagine this beautiful old stone lighthouse in the old days without the road and the fishing boats lining the shore in front of it. It would have been a true postcard photo.

I the harbour the winds are coming
from all directions.

Getting my 20 shots of the inner lighthouse it was time to paddle the breakwater to the outer harbour channel light.

Inside the breakwater Salmon River Harbour

Yes, as I got closer to the outer light and harbour entrance the winds kept increasing quite a bit. I was so happy this light was inside a large stone breakwater. If it had been out in the open I’m sure I would have been sitting on shore again waiting out the winds.





Click on picture to enlarge, one would this it
windy out beyond the breakwater....smiling. 

It was a true challenge getting a photo of the flag, kayak and light. As it turned out I never did get one with the light, flag and kayak. The best I got was kayak and light, no flag. I guess that would fall under “ OH Well “ the kayak will have to do.

Trying to capture the lighthouse and flag from a different side on my way back into the harbour.

After returning to Clark’s I had a nice chat with Patricia and her husband who I never did get his name. He was an avid sailor and was heading to Collin’s Bay Kingston to race his sailboat the following weekend.

Hope for better day ahead.

I thanked them, wished him well on race day and headed down the road to Oswego. As I hit Hwy # 3 I noticed the time was 11:20hrs, how could that be I really was not rushing and I have two lights down already. Good Bye Salmon River & Selkirk Lighthouse.





It was getting close to lunch time when I came across a wonderful little roadside bake stand where I bought a 6 pack of home made tea biscuits, they were extremely large and without a doubt the best Tea Biscuits I’ve had in a long long while. I offered to marry the woman who baked them, but I would have been her fourth man and she said she was not willing to train another. I think she was in her eighties if not older, she said she was flattered just the same. I said I think my first and still wife would cut parts of me away if I remarried to a better cook……we both laughed.

Village Park in Texas, New York

Taking my awesome treasure I got onto Hwy 104b and drove into the village of Texas where I located a beautiful village park over looking Mexico Bay, Lake Ontario which just happened to have a couple of Geocaches.

After dining on fresh biscuits, butter, old cheddar cheese and an apple I went in pursuit of not one but two Seaway Trail Geocaches. Quick finds, I was on my way again.

Oswego here I come and there just happens to be a challenge cache at Fort Oswego, which happens to be one of the two Forts that over looks the Oswego lighthouse, the second Fort would be Fort Ontario.

Many battles over the years where fought at both these forts, this is the story of one such battle at Fort Oswego, The French and Indian War:  During the French and Indian War, the French commander, General Montcalm, arrived in August with 3,000 men. His force included 3 regiments of regulars, several companies of Canadian militia, and numerous Indians. He first captured Fort Ontario, then began the assault on Fort Oswego. Oswego was the stronger fortification, but it was now downhill from 120 cannons in the abandoned Fort Ontario. Montcalm swept the fort with cannon fire, killing the British commander, Colonel Mercer, in the bombardment. British forces were forced to surrender on August 15, 1756.

Montcalm gave much of the British supplies to his Indian allies, and destroyed the fort. He returned to Quebec in triumph with 1,700 prisoners. His actions made a very strong impression on the Indian allies of the British, and caused the Oneida and the Seneca tribes to switch to the French side.

Fort Oswego Cache,  Another one bites the dust!!

I arrived at the Fort by following my GPS which was leading me to the Seaway Trail Geocache and guess what the cache over looks. Yeppers, Oswego Lighthouse and with in a couple of minutes I have found and logged the cache. Returning to my truck at the parking lot, which just happens to over looks my next challenge the Oswego lighthouse.

This was a close up of the Oswego Breakwater &
 Lightouse from Fort Oswego

I noticed a lunching park employee in his truck a couple of vehicles away. He seemed intent on watching Lake Ontario’s intense winds force rolling waves crashing into and over the lighthouse/harbour breakwater way in the distance.








I walked over and asked him if there was a place I could launch my kayak inside the breakwater…….He laughed and began telling me how I could get to the public launch. Then he proceeded to say I was crazy to even think about going out in this wind. I thanked him for the information and the advise.  Ok, so I was not thinking pure thoughts as I walked away, but he maybe right......smiling

kayak off loaded Launch booth up left of flags.

As it turned out this was the launch I had planned to use in the first place. How lucky am I, once again “ Shore People “ The kind lady at the boat launch booth informs me that I get to launch/park for free. It most be my brown eye’s and “ No “ it’s cause I’m full of it………..well I don’t think so anyway…………smiling. I find out later that at all state boat launches Canoes & Kayaks get to launch for free.



Photo taken as I enter the outer Oswego Harbour

Kayak geared up, I launch knowing that the winds and waves on the west side of the harbour breakwater are just out of controlfine if I stay close to the breakwater’s lee side. As I paddle along it hits me, if I turn south I couple paddle all the way to Ithaca, New York where Mollie’s sister Beth and family live……Hummmmmmmmm maybe a future trip.

Ok, so when I start into the harbour the waves are a little choppy but as I start to paddle along the breakwater in calms down. I’m having a blast, winds are not a problem here however the waves crashing the breakwater fly over and keep me cool.

The fun part is you don’t know when and where the waves will come over……wet, smiling and happy to be able to get another lighthouse done regardless of the heavy winds I reach the lighthouse.



Flag attached to ladder.

I paddle right up along side the lighthouse and place the MS flag onto a concrete ladder for a photo or two. It at this point the wind has a chance to take hold of my kayak and blows me out into the rough water.

