Mt. Arab Fire Tower

This year we tried a new mountain climb in the Rollins Pond area. We chose Mt. Arab. We had heard that it was worth the climb as The Friends of Mt. Arab have made a great effort to restore the fire tower and cabin atop the mountain.

Once we got to the top, it certainly was worth the view. The hike was a little more strenuous for the adults than it was the kids. We think they actually climbed the mountain twice as they would run ahead, and then run back as we made our way up the mountain.

At the top of the mountain is a restored cabin that was used by the observer who spent the fire season looking out for fires. The cabin is now occupied for the summer by a guide to greet hikers as they reach the tower.

Here, Sean is standing at the foot of the fire tower.

We all made it up to the top of the tower.

You are here.

“Hey someone built a bench here!  Sean, take our picture.”

What a great hike!

Fishing…and more fishing…

This year, fishing took a higher priority than it has in past years. Dale can be thanked for that, as he has inspired the boys to want to fish more often.

Steve has been particularly interested in bass fishing this summer, and he has been determined to get himself photographed holding a big ole bass by the mouth. He caught one that fit the bill when we visited Long Lake over Memorial Day weekend, but there wasn’t a camera or anyone to get his picture with that one.

The second night of the Rollins Pond trip, Steve decided to throw a few casts just after sunset and another opportunity for that photo-op presented itself. As he landed the fish he urged Nathan to run up the hill to the campsite and grab the camera. When he returned he was ready to snap the picture.

This was Nathan’s first attempt at the photograph. At this point the bass was nicknamed “Bassquatch”. Steve tried to continue to hold the fish by the lip and help Nathan get the camera set so that the flash would go off.

Steve struck the classic fishermans pose with the fish and Nathan snapped away. As Nathan tried to show Steve the picture of his fish the bass made a valiant flip and flop from the grasp of Steve’s fingers, eluding Steve of the postcard picture with a big ole bass. As you can clearly see though, the 15-20″ bass was certainly a memorable catch.

Tuesday morning was by far the best fishing of the week. Sean in particular had a great day. He  caught too many pumpkin seeds to count, and a few perch and a small bass.

On Saturday night Steve and Nathan headed out for a dusk fishing excursion.

Boy it was worth it too. Nathan landed this 13″ bull head all by himself. He still hasn’t stopped talking about it.

I think the boys have found a new pastime.

When the fish aren’t biting…

 

The good news about fishing in the Adirondacks, is that when the fish aren’t biting, you still get the most serene views that can be found anywhere in the world. Above, Sean is taking an early morning cast from our canoe.

This was the early morning view from the shore in front of our campsite.

A Rollins Pond sunset.

The quintessential Adirondack view – a pair of loons.

As the loons were being photographed, Steve neglected to pay attention to the fishing line that he had out on the water. Well, a pumpkin seed ended up swallowing the hook. Which ended up being to the delight of the seagulls flying above.

To Shave or Not To Shave

As the days went by Steve’s 5 o’clock shadow got more and more pronounced. So, when the week of camping came to an end, he had a decision to make, to shave, or not to shave.

Perhaps a goatee?

“Hmmmmm… there is something I don’t like about this look.”

“Oh yeah. That’s what it is.”

How about a moustache?

“I like this look better… to shave or not to shave, that remains the question.”

District All Star Championship

Well, the formal league and post season play has now come to an end for Sean’s baseball season. The season culminated with his All Star team earning second place in the double elimination district tournament made up of 10 regional teams.

The team they faced in the championship had beat them earlier in the week in the semi-finals, putting Sean’s team in the position of needing to win the final game of the loser’s bracket on Wednesday night, which they did. 

As Thursday’s game time approached it was revealed that Sean was going to get the ball as the starting pitcher in the championship game. The opposing team in the championship game had scored 18, 21, 11, and 11 runs in the games leading up to this one. Needless to say, we, along with his coaches and teammates were anxious to see how Sean would manage this challenging situation. While they ultimately were not victorious in the end, Sean pitched the best game of his young career. He took a 1-1 tie into the 5th inning before giving up a few hits and turning the game over to the bull pen.

