October 17, 2023

I’ve spent the past two days in beautiful Watkins Glen for a conference. When the sessions ended today, I was planning to go directly home.

But as I started the ascent up Route 14 along Seneca Lake and took in the fall colors surrounding me, I remembered something that’s been on my to-do list for many, many fall seasons that I haven’t done yet.

I pulled over, entered a new destination into my GPS app, and changed course. It would take significantly longer to get home (including some unpaved roads - yay!!) but I didn’t care.

There were breathtaking views along the way, many directing me to pull to the side of the road for. Camera in hand, I tried my best to capture what I saw.

I traveled along five different Finger Lakes and the inspiring hills and valleys surrounding each one.

And I got to see the view I have wanted to see for years ever since I heard about this little gem. If you follow the road at Harriet Hollister Spencer Park and you look through the clearing along the road, you will suddenly see an astonishing view as you are perched high up on the hill looking down, able to take in the entirety of Honeoye Lake looking to the north.

Jon and I lived in Honeoye long ago. I even drove by our first home together. We never knew this park, this view, this beauty existed practically in our backyard back then.

And I am grateful to experience it now.

I am calling this my artist’s date this week - a time set aside to do something alone focused on taking in and experiencing life. It was a renewing adventure and much needed.

What is on your list right now? What can you do by taking the long way, spending a little time, soaking something in?

I can’t wait to hear your ideas!!