The Beauty Around Us

Bob’s Birthday Activities

By Linda G. on May 14, 2013

Bob’s birthday was earlier this month, on May 6th.  He took the day off work, and we spent the day together.  We went to the Seneca Allegheny Casino in Salamanca, New York.  The casino gave Bob $5.00 in free slot play.  That went fast.  He played $10.00 of his own money; so did I.  We both lost our $10.00.

From the casino we drove to Charcoal Corral in Perry, New York.  It was our first visit to this sit-down restaurant.  Bob ordered beef on weck; I ordered a 1/3 lb. cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato.  We enjoyed dessert at the Ice Cream Parlor, a few steps away from the restaurant.

the Charcoal Corral
The Ice Cream Parlor is located next door to the Pizzeria.

After lunch we drove to nearby Letchworth State Park.

Letchworth State Park is located 35 miles south of Rochester, NY.  The park, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East”, is a spectacular place.  The park’s magnificent scenery includes waterfalls and a gorge.  We entered the park via the Perry entrance, turning left (north) on Park Road.  We drove to Mount Morris Dam overlook, our first stop.

From Mount Morris Dam overlook we backtracked, driving south on Park Road, stopping frequently along the way.

We walked a short distance on Trail 18 because from Park Road it looked like there might be a waterfall along the trail.  There WAS a waterfall along the trail!

There are many spots along the way where one can linger, have a picnic, and enjoy the marvelous scenery provided throughout Letchworth State Park.

St. Helena Picnic Area
with its view of the Genesee River

A short drive from Tea Table Rock is Wolf Creek.  A closer view of Wolf Creek Falls can be seen here.

Continuing south on Park Road we come to the Big Bend Overlook.

Our next stop was at Archery Field.

I asked permission to take this photograph.  After I took the picture, I noticed the man was holding a cell phone.  I asked if they would like me to take their photograph with the cell phone.  They did, and I did.  I photographed this young couple at another location in the park but didn’t realize that fact until I was editing the photographs.  I will point out the photograph in which they appear farther down the page.

There are three major waterfalls in Letchworth State Park.  Of the three major waterfalls the Lower Falls, 55 feet high, is reached first when traveling south on Park Road.

We have walked up and down those 127 stone steps before, but we opted not to do so this visit.  Besides we had never seen Lower Falls from the easy view.

Continuing the drive south from the Lower Falls, we reached Inspiration Point with its impressive view up the gorge.  Both the Middle Falls and the Upper Falls are visible from this point.

A little farther along Park Road is Middle Falls.  The Middle Falls, 107 feet high, is the highest of the three major waterfalls.

Overlooking the magnificent Middle Falls is the Glen Iris Inn, which was formerly the country estate of William Pryor Letchworth.

The third major waterfall — Upper Falls —  is not far from the Middle Falls.

We left the park at the Portageville exit.  We had a wonderful day, and it was a great way to spend Bob’s birthday.