Another Check on The Bucketlist: Watkins Glen

I can guarantee you that every amazing picture of Watkins Glen, NY online is accurate.  I did not think it could really be as amazing as the pictures, but this is one of those places that is even better.  Joyce, Dan, and I took the boys camping there this past weekend.  Not only was it a much needed and appreciated family break, it was just an amazing place to explore.

The campground was fantastic; there was an Olympic size pool as well as a 2 foot deep kiddie pool.  Pierce and Carter loved the kiddie pool, and Pierce certainly liked showing off his skills to swim under water.  Also located in the campground were at least 3 different playgrounds.  They were all different styles, and all had different challenges for the kids (and adults) to complete.  We had such a blast trying different things like the spinning chair, the staggered tires, rope ladders, etc.  And we all certainly had a laugh as us adults attempted some of these obstacles that were not made for our sized bodies.  The campground also had various programs available for the public to learn about their environment.  There were several guided tours of Watkins Glen that included teaching of the geology and how the gorge was made.  The program that we ventured to was a program about moths.  To be honest, none of us expected much.  I mean it was about moths.  However, we were certainly wrong to have low expectations.

The gentlemen that did the program about moths, brought caterpillars with him, had examples of cocoons, and even brought a huge poster with all of the moths in the area.  He answered all questions that were asked, and he even engaged Pierce on his level (Pierce was very intrigued about the caterpillars and cocoons).  Unfortunately, this was a little above Carter's level, and he was way more concerned about playing on the playground behind the lodge after he saw the caterpillars.  That was no fault of the gentlemen at all.  Even the park rangers got the children involved by having them go out and paint trees with bait.  Pierce was super excited about it.  The bait that they use to attract moths consists of beer, bananas, and honey.  We did not stay long enough to see if the bait really worked, but we did stay long enough to check out the moths that were attracted to the black lights and white cloths.  I never knew there were so many different types of moths.  And did you know that moths do not eat once they become a moth?  Moths only live a few days too!

When it came to hiking the gorge, there were two main trails.  There was the gorge trail, which was the lower trail that was breathtaking.  You were able to walk under and behind waterfalls, see how the water is carving out various shapes, and there were stairs to climb instead of having to rock climb.  The gorge trail did not allow dogs, and you are not allowed to swim in the gorge.  But, all of the different flora and fauna, and the fact that the gorge had what appeared to be it's own little ecosystem was amazing.  The upper trail was the Indian Trail.  This was a much easier and faster hike; it was like your typical dirt hiking trail in CT.  However, like all hiking trails, be cautious of loose rock.  It certainly does not feel good to roll your ankle with a child on your back.  I can personally attest to that.  On both ends of the trail are little shops to purchase water, ice cream, or even beer.  I do not recommend beer as a great hydrating liquid after hiking up the gorge; there are 832 steps, and it is a 1.5 mile trail going up.  However, I am sure a beer would have tasted fantastic if we were not hiking back down.

Yes, it was a bit of a long drive to get there.  The main road that we took was Rt. 17, which is apparently becoming Interstate 86, and has a TON of construction on it.  One lane roads with semi trucks and curves are not fun.  On the same token, the view of the Catskills as you drive through are breathtaking.  There is also Montaur Falls down the road, which we planned on visiting on our way out.  However, with the torrential rain, we decided against visiting the falls or any of the wineries.  We just headed home instead.

Dan and I are already trying to plan when we can take the boys back.  The only way to describe it, is as if you walk into a different world as you enter the park.  It is as if time stands still, and you have no worries in the world.  Bike rides through the campground are amazing, and all of the fellow campers were so nice.  It is certainly a family place, and I know that this family truly appreciated having a family spot.