We left the church and drove to Promised Land State Park in Greentown PA. When we arrived we were warned about bears as they’d been spotted in the park. It’s a large park with various campgrounds and we were in the Pickerel Point area, we only got a senior discount so no great shakes, and it was raining most of the time we were there, but a well deserved 2 day rest, which of course we didn’t, off to explore soon after we arrived.

A little waterfall

One of the beach areas, probably quite nice in the sunshine

There’s a rich history here of the Shakers (Steve’s relatives) and other early settlers trying unsuccessfully to build a life off the land, they tried and finally gave up and sarcastically named the area “The Promised Land”

Took a drive to find some breakfast, and came upon this place, where we sampled their homemade delicacies.

We left the Promised Land State Park and continued our trek north.

Oh boy, we found the smoke when we got to Scranton PA

And all of a sudden, here we were in New York.

We’d just driven through the Pocono Mountains of PA, now we were entering the Catskills of NY. The Catskills was once a bustling resort area, fondly known as the Borscht Belt.

The Catskill resorts were a safe haven for Jewish New Yorkers who vacationed there because of antisemitism in the 1920’s through the 70’s. The area drew a huge amount of talent from the likes of Joan Rivers, Shecky Greene, Don Rickles and Buddy Hackett to name just a few. Travel finally opened up in other areas and internationally and the once booming area is now abandoned and a ghost town.

Nope not going there.

Our next Harvest Host and a brewery stop in Cairo NY. Easy parking and new people to meet. It was here that Chris wanted to visit Woodstock, when she learned that the Woodstock Festival in ‘69 didn’t occur in Woodstock at all, it was in Bethel, quite a way away. Hmmmmm

Fairly level parking

Some fellow Harvest Host guests from the Jersey shore

Chris sampling all their wares

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Where the magic happens.

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Lo and behold a lovely little ice cream and treats shop next door

Time for some ice cream, and just close enough that Steve couldn’t resist

Continuing to our next destination. Really a drive-in? Another Harvest Host stay

Screen 1. We were welcomed with open arms by Tom and were told to park anywhere.

Right next to the concession stand.

We left the coach and drove to the local town, Ballston Spa, where we’d be staying for the month of July. We finally found an ever elusive tea shop Chris has been looking for for 5 years. The Whistling Kettle Ballston Spa, hit the spot and was really popular

Banana Fosters Crepe.

Of course we walked away with some Earl Grey tea.

Nice sunset before the movie

Drinks-check, popcorn-check, radio tuned to the right station-check, windshield washed-check

Start the movie.
Chris enjoyed her first experience at a drive in and the film was action packed.

Tomorrow we move to our 2nd major destination, Albany, and after all these miles a good time to add that having watched other drivers from a perch in the passengers seat, we can report that drivers more often then not are texting, playing games, on the phone and other things. There are very few drivers who are simply driving, very scary.

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