Seneca Lake

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 kmΒ³) 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 kmΒ²).

December 9, 2018 7 AM Update

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Good morning! Happy Earliest Sunset of the Year βŒ›οΈ! At least in Albany, I think further west here in Hector the days have already started to get later in the evening. Two weeks to Festivus 🍖. Everybody loves meatloaf and feats of strength. Mostly sunny and 16 degrees in Hector. There is a south-southwest breeze at 6 mph. 🍃. Seems like a bit more of a breeze right now but it might be from the sun rising. Hopefully though things will warm up when the sun starts shining down. Things will start to thaw out at Friday around 9 am. 🌡️

Today will be sunny 🌞, with a high of 32 degrees at 2pm. Six degrees below normal, which is similiar to a typical day around December 27th. Southwest wind 6 to 11 mph. A year ago, we had cloudy skies. The high last year was 33 degrees. The record high of 62 was set in 1966. 7.3 inches of snow fell back in 2009.❄

The sun will set at 4:34 pm with dusk around 5:05 pm, which is one second later than yesterday. At sunset, look for clear skies 🌄 and temperatures around 31 degrees. There will be a southwest breeze at 8 mph. Tomorrow will have 9 hours and 7 minutes of daytime, a decrease of 47 seconds over today.

Tonight will be scattered flurries after 4am. Increasing clouds ☁, with a low of 21 degrees at 12am. Two degrees below normal, which is similiar to a typical night around December 15th. Maximum wind chill around 19 at 6pm; Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph. In 2017, we had light snow and mist in the evening, remaining overcast into the early morning. It got down to 18 degrees. The record low of -4 occurred back in 1902.

Driving out here, it quite a snowy winter wonderland on Interstate 88 which prompted me to take it to the end then take the 13 mile jaunt north to Lisle rather than NY 206 through Greene.❄ There was a ton of salt on the road so nothing stuck but I wanted to avoid hills. Plus 206 followed by 79 to Ithaca can feel like forever with all the small towns and traffic. NY 79 didn’t disappoint with speed traps, traffic and aggressive drivers tailgating and blowing past you for the mortal sin of driving 50 mph in a 45 zone.

Lots of stars last night and it was good camping, although this time of year the nights are long. When I first got here it was a big rush to get things set up but then it wasn’t too bad once every thing was ready to go. I’ll probably make some changes to the campsite set up today but nothing too major. β›Ί

Not a half bad night although a few times it got cold and I woke up and turned on the heater. Having a full tank I figured just use it to be comfortable. It should last for the five or six nights I’m out here, it’s not that expensive. ♨Last night was pretty nice but after the wind switched it got a cooler. Plus I kinda was awoken by the sound of the deer hunters closing the doors on their pick up trucks as they headed out in the field well before dawn.

The sun is well up now and I need to go to the facilities, and make breakfast before it gets dark out again. Should be a nice day with the sun and hopefully somewhat warmer temperatures. 😎

As previously noted, there are 2 weeks until Festivus 🍖 when the sun will be setting at 4:38 pm with dusk at 5:10 pm. On that day in 2017, we had freezing rain and clouds with temperatures between 36 and 25 degrees. Typically, the high temperature is 33 degrees. We hit a record high of 64 back in 1990.

Near the Summit

Expressway of Life

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ο»Ώ“Take your time, think a lot, for you may still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not.” – Father and Son, Cat Stevens

At age 35, suddenly I’m realizing that I’m getting old. Not that old — still another 30 years until I’m officially a senior, but as time passes more doors close on life, roads not taken are forever gone, just like a missed exit on an expressway. People warn me all the time. Things you can do at 35, will no longer be available in your 40s and 50s, or so I’m told. As life goes on, your list of “permanent disabilities” only grows.

But I’m not ready to give up on the expressway I am on carefully, for some far out dream that I don’t have the resources or the knowledge to fully implement. Usually when you exit the expressway in your life, there is no way to get back on it.