Back in the days of the pandemic, I had a great morning routine. I would wake up around 5:30, feed the cats, and then go for a two-mile walk around the small borough where I lived. It was energizing and relaxing at the same time. I would listen to podcasts or books on Audible and just enjoy being one of the only people out enjoying the fresh air.
Since I’ve been on this journey to find my forever home, it has been hard to get back to that groove, so I wanted to try to get it back now that the morning weather was getting cooler, and I was preparing to settle in to my time in New York. In Irondequoit, I started walking almost daily – either in the morning before work or after work. One of my first weekends, I decided that I would try to see more of the area by trying out different trails on the weekends.
My first trail was the Irondequoit Lakeside Trail that bordered Lake Ontario. I saw this handsome buck when I was trying to find a parking spot. The views of the lake were incredible, and I ended up turning around when I came upon an active crime scene, which turned out to be a fatal motorcycle accident.
Near Durand Lake, I stumbled across the White Lady‘s Castle ruins. There was a restaurant in this spot and never a castle, but the legend lives on. I walked up the stairs and around the site, but I didn’t see any ghosts – just a lot of graffiti and a nice view of the lake.
Another weekend took me to Corbett’s Glen Nature Park in nearby Brighton, NY. The trail wasn’t very long, but it was lovely. There were more inclines that I’m used to, but it was worth it for the variety of views and time in the trees. Unfortunately, there was a group running when I got there, and I learned my lesson. I should’ve gone earlier to avoid all the foot traffic.
I had also wanted to get to Corning, NY, to see the glass museum. Visiting had been on my list since my days in PA, so it was fun to make it happen while I was in Irondequoit.
To say there was a lot of glass is a gross understatement. When you first step into the Corning Museum of Glass, there are a few more modern glass displays, and for awhile, I thought that was it. I was so wrong. There were galleries upon galleries of glass. Glass from the beginning of glass, glass from other countries, functional glass, decorative glass, gigantic glass monoliths, wee glass intricacies, and just so much glass. It was overwhelmingly beautiful. So much glass.
I did catch a glass-blowing demo. It was neat to see the process live.
I walked across the bridge from the glass museum to the village of Corning and stopped in for lunch at Hand + Foot for a great BLT and more root beer. After lunch, I walked to The Rockwell Museum. It’s a small but might museum with some great exhibits, including this sculpture by Michael Naranjo. It was displayed in an exhibit highlighting art of the southwest U.S., and it reminded me of my time in New Mexico.
On the way back to Irondequoit, I also stopped by Watkins Glen State Park. I wanted to get some more steps in, but I had also heard that it was a beautiful park. Unfortunately, a lot of other people thought it would be a great day to visit, so the trail was very crowded. I’ll have to go back when it’s less busy to see more of the falls and trails.
Some random pictures of the glen and some strangers who just a couple of the many, many, many, many people who were at the park.
One more post about the Rochester area next time! Then, we’re on to Buffalo.
The Adventures of Ms Haps & Arthur 