Inspired by a blog post I read yesterday, I made the suggestion that maybe we go out for a ride this afternoon after church. We haven't been out much this summer, so James agreed and we set off for Ithaca and Taughannock Falls State Park.
I have been to this park several times in years past, but never to do more than visit the overlook, see the falls off in the distance, and move on to another park, usually Robert Treman where we would hike the gorge and enjoy more waterfalls. Today we decided to walk the path along the creek bed (sometimes the creek bed itself), and see the waterfall from its base. It was a great idea!
From the top of the gorge to the pool at it's base, the falls plunge 215 feet. (Niagara Falls has a height of 176 feet.) No swimming is allowed below the falls or anywhere close to the base as falling rock is a constant danger. In spite of that, there is a beautiful pool at the bottom and the spray carried by the wind feels quite nice. Several visitors enjoyed a swim in the lower part of the creek instead. We opted to stay dry.
I'm thinking a return trip is in order. There are five State Parks in close proximity (we went through Watkins Glen on the way home) and
Sapsucker Woods besides. There are museums, art centers, and antique stores and Cayuga Lake too. Yes, when the fall colors arrive, I will need to arrange a trip back.
Inspired by a blog post I read yesterday, I made the suggestion that maybe we go out for a ride this afternoon after church. We haven't been out much this summer, so James agreed and we set off for Ithaca and Taughannock Falls State Park.
I have been to this park several times in years past, but never to do more than visit the overlook, see the falls off in the distance, and move on to another park, usually Robert Treman where we would hike the gorge and enjoy more waterfalls. Today we decided to walk the path along the creek bed (sometimes the creek bed itself), and see the waterfall from its base. It was a great idea!
From the top of the gorge to the pool at it's base, the falls plunge 215 feet. (Niagara Falls has a height of 176 feet.) No swimming is allowed below the falls or anywhere close to the base as falling rock is a constant danger. In spite of that, there is a beautiful pool at the bottom and the spray carried by the wind feels quite nice. Several visitors enjoyed a swim in the lower part of the creek instead. We opted to stay dry.
I'm thinking a return trip is in order. There are five State Parks in close proximity (we went through Watkins Glen on the way home) and Sapsucker Woods besides. There are museums, art centers, and antique stores and Cayuga Lake too. Yes, when the fall colors arrive, I will need to arrange a trip back.
Yes you do! and make sure your camera bats are charged. :)
ReplyDeleteMartha I loved the picture of you and your husband!
ReplyDeleteI blew it up very big. The scenery was wonderful too!
It sounds like you had a great afternoon and are off to a good start for the week.
Joy
"Gorges" waterfall.
ReplyDeleteMy dad would also take us to a place called Chittenango Falls when I was a kid. I'm not sure where that is. It seemed like a small stream along the roadside. We would look for fossils in the rocky bed of the water.
Ha! Wikipedia says it's a state park in Madison County. I never knew.
Yes, Marilyn, I have been to Chittenango Falls once but it was a long time ago and we didn't stay long, just a look at the falls on our way through. We had camped overnight at Green Lakes State Park. It was a memorable experience as there was a terrific thunderstorm that night and we were at the top of a hill in a pup tent. We ended up inside our little car with our almost two year old son and didn't get much sleep.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! You and your husband are a great looking couple! John and I are planning this year's vacation and it will hopefully include some things like this.
ReplyDeleteWe have been here many times since Jamie's family lives nearby. Sherman loves hiking right in the water.
ReplyDeleteNo swimming because of the undertow which is extremely dangerous...even for the most advanced swimmer.