Woohoo! Another year and we’re back at it for our yearly annual reunion and this time we back to the campground. This time we headed towards northern NY state and the Finger Lakes area to Watkins Glen State Park. It was named one of the top campgrounds in the state with picturesque hiking trails, waterfalls, a gorge, tons of shade, an olympic-size pool, and tons of amenities with nearby Seneca Lake only 15minutes away – all of which we got a chance to experience.
Weather was great for the first three days so we took advantage and set up our tents quickly to get settle in. Norma got to making her tasty Chilli while waiting for the rest of the families to arrive, with Jr. and Justin getting in the latest in the wee hours of the morning. The cousins were happy to see every one all over again and excited for all the activities to do on the weekend.
On Friday, as is customary, every family takes a turn making meals and Chris and Kelly threw down a hearty campground breakfast. We then went on our first excursion and took off on a family hike to the gorge, which was picturesque with the falls and pools of water all around us. The hike did kicked most of our butts.. so we split into those who roughed it back and those of us who – lets just say some cheated on their way back by getting a ride to the site.. We came back and settled in for lunch to relax and then dinner by the campfire.
The next day we had another good breakfast and a few of us decided to go out to the lake for a boatride while half the family went out to the big camp pool to soak up some sun. The boat ride on the lake was fun, where everyone had the opportunity to drive the boat, including Mateo, Olivia.. and Rico Suave (Justin). Its was a pure blast scooting all around the lake in our pontoon boat and the kids were petered out at the end of it. We came back and played a pick-up game of basketball for the boy’s bragging rights.
We had a great weekend, but ended up packing and taking down tents in the rain (because of hurricane Irene). Other than the hurricane, and the crazy drive back to home through it – we all had a blast! See you guys again next year!
Tons more camping pictures are posted here in our gallery.