Seneca Lake stands as the largest among the glacial Finger Lakes within the state of New York. Renowned for its substantial size and depth, it remains entirely contained within the state’s borders. The lake has earned distinction as the preeminent locale for lake trout angling, exemplified by its role as the host of the esteemed National Lake Trout Derby. Positioned at the northern terminus of Seneca Lake, the city of Geneva, New York, commands attention, serving as the domicile for Hobart and William Smith Colleges, along with housing the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, a constituent entity of Cornell University. Conversely, the village of Watkins Glen, situated at the southern extremity of the lake, boasts a notable reputation due to its association with motorsport, primarily due to the presence of Watkins Glen International racetrack, as well as its picturesque cascades.
Seneca Lake possesses an uncommon macroclimate that has bestowed it with the distinction of nurturing over 50 wineries, predominantly characterized as farm wineries. Its geographical attributes have led to the designation of the Seneca Lake American Viticultural Area (AVA), solidifying its reputation within oenophilic circles.
In terms of dimensions, Seneca Lake stretches across a length of approximately 38 miles, securing its position as the second longest Finger Lake. Remarkably voluminous, it is estimated to contain an impressive 3.81 cubic miles (15.9 km³) of water, accounting for nearly half of the cumulative water volume across all the Finger Lakes. The lake’s profundity is notable, averaging 291 feet, while plunging to a maximum depth of 618 feet. The expansive water body covers a surface area of approximately 66.9 square miles (173 km²).
Final night on my road trip to the Finger Lakes. Nice evening with the spring peepers singing their song but a bit cool and breezy. Currently 48 degrees. I ended up pulling out my heater again because that breeze is a bit chilly.
Went down to Ithaca today and explored Cayuga Inlet in my kayak. Went out briefly on Cayuga Lake but despite the relatively calm winds I don’t like to be on such a big lake. Nice paddling, did some fishing but as was the case all week, didn’t have much luck. I got to brush up on my techniques, I’m obviously doing something wrong.
Traffic sucked in Ithaca. I just hate sitting in traffic so much. I did get the replacement globe for the lantern for what that’s worth. Works great. Refilled the small portable tank and have used the lantern on and off this evening. I wanted to check out Buttermilk Falls Park but it was pretty crowded with limited parking so I decided to head back to camp.
Spent most of the evening back at camp taking things down and just kind of hanging out. Took down the tarps, moved photos to the camera, started a fire fairly early. Before bed, I want to get things put away except for the camp stove, table, and buckets. I am assuming heavy rain by morning but I still want to have coffee in the morning.
Having a good fire tonight as the ground is damp from last night and rain is coming in the next hour. Tonight might be the end of the trip but I plan to make the most of it. Soon though, I’ll take down the flag and the lights.
Rain is north of the Pennsylvania border and will be here by midnight. But so be it. Tomorrow is about heading home. All great adventures must become to an end. It’s been cold and gray for most of the trip but still got to do many fun things.
Sunrise tomorrow in Hector at 6:02 am. Good night.
Good morning. Happy Saturday. Final full day of my trip. 49 degrees and cloudy this morning. Looking at 60 degrees under mostly cloudy skies later. Heading down to Ithaca later on to do some kayaking.
Good evening folks. Happy Friday evening to all of those who worked much harder than me. 44 degrees with light drizzle but with no wind feels reasonably warm. You know it’s been a cold week this evening feels warm. That north wind blowing across the pasture onto the campsite just was so cold — even with the tarp blocking the northern breezes.
Ended up going to Watkins Glen and then to Newfield State Forest and ultimately Enfield Glen, to check out that gorge. Also was in Montour Falls, looking for a place to launch my kayak. I had heard that the DEC was planning to designate new campsites in Newfield State Forest near Connecticut Hill WMA, but it doesn’t look like that had happened. My truck sure is muddy from exploring Newfield State Forest.
Part of Watkins Glen is now open, from the lower parking lot to the Grand George / Lovers Lane. The rim trail is open year round. Starting to green up in parts of the gorge. Enfield Glen is also greening up, although the gorge trail there is closed although the lower gorge, the big steps, and trail over looking Lucifer Falls was open. A good amount of water was coming over Lucifer Falls.
I took a number of pictures but I need to go through them and upload them. My laptop battery is dead, but when I head out tomorrow, I’ll charge it off the inverter. Hopefully there will be some good photos.
Spring peepers are enjoying the rain and are singing their songs. I like the rain as its largely eliminated the fire risk. The DEC downgraded the fire risk to low for this part of the state, with the greater humidity and the declining wind.
Despite being relatively close to Ithaca when I was at the Enfield Glen, I decided to back track to Watkins Glen Walmart to get camp supplies including a replacement globe for the lantern. I get there and they are sold out of globes. Which is fine as I have electric lights for camp but the propane lantern doesn’t wind down the accessory battery, requiring the truck to be started. Also forgot to buy dish soap. It also was kind of out of the way. Oh, well.
Tonight the low will be 39 degrees. It looks like the rain is done for the night but it will remain cloudy through Saturday. Continued cool tomorrow with a high around 57. Rain for Sunday.
Depending on how wet things are tomorrow, I’m thinking of taking down my campsite and heading East, maybe to Long Pond, so I’m closer to home on Sunday, and because if I camp on a lake, I’m more likely to finally get out on the lake in the kayak, and spend more time fishing. Although I would like to spend more time in the Finger Lakes.