Photo does not show the high of waves.....

 




It was a bit of a battle getting back into calm waters, so with this in mind I quickly take a few photos of the flag and lighthouse, safely retrieve the flag and head back along the breakwater to the inner harbour.

Heading back into Oswego Inner Harbour

On the paddle back I frequently get reminded of the strong winds ‘cause of the waves that crash over the breakwater and at times onto my little boat and it’s pilot “ Me “.

Oswego Marine Museum

Back on land, kayak loaded I can’t believe my good fortune, I managed to get both planned lighthouses completed in spite of the days strong winds. Enjoying this area, I took a walk along the shore to the Marine Museum, took a couple of photos had my lunch of cheese, biscuits and a couple of apples.





Looking at the time I could not believe this day, it was only 13:48hrs “ 1:48pm “ I guess I will head to my next stop. Sodus Point which has two lights.

Now on Hwy # 104, still the Seaway Trail, I drive into the small town of Fair Haven and while stopped at the one traffic light on main street I happen to notice to the town library. Everything for a reason I say, I pull it hoping it is open. Within 15 minutes I was in and out having e-mailed Mollie that I was still alive and heading for Sodus and will likely spend the night there.

Park Enterance

Enjoying the drive while listening to my book on tape the chime of my GPS tells me I’m 585 meters away from another Seaway Trail Challenge Geocache. I pull right into Chimney Bluff State Park.








I most say Geocaching has brought me to many interesting places. Places I would have never stopped to visit or better yet even know about, this was one of them. I could not believe my good fortune once again. As I started my hike I quickly understood this was special place.

Chimney Bluff State Park 

I could go on and on about this Park and the Chimney Bluff the photos I took were enormously shy of telling you what I saw on this hike, plus the betteries went died in my camera as I got right into the bluffs. So as always I went to my trusted You Tube. The attached link truly does the Bluff justice. I did find the cache, but better yet I found another special place.





A special place I will share with Mollie in the near future.    Here is the link from You tube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=628SlTNQBGk&feature=related 

Chimney Bluff Cache Punch # 15

This is what brought me to this extremily interesting place.  Chimney Bluff Cache.  Punch # 15









On completion of the Bluff hike I thought why not visit the Sodus lighthouses. While walking the bluffs I could see that the winds had actually gotten stronger.

I pulled off Hwy # 104 into the resort village Sodus Point. What a beautiful little waters edge village, cottage country for sure. To get to the Point I followed my GPS to yet another Cache which is right at the piers of the outer light. At 16:50hrs, 4:50pm I found the cache in a sign by the building next to the pier leading to the light. This was an act of a brave man, no one was on this pier or beach.

The algae is actually being blown off pier.

Ok, did I say the winds had increased, maybe or maybe not, but on this point of land you knew that they where 25 to 30 knot winds for sure. These photo actually shows years old algae being blown from the pier leading to the outer light. The sand from the beach was actually hurting as it hit your legs, it was filling my ears while I was taking the photos.

Love this photo, no kayaking in my sea kayak today.  Wish I had a white water boat, what a blast that would be.

Who wants to walk out there ?

So this is 25 to 30 know winds, Hummm

Not wishing to have all the paint removed from the truck I decided to head over to the old Sodus Point Lighthouse and now museum . This lighthouse can only be described as a treasure, it’s location “ Awesome “ you could actually see the Chimney Bluff from the bench sitting in the beautiful very well maintained gardens.
 

Sodus Point Outer Light

This photo was take from Sudos Point Lighthouse Museum, note the Chimney Bluff's in the background. 

I walked around taking in all it views. I had the good fortune to meet a local lady named Kathy who told me the history of the lighthouse and Sodus. Not wishing to leave I knew I had to find a camp ground before it started to get dark. Besides I was getting very hungry.









With direction from Kathy I found a wonderful little Campground RV park called South Shore RV Park. I did not get any photos of the park so here is the link: http://www.southshorervpark.com/pictures/pictures.htm    Very Nice place with very nice people. With my tent up, my camp rice & biscuits dinner made and completely devoured, I sat back and just thought about this amazing day. It was at this time my neighbour in the site next to me, a young geologist from Missouri introduced himself and we shared our stories. He was in upstate NY on a dig which happened to be in the middle of a farm’s field. The samples he showed me where taken to prove or disprove a theory which happened to be way beyond the average brain.   He was trying the best he could to dummy it up so I could understand but really I kept getting lost. Nathan I’m sorry for not getting it, but I did enjoy our chat.  I also enjoyed our chat with Dennis about the deer with the two p---- that he shot…..smiling.  I also want to thank Dennis Riley who was also from Missouri, the town of Nixa, for letting me use his laptop to e-mail Mollie, letting her know I was still doing well. Dennis was in town to get a plant ready for a special inspection.  Good Lucky with that Dennis.

I'm hoping for better winds tomorrow.

After my visit with these two very intweresting young men  I decided to head back to the Old Sodus Lighthouse to watch the sunset.

 


What a nice way to end this awesome day. After the sun completely set it was time to head back to camp and bed.

Night and Light
What a way to live life, how lucky are we this is all right in our back yard.

What a day!!!!!

This Ends Day # 3

Once again folks remember we are raising Awareness & Funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Kingston Chapter. If you wish to make a donation/pledge please call the Kingston Chapter at 613-384-8500 . Tell them you wish to pledge to

“ 20 Years To Enlightenment “ and it all stays in the Kingston and area.