Finger Lakes, New York

[El and Bill]

We're thinking of trailering up to Seneca Lake in a few weeks to do some Finger Lake cruising and wine-tasting. Anyone interested in some cruising on the Finger Lakes?

[CTYankee]

El and Bill, This post is copied from the GL list, which I think you are members of. It might be helpful.

Dun




Ron Rogers asks about anchoring on NYS lakes.

The Finger Lakes are desirable vacation destinations in themselves and many Great Loopers decide to interrupt their trip in the Lakes for weeks at a time. The Finger Lakes are long, narrow and deep glacially carved bodies of water in the heart of New Yorks wine country. The two biggest lakes, Cayuga and Seneca, are reached by the short Cayuga/Seneca canal extending south from the Erie Canal. Both are about 40 miles long and 4 miles wide with deep crystal clear fresh water. The city of Ithaca, the prototypical college town is at the foot of the Lake Cayuga. Cornell University and Ithaca College, are situated in bucolic surroundings at either end of town and resemble sets from a 1930s college movie. They are what you always imagined a college would look like. The Ithaca waterfront features the Treman Marine Park, a large state marina. Any yachts capable of traversing the canal can be accommodated. Transient fees are very reasonable and full marine services are available in the area. Like any major college community, Ithaca boasts cultural attractions, theaters, orchestras, and museums. Harbor side restaurants are available for any taste and pocketbook. For those continuing onward, Ithaca is a good place to resupply.

Watkins Glen, well known to motor racing fans, is at the southern end of Seneca Lake. The Glen itself is a water carved canyon that is a nature lovers delight. The land between Lake Cayuga and Lake Seneca is ideal for viniculture and many of New Yorks best wineries are within a short driving distance. Upper New York may seem an unlikely place to find fine wine but growers have managed to crossbreed the best European varietals with hardier native root stocks and produce wines that can match the best wines of Europe and California. A favorite summer pastime is the wine tour, hopping from one winery to the next to taste the premier wine offerings and the gourmet foods. Rent a car to visit these but be sure to have a designated driver. You will certainly need one.

Although the Finger Lakes are glacially carved, a lot of silt has been deposited over the last 10,000 years and anchoring is easy near the shore. Sylvan Lake is very shallow to begin with and you can anchor anywhere. Lake Cayuga is shallow in the north end and you must follow the channel until you reach Union Springs, about a quarter of the way down the lake on the eastern shore. After that anchoring is easy near the shore all the way to Ithaca. Anchoring in Lake Senaca is also easy near the shore all the way to Watkins Glen.

Larry Z

[El and Bill]

Thanks for the info, Dun. We pulled from Chesapeake today, looking for some engine servicing and then heading northerly to the Erie Canal and Finger Lakes. Great cruising with you folks!!

[CTYankee]

Yes Bill, I think the Chesapeake's heat is taxing. It will be good to get to cooler climes.

I hope you enjoyed the "Mainstay" concert tonight. Wish we were there.

Did you get my email about Maine? I got your address from the C-Dory site and it might be wrong. Let me know the correct one if it is.

We'll be in touch!

Dun

[Wanderer]

El and Bill,

The manager of the Allen H. Treman State Marine Park on Lake Cayuga called me back yesterday. He said that we can leave trucks and trailers at the park for a month.

Here is the address for an interactive map of the area: http://www.nycanal.com/focusoncayugaseneca/marinas.html#ithaca

[dotnmarty]

While in Ithaca don't miss Taganhock (sp.) falls and the gorges at Buttermilk state park. Get up to Cornell's student union Willard Straight Hall ("the Straight") and take the campus tour. Visit the Johnson Art Museum (what a view from "far above Cayuga's waters")! and the geology department. Walk over the suspension bridge. Remember, "Ithaca is Gorges". Enjoy.

[Wanderer]

MartyP,

We know the area well. Our youngest daughter went to school at Cornell.

I have also visited the Finger Lakes on a bicycle; camping in a number of the state parks in the area.

It is a pretty area.

Thanks for the suggestions. Do you know of any wineries with docks on the lakes?

[M1911]

That's Taughannock Falls. The view is great from below the falls, but even better from the top. You can hike in and walk right to the very edge of the top of the falls (or about 5' away if you've got a thing about heights like me ). Ithaca Falls is worth seeing as well. Definitely tour the gorges on the Cornell campus.

I'm a Cornell grad as well, but it's been quite a while since I've been back.

[dotnmarty]

Thanks for the spelling correction. About wineries, if you come down the hill from the falls (heading toward the lake) turn left at the bottom of the road. You will pass several good wineries. I don't know if any of them have docks on the lake. Dotty and I are both Cornell grads, as are our two kids and our daughter-in-law. Maybe that's what the "C" in C-Dory stands for!

[El and Bill]

Thanks for the responses, folks. Looks like we'll be heading up thataway from here. Do you plan to launch at Allen H. Treman State Marine Park, George and Penny?? Looks good.

[El and Bill]

Any one else care to join for a Finger Lakes cruise??

[Chris]

El & Bill,
Don't miss the Lucas Family Winery on Cayuga Lake. Founded maybe 20 years ago by a tug captain...be sure to try the Tug Boat Red. And the corks they use all say Sibel on them...well use to anyway. It's actually an acronym for a French closure company. Sure hope you two like wine!!!
Chris.

[El and Bill]

Chris --

Great suggestion. I'll check with El and see if she likes wine ... ... hmmm! Our best to you.

[Wanderer]

El and Bill,

For want of a better plan, we will go to Allen H. Treman State Marine Park and see what it looks like.

If you know of something better, tell us soon.