Monday, May 26 – Ahh, first full day here, so time to get MOVING! Woke up early, ready to hit the gym and, apparently, it doesn’t open until 6:00AM! Seriously? I know a few friends in NH who would think this heresy — my goodness, it wasn’t even dark out!

As I am a resourceful type, I simply warmed up a tad and hit the road for a nice 5K run. Temps were a bit brisk but it was dry! Ran up to the city limit (where the sidewalk just ends) and then headed back and popped into Watkins Glen State Park for a preview before we hike later this week. It felt so nice to be outside.

Found a nice little breakfast spot a couple of blocks away — some good coffee and diner style breakfast as well as a friendly dog which made the boys happy

According to the vacation Powerpoint (yes, there is a Powerpoint itinerary, begininng to be impressed), this morning was for a kayak tour of Catharine Creek. Today’s weather was absolutely perfect for that — sunshine, blue skies, a light breeze and calm water. Our guide, Jessica, was delightful, and she lead us down the waterways pointing out birds and turtles and deer along the way. The highlight was seeing a couple of beautiful bald eagles — I couldn’t get a great shot of them, but they were majestic.

The lowlight was when came to the spot where we were to turn ourselves around. I managed to get myself caught in the current and bounced back and forth between the two sides of the creek as though I was on a billiards table during a spirited game of eight ball. Jessica tried to help by saying ‘they aren’t laughing at you, they are laughing with you’. Seriously? Dan practically fell out of his boat he was laughing so hard, who was she kidding??

However, I perservered, got myself righted, and as I was the only one taking photos AND writing this blog, it never really happened. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

It did not dampen a wonderful outing and we headed back to town for a quick lunch at a sports bar, as most places were closed for the holiday. For the afternoon, Julie McCoy had scheduled, ‘reading and lounging at hotel patio’, which sent us in a variety of directions.

Erin parked herself and a book in a lounge chair next to a firepit on the patio. Dom went in search of ice cream followed by some lounging and then a nap. Dan wandered for a walk and to buy himself a ball cap (this seems to be a recurring vacation theme for him). He then joined Erin on the patio. Me, ever the shark, decided to go back to the state park to check out the trails further before our group hike tomorrow.

Probably not the best idea on a sunny holiday afternoon as it was packed and definitely required more patience than God has granted me. The influencers were out in force, as well as multiple people who seem to struggle with the concept of two way flow on a walkway. Not to mention the robust 20-somethings who walk more slowly than the seniors with canes — like how is that even possible??

Regardless, the gorge and falls are beautiful and I will share those photos (and, perhaps, more commentary) tomorrow.

I returned to find my husband and daughter conversing with a lovely couple from Louisville–always nice to chat with fellow visitors. We enjoyed a beverage, likely got a little sunburn (after all this rain, the sunscreen game is weak) and did what one should do on vacation–relaxed!

We had a late, but nice Thai dinner, before calling it an evening. My idea of a perfect vacation day — nice weather, plenty of movement, some great socializing and, of course, time with family.

25,297 steps

13.2 miles