June 10^th we arrived in the Adirondack mountain area. Lake George and Lake Champlain are two important waterways near Fort Ticonderoga. The original fort was taken apart for surrounding farms and buildings. The reconstruction was done over the foundations based on pictures and written material. For awhile the buildings served as a resort and historical attraction. The grounds also include a wonderful garden area with plants typical to the period and then some. We drove up Mount Defiance to get some really nice pictures from above the fort.

Just a silly story from the 10^th. When we stopped for lunch near the town of Moriah I picked up the local newspaper. One of the articles mentioned that everyone would be getting a dog census that had to be returned by a certain date. All I could think of was that a litter or two could mess up the whole shebang and force them to start over again.

On Friday we went on a noon cruise of Lake George . It was a lovely, clear day. There are some beautiful homes on the lakeside and several privately owned islands. After docking we drove to Mount Prospect. It was a good day for a relaxing drive.

Saturday, the 16^th we drove to Bolton’s Landing to watch a reenactment. The volunteers had set up tents and camp and stayed for a couple of days. They were all in period costume. We watched the launch of a military boat and an Indian canoe from the Landing.

Sunday we went to a tremendous Arts Festival. We estimated that there were at least 140 booths selling food and drink, glassware, jewelry, art photography and a myriad of other art work. Next to the festival was the public library. They were having their annual sale of unwanted and duplicate books. I had quite a few books but I couldn’t resist a whole bag of paperback books for $3. Our reading library almost tripled.

On Monday the 18^th we drove to Albany, NY. We went to the Capitol building and the Corning Observation Deck on the 42^nd floor. Wow! What a view. Then we went to the New York Museum to learn some history about the state. That night we spent with Ann and Bud Legnard. We had a really terrific time. They are great hosts. They drove us to all the local sights and showed us neighborhoods they had lived in over the years. They are not actually in Albany but in a nice community not too far from Albany. Mitch, Ann and Bud indulged in one of the biggest soft serve ice cream cones I have ever seen. I chickened out when I saw the size and settled for a waffle cone.

Tuesday we shared a yummy breakfast out with Ann and Bud. Then Mitch and I left to drive to Corning, New York. The Corning Museum of Glass is absolutely incredible. You don’t need to know anything about glass. Just wander from room to room and some fantastic color or design will catch your eye. The craft of glass making goes back centuries to the early Islamic world then spreads to Egypt and the Middle East. Travelers brought the skill to Italy, Austria, Spain, France, England and beyond. From the plainest vessels the skills grew to include gilding, enameling, mosaic glass, mold blowing, cutting and engraving, staining and other art forms. It seems that if it can be imagined, it can be created.

The next day we went to Elmira to the Chemung Valley History Museum. Mark Twain saw a miniature portrait of Miss Olivia Langdon, a student at the Elmira College, in the class of 1864. He fell in love with the portrait and then the woman, eventually making her Mrs. Clemens. In 1952 they moved to the Quarry Farm and summered in New York with their family. They are buried in the area and his study is on the college campus. Two other well done displays are about the Confederate Prison Camp and the anniversary of the town flood. Several local people were on hand to open the flood display and they were sharing memories.

On the 23^rd we went to the Rockwell Museum of Western Art. You know when you have arrived at the building. Above the entrance is the front half of a bison protruding from the brick building. The art includes classic masterworks of well known artists and contemporary art. Rooms had many pictures, bronze statues and cases of baskets and pottery. By the way, both this museum and the Corning Museum allow children in for no charge. It makes family outings fairly reasonable.

We spent the next 5 days at the attractions at Niagara Falls. True or not, we were told that the area around the American side of the falls had become a slum like problem. Accordingly, we crossed into Canada. The Niagara’s Fury is a 4-D movie giving the viewer the sights and sounds of the creation of the falls complete with rain, wind and snow. The White Water Walk gives a full feeling for the depth of the gorge and the strength of the water. There are blurbs and pictures of the dare devils who tried and sometimes failed to challenge the falls.

The Journey Behind the Falls is self explanatory. The wind and spray almost defy you to keep a camera lens dry long enough to snap off two consecutive pictures. The Maid of the Mist boat gives another up close experience. The Whirlpool Aero Car is a brief and over priced view of the swirling water. We would strongly recommend trying to see Niagara on an off week. The lines can get quite long .

There are many wineries and fruit stands in area. We toured Inniskillin in Canada and purchased a bottle of Cabernet Ice wine. For those who like a sweet after dinner drink this is perfect for you. The grapes are picked and pressed when frozen and have a maximum sugar content.

This takes us through June 28^th. I will start our next segment in Ashtabula county in Ohio where they have a tour to see covered bridges.