Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me About Ewan McGregor's "The Long Way Round"!

Am I the only one who missed this 2004 documentary?  I found it on Netflix while surfing around and love it!  Ewan and Charley Boorman going from London to New York City on BMWs by way of France, Germany, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, Canada, and a few other places.  I claimed a headache so I could sit and watch the whole 9 episodes in two days. 

They've made UNICEF my new favorite charity after seeing some of the work the organization is trying to do in places like Mongolia.


I'm a motorcyclist at heart.  It was the first vehicle I wanted and the first one I bought.  However, I think anyone would love watching these guy and their crew on one funny, scary, magnificent adventure.  Now I've found they did another documentary called The Long Way Round.  How do I miss these things?  The British are hiding the good stuff from us.   I hope Netflix has it streaming. I may have to get another headache.

I've not had a motorcycle since I was in my twenties.  After watching this, I am seriously thinking about getting one again.  I won't be trekking through Mongolia, but would like to see some of the Alaskan wilderness and Montana and, well, if Mongolia gets actual roads, who knows.

Watkins Glen Gorge Trail

They say there are 800 steps built into the Watkins Glen Gorge like these:

When you have views like these to admire and photograph, it sure doesn't seem like that many.

I read that there are nineteen waterfalls.

The Conservation Corp workers did most of the bridges and steps in the 1930s.

Okay, maybe those last three flight up will get to you if your not in shape, but there were tiny kids and lots of older people easily making their way.  Besides, you can always take the shuttle up and walk down. 

It's well worth a visit. For all it's beauty, it is a relatively short hike. We walked up and down in a couple of hours despite my constant stops for photos.  If you are staying at a State campground anywhere, show them your paperwork and you don't have to pay to get in.   A nice little extra for campers.



Camping at Keuka Lake

Home again!  While we camp in a tent, we are definitely not die-hard, back-to-nature kinda people.  Our  campsites have electricity if at all possible.  I know, it's weird.  There we are in a tent with Ipods, Kindles, and phones all charging on the extension cord.  I would have brought along the Keurig, but Brian thought that was a bit much.  (I think he regrets his decision, but he won't admit it yet.) 

In the meantime this:



served nicely for a five-day trip to the Finger Lakes wine country. 

My favorite wine tasting place in the Keuka Lake area is definitely Bully Hill.

They have red grapes,

 and white grapes,

fields of grapes,



and shelves of wine!

That photo has my favorites--Sweet Walter in all its varieties.  I like my wine sweet and whoever Sweet Walter is or was, he nailed it with these.  We also stopped at a few other wineries and added another bottle here and there.  My cabinet is officially restocked! 

We didn't spend all our time wine tasting, however.  We managed a few other things--hiking and biking.  Brian did most of the biking cuz  there are more hills than I felt like conquering.  I'm more of a casual bicyclist.  I shall post about a couple of the hikes later.  There are some beautiful  trails in the area.

Must leave you with a few pics of a couple of the places we dined.  First, this beautiful upscale restaurant--Esperanza Mansion.  Great food and this beautiful view of the lake from the patio.



Then this:

 I swore I would not do it, but finally gave in.  I just couldn't leave without trying Big Doug's meaner wiener.  No bad, not bad at all.  Sweet potato fries were pretty good, too.

Pinned and Did It--Ribbon Necklace Holder

Such a simple solution. One of those, "Why didn't I think of that?" things. Two pieces of ribbon, four tacks and all my inexpensive necklaces (and a bracelet) are hanging neatly inside the doors of my armoire.

Pinterest ideas that I've seen either use tacks across the ribbon (the kind that stick out) for hanging the necklaces or tied knots across the ribbon to keep the necklaces separate.  I chose to close the necklaces around the ribbon so that they wouldn't fall when opening the doors.  Had the ribbon sagged causing the necklaces to slide together, I would have used a few more tacks. Didn't need to do that, though. 

One pin down, thousands more to try!

The Q Snap Embroidery Frame Has Arrived!

It finally arrived!  I've been spoiled by Amazon's quick shipping.  This took almost two weeks to arrive from Overstock and the USPS--Kentucky to New York.  I've gotten orders in China in half that time. Lesson learned.

On the bright side,  the Q Snap frame is great! Slides together quickly, no hoop burn on the fabric, easy to tighten and loosen just by rolling the snap-on covers, lightweight, sturdy, and comes apart for easy storage when not in use. 

A minute after opening the package, it's all set for that Arrested Development pattern.  I knew I'd like it because I have the mother of all Q Snaps, the full-size quilting frame complete with extenders on the back legs.  The leg extensions give it a nice slant for easier quilting

I've had this one for over twenty years.  Still love it. 

I'm setting a goal to finish this embroidery in two weeks.  I'm hoping the public humiliation that should result from not completing it on time will give me some extra incentive.  Yeah, I know.  That's silly!  Like that has ever worked before.

Great Little Hike Near Lake George, New York

Hiking with my lovely husband Brian is one of my favorite things, and we managed to get away for one on Friday.  While some people disagree with me, I consider Lake George to be in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains.  As with all things like this, everybody has their own opinion about where these things start.  I'm sticking with Lake George!  (Don't even think about getting New Yorkers started on where Upstate New York begins.)

There are some nice little mountains trails close to the lake.   We chose the trailhead that leads to either Fifth Peak or Montcalm Point and opted to head up to Montcalm Point. 

  

In New York, our trails apparently have accents as one gets to the higher levels.  I never even noticed, but then I'm a born and raised New Yorker. I'm probably just used to the accent.   I've not hiked in the southern states.  Perhaps I would notice it  there.  That is the story I will be sticking with as opposed to admitting thinking that the word on the sign should have been ascent.

 

If you are in the area, you really have to try some of the hikes. We may not be able to spell, but we have some freakin' amazing wilderness trails. 

 

The Montcalm Point trail is well marked and pretty easy.  It was still a bit muddy in spots even though it has been dry lately--make sure you have appropriate footwear.  

 

It was perfect for feeding my fascination with tree fungus, rocks, and toadstools.  Forgot the camera AGAIN, but I had the iphone to get a few shots.  I don't ever recall seeing bright orange toadstools before.  They were beautiful.

 

I usually grab a rock or two to take home, but this one was safe from my thievery.



 

I find rocks like this to be regal.  Wouldn't mind having it in my yard!





If You Like Arrested Development, You Might Like...

Okay, that doesn't look as nice as this finished product Janalyn shows you at her Etsy shop where you can buy the embroidery design shown in the top photo. 

It's only $5!  No, I'm not making anything off this--just a huge fan of Arrested Development who is so glad that Netflix produced another season.  Yay, Netflix!  And while we are talking about Netflix, you have got to watch Orange is the New Black.  With these two series and House of Cards, Netflix is fast becoming my favorite place for television watching.  Oh, and yay, Janalyn for making this available.

So far, I've done:

 

I have a good reason, though.  I accidently ordered the pvc pipe frame for embroidering it from Overstock instead of Amazon.  I plead temporary insanity.  I could have purchased it for less, gotten free shipping (I have Amazon Prime), and quick delivery if I had ordered from Amazon.  Instead, I ordered from Overstock.  Here I sit, a week and a half later, still waiting for it to arrive.  The mail carrier has already been here, so it won't be arriving today.  Yeah, Overstock shipped using the U. S. Postal Service.  And, yeah, it's gonna be a while.