Rainy Day Turned into FUN!

Its really starting to feel like Autumn in New York now, even though very few of the trees have started turning. It rained much of the night and was still drizzly this morning. So we slept in, warm and cozy, just relaxed in the camper, and had a very late breakfast (it was almost lunchtime, in fact!). We read, did some paperwork and camp chores. It was wonderfully relaxing.

Suddenly the sun popped through, and it was amazing how that energized us! We hopped in the truck and headed back to Watkins Glen. Here's a shot of the flag set-up I described yesterday....almost as many checkered flags around town as American flags. And there are a LOT of American flags!!

We did a little shopping, and then decided to do what we both had been wanting to do: drive the original Watkins Glen race course. We started at the checkered intersection in the middle of town and headed out. Needless to say, we didn't take it at racing speed in our heavily loaded pick-up. But even staying within the speed limit and stopping at all the stop signs and railroad crossings, it was a VERY fun 6.6 mile course! The first time we stopped for photos here and there and had to pause at a few landmarks and intersections to read about them on our map or to figure out which way to go. So, of course, we had to go a second time, this time imagining what it would be like to drive this course in a souped-up sports car.

The original course in 1948-1952 wasn't all paved as it is today. It alternated between pavement, gravel and dirt. The drivers went flying through some of the spots at 100 mph (the ones we took at 30). The average top speed for the course is 80 mph. I can't imagine it!

I'm not going to write a lengthy description the trip, but I'll post a few photos of some of the curves and hills and features. If you're interested in reading a description of the course, you'll enjoy this VERY well-written article by a race car driver who went through it FAST. Curt and I really enjoyed reading it, and I think you will too, if that type of thing interests you. Just do a google search of "Watkins Glen original race course" and find the link (about the third or fourth one down) that says "NASCAR--You Can Still Drive the Original Watkins Glen...."

Here  are a few shots of the course today...but just imagine dirt and gravel roads for much of it.

Leaving the starting point, ready for the first right-hand turn:

Heading uphill into the country:

Approaching the railroad tunnel (they did this at 100 mph!)

Gotta look fast to see the scenery!

Going through the S-curves...

Approaching the narrow bridge...

Here's a view of it from the side:

VERY sharp turn down to the right coming off the bridge:

Up over the top and headed downhill...

The town is coming into view again.

getting closer...

And rolling back into the checkerboard intersection in the middle of town.

Wouldn't it be fun to do that FAST????

After vicariously living the life of auto racers, we decided to do something a little more bucolic. So we headed a little ways up Seneca Lake and visited a couple of vineyards. The setting is lovely, with vineyards stretching down to the lake, growing every variety of grape imaginable.

By early evening it had clouded over again and was turning cool. We returned to Lucy, our travel trailer, and were welcomed by a pot roast simmering in the crock-pot. Now THAT's my kind of camping!

Tomorrow, Sunday, we plan to attend church in Watkins Glen, and then we have plans to meet one of our oldest friends who lives in Brockport, N.Y.  We're looking forward to a great reunion!