I thought that I should find someplace special for my 600th Yelp review, and after a couple of weeks of thinking about that milestone review I couldn't think of anyplace I've visited recently. Suddenly, a perfect place appeared!
I was on my way north from Naples, New York when my GPS advised me to bear left on to County Highway 12. To say County 12 was a hill climb is an understatement. The view to my right just kept getting better and better, looking out over Canadaigua Lake at the high ridge on the east side of the well-known Finger Lake. I kept wishing I had been there a couple of weeks earlier when the ridge covered with deciduous trees was probably on fire with fall colors. Just the same, even the brown leaves were breathtaking.
POOF! A warning sign advised me of a scenic overlook ahead! Of course, I pulled in, just taking in the breathtaking views as I looked for a good parking spot. (Like it mattered. There are plenty of spaces and all have pretty much the same view.) I grabbed my camera and slowly walked across the parking lot, just taking in the beauty of nature spread out before me.
In the center of the overlook is a pair of commercial binoculars. When I was a kid, I remember seeing such devices on the tops of high places, like Granddad's Bluff or the top of the Empire State Building. Those were usually a quarter for a pretty short look. Not here, these remarkable optical devices are free - and they are really high resolution. I looked into one and saw a guy in a fishing boat, pulling away from the dock. I looked over the top of the unit and all I saw was Canadaigua Lake. What boat? Looking back in the viewer - oh, THAT boat! Oops, he's gone out of the view now.
Did I mention there are two viewers? One is mounted a bit lower for the little people in your group.
I sat on ledge and inhaled the view. I also got to do some people watching, as other people were equally overwhelmed with what they were seeing. Lots of selfies being taken (me, too, I admit it) along with another photographer trying to get the best panorama shot.
This is truly someplace special. I hope I can come back sometime and see it when the hills are green. read more