Chautauqua NY | The Beauty Around Us

An Unplanned Daycation

When I awakened the morning of Wednesday, October 1, I discovered that Bob had taken the day off work. Bob said that he didn’t feel like going into work, so he called his boss and asked would it would be okay if he took a vacation day. I decided, also, to take off work (editing wedding pictures) so that I could spend the day with Bob. We went for a ride on the motorcycle.

Our first stop was for gas at Kwik Fill. Our second stop was at Tractor Supply, where Bob returned an item that he had purchased yesterday. Our third stop was at Wegmans in Jamestown, NY. While Bob was inside the store buying a couple bags of bean coffee, I was outside taking pictures of the pumpkins on display.

Pumpkins at Wegman’s

Our fourth stop was at Van Tuil Photo & Imaging in Erie PA, where I purchased a camera bag. I have purchased so many camera bags over the years. I can’t seem to find that one perfect bag. I hope that this new camera bag serves its purpose well for some time to come!

From Van Tuil’s we rode to Presque Isle State Park.

We ate a picnic lunch at the lagoon picnic area.

Lagoon

We have visited Presque Isle State Park numerous times in the 16 years that Bob and I have been married. There are still many places that we have not explored on the peninsula. The lagoon picnic area was one such place. What a lovely spot for a picnic!

Lagoon Goose

After lunch, we rode rest of the way around Presque Isle State Park. We then began our way back home.

We made three stops on our way back home. Our first stop was while en route Findley Lake, NY.

We pulled off the side of the road so that I could take a picture of this pastoral scene.

In Findley Lake, after a refreshing glass of iced coffee and a cookie for Bob and a glass of iced tea and a muffin for me, we took a very short walk along the main street.

Swartz Mill

At one time a horizontal water wheel furnished power for both a saw mill and a grist mill at this site. This vertical waterwheel has been constructed near the site of the original. I believe the only purpose of the present waterwheel is that of a tourist attraction.

Findley Lake

Our last stop before returning home was at Chautauqua Institution, where we admired the color Autumn foliage across Chautauqua Lake.

Looking across Chautauqua Lake from Chautauqua Institution

It was a wonderful unplanned daycation for Bob and me. Before too long we will be putting the motorcycle away for the Winter. I am happy that we were able to take advantage of this beautiful day by sharing an activity that we both enjoy!

If You Want Me, Sweetheart, Just Whistle

We had just arrived at Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, New York, when I heard it — a ship’s whistle. I took a couple pictures at Bestor Plaza, ignoring the whistle.

Sundial at Bestor Plaza

Bestor Plaza fountain

The whistle was persistent, though, and LOUD. The whistle sounded several times, calling me. I stopped resisting the urge to see the boat with the loud whistle. We hopped in the car and drove the short distance to Chautauqua Lake.

Chautauqua Belle on Chautauqua Lake

The Chautauqua Belle is a replica of a steam-powered stern wheeler that provides tours of Chautauqua Lake. I have never ridden this boat. I would love to go on a ride some day! If you would like to read more about the Chautauqua Belle, you may do so by clicking here.