What a wonderful season it has been!

All Star Sectional Tournament Begins

Sean had the first All-Star game of his young career. His team played an outstanding game getting the win 14-2.

He personally had a great pitching outing, securing his team’s first win.

4th of July 2009

We spent our 4th of July afternoon on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake at Sampson State Park. It was our first time visiting there even though it is only 20 minutes from our front porch.

Our first stop inside the park was the memorial museums remembering the men and women that served our Navy and Air Force during World War II. Over 350,000 military personnel traveled through this site when it was a basic training facility for the Navy and Air Force in the 40’s and 50’s. It was closed as a military base in 1956 and became a state park in the late 60’s. The museum was added in 1995.

Here Nathan checks out the park through the periscope that extends up above the museum.

Sean spent a little while in an F-16 trainer. We met a very nice veteran who explained some of the functions of different things. Apparently once trainees demontrated enough knowledge and skill in the trainer, they get a chance to become a real F-16 pilot. Not very many make it beyond the trainer. Sean got a little concerned when he explained the process of getting ejected from your jet when your plane is going down.

We took a walk down by the docks and marina. It was so windy and choppy on the lake, it looked as though even the sea gulls weren’t sure if they should dare take flight.

Stephanie and Sean holding onto each other so they wouldn’t blow away.

From there we took a few moments to have a snack and play in the picnic area.

Steve and Nathan had a moment to play Lacrosse. As it turns out the Seneca Indians had a village on this site until the 1600’s when they were run out of town.

No 4th of July would be complete without bundling up and heading out for some pyrotechnics.

We hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday weekend!

Spring Sports in Full Swing

Well, the spring sports season has been going strong for over a month now for the boys. Sean is playing his third year of Little League baseball, and Nathan is in is first year of Lacrosse.

This morning there was a “Lax on the Lake” lacrosse tournament in Penn Yan – which was a confusing title since you couldn’t see any lakes from the fields.  Apparently Keuka Lake was just past the trees. The boys played three games throughout the day and played great, finishing the day 2-1.

The best win of the day came against Ithaca 4 to 3. Here Nathan, or “Nate” on the lacrosse field, puts a move on one of the Ithaca players.

Here Nate is on attack!

Sean’s team is off to a great start this year with a record of 7-2. Above, Sean is catching. We are very proud of the leadership that he is demonstrating on the field with his younger team mates.

Sean has helped his teams in many aspects. Here he is on the mound.

While their participation seems to keep our family busy this time of year, the boys both seem to be thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Hope you and your families are having a wonderful Spring too.

Nathan’s First Communion

Today we celebrated Nathan’s first Holy Communion. Nathan worked very hard and put his whole heart into his preparations for this sacrament.

Here Nathan poses with Father Bill after the mass.

Here Nathan poses with his big brother, Father Bill, and his God Parents Aunt Pam and Uncle Brian.

The whole family.

Grandpa and the boys pose in front of the statue of Nathan’s favorite Saint – Saint Francis of Assisi.

Grandma and Aunt Susan relax and enjoy the party.

It was wonderful to share the day with both Grandmas.

… and Grandpas.

We are so very proud of Nathan on this very special occasion.

Boys Being Boys

Nathan has been enjoying his “boyhood” as he has been practicing a lot with his Lacrosse team. Here he is in the black shorts defending his goal during a scrimmage.

Sean has been having the itch of a “hunter gatherer” as this picture demonstrates an eagerness to get the garden started.

We received  a wonderful invitation from Dale to travel over to Canandaigua Lake for a fishing outing for the boys.

Dale had the catch of the day with this 1lb. 5oz. bass.

Sean finished a close second with this 10 oz. crappie.

Nathan’s catch of the day was two bucks that he caught blowing around the parking lot at Applebees!

Here’s to boys being boys….arr arr arr!