Somewhere in Westchester

This is how I get to most of the places I post about here, usually within a few hours of NYC and usually with Michelle. This picture was from one of the really rare days where I just went solo with no particular destination and it was 4 hours of bliss (cold bliss toward the end, but bliss just the same). I'm not really sure where I was, but I think the thing in the background is some kind of reservoir. It was an awesome crisp fall day and, as I write this (actually on xmas eve, despite the date shown), I can't wait until the weather warms up just a bit to go get lost all over again.

Hiking in the Palisades (NJ)

It seemed to rain most of the fall (and most of the summer), so if we wanted to do anything outside, we couldn't let the rain stop us. This weekend was no exception and we took a lovely 8 mile hike through the nearby Palisades along long trail (up top), down some switchbacks, along the shore trail (the Hudson shore), then back up.

We got a little lost at the end and a little wetter than planned, but we're excited to go back and try some other trails further north.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Seattle Wa - Ballard locks and fish ladder

Although we went late in the season, there were still several salmon in the ladder. The locks themselves were interesting to watch and the engineer in me was pleased that the tour touched on more of the physics than I expected. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Seattle area and it's not hard to see why.

Lots more info in the wikipedia article.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Deloach Vineyard, Sonoma County

This was the wine country experience that we were looking for. A small, elegant, yet not at all pretentious wine store attached to a functioning vineyard. No big fountain in the driveway. No band, no harps, just wine. I dont remember them selling savories or even having background music.

There was a strange German couple who I must assume was teleported out of some uber-wealthy dinner party in the early 80s. Although we spoke to them little, I assumed their dedication to candy red leather and matching sun glasses was the same sort of dedication that lets you find the perfect glass of pinot in the noise of wine country, and for that I had to respect and appreciate them.

We walked out with a case, and my only regret is we only got one. Luckily, they ship to NYC.

Buena Vista Winery - Sonoma County, CA

Lovely and relaxing vineyard in Sonoma. Great picnic tables that make you want to camp out and spend the whole day -- the only rub: the wine just isnt that great.

There is a lot of history here and since its the first vineyard in Sonoma, its pretty neat as a tourist attraction (even though they dont actually make the wine or grow the grapes here).

Tucson, AZ - Sunset on Mt. Lemon

Just outside of Tucson, Mt. Lemon is gorgeous. This picture is taken at about a 7000ft elevation and the view was simply spectacular, as was the drive up.

Tucson, AZ - Arizona Sonora Desert Museum

When Michelle told me about the Desert Museum, I laughed at her. How could that possibly be interesting? As a member of and frequent visitor to our local art museum, I have some pretty high standards. The desert museum is amazing. The drive up is spectacular. The scenery is lush and vibrant, the paths and signage are well done and informative. They even have 60SPF sunscreen in the restrooms. I never take very many pictures on vacation and I took a few hundred out here.

The desert museum is definitely a must see. More info and a bunch of pictures are available on their website at http://www.desertmuseum.org/.

Old Westbury Gardens

We went there on in mid July and it was really amazing (a little hot but not too bad).  The grounds are huge, there is a lake and its all really crazy.  The pool was one of my favorites and the house tour is done by some really talented staff.  There is a pretty sizable pond and even bigger lawns, some walking trails that are fun, but the house and its immediate grounds (gardens, pool and such) are the reason to go IMHO.  They do concerts here outside on the patio, but the one going on while we were here was for kids (I hope it was that, anyway).

The house was built by John Phipps, who was a partner with Carnegie.

Its a fairly short drive here -- maybe an hour or so out on the gold coast.

Wave Hill house

A quick drive from the city. Absolutely beautiful gardens, grounds, buildings, vistas of the Hudson.

Should be amazing in the fall when the leaves change or, well, fall and provide a more open view of the Hudson.

Some good modern art there this weekend and interesting book on the history in the visitors shop. Mark Twain and Teddy Roosevelt both lived here. They do concerts and a Sunday brunch, both of which seem fun but we didnt get to try. Not to be missed.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry