After driving the Jeep in New York's Finger Lakes region, I knew something was definitely wrong. There's nothing like a morning problem to make your day.
As a teenager living nearby, I was always impressed with Cayuga Lake and the surrounding countryside. It is really delightful. If you're looking for a vacation spot, perhaps you should consider Cayuga State Park. Even with my vehicle problems, I am delighted to be back for a visit. So many great memories!
During my college years, I began camping on the eastern shore and bathing in the cold crisp clear waters. I would come here to relax and fish for trout and perch.
The lake was carved over two million years ago by a gigantic ice glacier. Cayuga Lake is the longest of the Finger Lakes at just over 38 miles and at 435 feet, the second-deepest.
A park ranger advised me a Jeep dealer could be found in
Speaking with the service manager he said, "My two early appointments have cancelled, I can take you right in."
What a lucky break! We thought if we could get an appointment in a couple days it would be great.
Meanwhile, I asked Diane, "Are you interested in a cup of coffee and sweet roll?" "Yes," she replied.
There is a little cafe across the street where we can wait to learn the bad news.
Returning 20 minutes later the service manager said, "The problem appears to be a bad ball joint and a loose steering rod. I talked with Jeep and was told this was a warranty recall item and should be fixed immediately. I can have you up and running in a couple hours."
He said he would replace parts on both front wheels and align the front end and it should be ready right after lunch. This was great news!
Seneca Falls is a quiet community I lived near for many years. I know it receives a "ton of snow" every winter. If you enjoy winter sports you will love living in
Diane and I had plenty of time to browse and visit the many quaint shops along Main Street. In a little shop called "Sherry’s Frame Shop," Diane discovered the color and wood style of a frame she had been seeking for some time for our family photos.
Sherry, the owner said, "I could custom make the picture frames in a couple hours." Diane was delighted — a deal was made to pick up the frame at 3 p.m. I began to wonder if this village sold dark craft beer. It was worth a look.
Walking past "Downtown Deli," the overwhelming aroma seeping out the door was just too tempting. Peeking inside, the deli was active with customers; this is the place for lunch in town. No craft beer however, this was wine country.
After a beer and a delicious deli sandwich, we wandered the backside of >Main Street along the Erie Canal. We were surprised at the number of unique smaller shops and cafes doing business on the waterfront.
When we were adjacent to the service shop we checked and found the Jeep was fixed with a brand-new front end and ready to roll. At 3 p.m., as planned, Sherry had completed the frame for Diane for our wall. Di thanked her kindly for her advice and skill and we were off.
Back at the lake, smoke from a multitude of campers was lingering in the air under the leaves of the oak trees. It presented a neat pine wood smell on a cool autumn evening. I pulled our grill from the bay and while hamburgers, corn and beans cooked for supper, we sipped on red wine.
