Sunday, June 28, 2009

Gorge-ous


High: 68°F
Low: 55°F
Conditions: Persistent rain.
Upstate New York has a lot going for it. There are wineries and pastureland, historical sites aplenty, and plump squirrels just asking to be chased by charismatic young canine naturalists.


But what really distinguishes the area is its geology. Thanks to a combination of deep river valleys and the even deeper effects of glaciation, the region is demarcated by steep trenches and troughs measuring hundreds of feet deep. Some, dammed by residual sediment, have formed the Finger Lakes. Others, still freely flowing, created some of the most stunning waterfalls around.


The most famous, of course, is Niagara Falls. And while Ari's naturalism has usually been more of a life, rather than earth, science, she nevertheless showed a keen interest in diversifying her study there. Even more appealing to her that day, however, was the Falls' termination: Lake Ontario—apparently some of the tastiest drinking water around (and thanks to recent environmental initiatives, surprisingly clean water at that).


The real hidden treat of the region for both of us, though, were the innumerable gorges and glens tucked into hillsides and anchoring many a state park. We did our best to hike as many as our days allowed.

There's a certain timeless energy to the constant flow of water--just enough din to make the less savory parts of everyday life sift away. Throughout the trip, we found ourselves standing motionless, taking in the passing of geological time: the power of water to dig through rock and epoch in a way any husky would surly admire. Gorgeous.


15 comments:

TwoSpecialWires said...

What beautiful photographs. And what beautiful eyes. We can't decide which was the more stunning. We're glad we don't really have to say.

In awe,
Jake and Fergi

Marigold said...

Quite lovely...paralleled only by Peanut fields in full bloom. :)

Stella said...

Its good to hear that you and Ari got to do some fun things on your trek around New York!

Kisses,
Stella

Eve said...

I always meant to go to Niagara Falls Kathryn...now I'll have to fly to get there!!! Silly me! Glad you got to go with Ari.

D.K. Wall said...

Two interesting facts about our county (Haywood County, NC). (1) It is the highest average elevation county east of the Mississippi, which means (2) it is one of the few counties in the U.S. where not a single body of water flows into the county. Yep, all of our water originates inside the county and flows out. Combine those two facts and we have hundreds of waterfalls in our county and the neighboring ones. We love finding a quiet one off the beaten path and just relaxing to the sounds and views.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Such a beautiful place to visit and Ari looks divine in that photo.

Woos, the OP Pack

JB's Big and Small Worlds said...

What awesome scenery there is there. My mom has never been there but must visit some time!
--JB

YD, sometimes with ♥June and ♥Angel Samantha said...

Very very nice! Now if you love the Finger Lakes region, you would fall in love with the Adirondacks.

The Army of Four said...

WOW! That really IS gorge-ous!
Love,
Ammy
PS: Hee hee hee, I like your pun!

Teddy Westlife said...

Stunning! Oh, the waterfalls are pretty too :)

Huffle Mawson

Lorenza said...

Sure that is a pawesome place!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

What beaWOOtiful pikhs of our famous pawthor!

Mom votes TAILS up (and glasses up) fur the wineries!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Kess And Her Mama said...

Did you catch the squirrel Ari? You're so luck to be able to travel with your human to NY. When my humans went last summer, they left me home :-( Mum loved Niagara Falls and enjoyed the hikes at the Finger Lakes. She just completed blogging abt her NY trip just recently. Took her almost a year. Go figure!

Reese said...

Our pets just love the outdoor... Actually during trips they are more excited that us. My bunnies are like that. Actually, having them out of their rabbit hutches makes them very happy already. They love new environment and exposure.

World of Animals, Inc said...

Just absolutely gorgeous photos of your adventure. Those squirrels can be just everywhere you go. Seems like they follow you all the time. Thanks for sharing the lovely photos. Have a wonderful day.
World of Animals