Sept. 26-27 in Croghan, NY

hosts:  Anne & Allen Merrill

hiddencomfortbb@frontiernet.net

president:  Brad Schwarting sschwart@twcny.rr.com

Ridge View Motor Lodge 315-376-2252

www.ridge-view.com

          Rates for G&CICA meeting: single $65.00, double  $75.00, $5.00 discount for seniors (even though non of us are there yet).     That price is good until Sept. 1st.; it is 15 miles from Merrill's home. There are other motels but this one is clean and nice and the closest.

AGENDA:

                We are going to host a picnic at our home on Friday evening, breakfast for everyone Saturday morning from 7:30-9:00 and a pig roast  for lunch. Brad figured we would hold our meeting and a mini seminar Saturday morning and the swap meet right after lunch. We will furnish beverages for everyone---Anne & Allen

Now, more about the area opportunities:

MAKE YOUR TIME A TRAVEL EXPERIENCE--MUCH TO SEE & DO IN THE AREA:

          The autumn leaf colors should be at their peak so if anyone has extra time they should spend it exploring the Adirondack & Thousand Islands areas.     Within driving distances are Blue Mountain Lake with the Adirondack Museum, a wonderful place with numerous buildings portraying the history and development of the Adirondack Mountains region and the many presidents and other famous people who helped make it the largest state park in the country. Very Interesting.    

          The Thousand Islands region is the area of the St. Lawrence River on both sides of the US/Canadian  border with more than 1000 islands (as the name implies). One of the more famous places is Bolt Castle. This is a real castle that George Bolt who, in the early 1900's owned the Waldorf Astoria hotel in NYC, started to build for his wife. It consist of 115 plus rooms. When she died suddenly he stopped the building and it set empty for many years until the New York Bridge Authority acquired it in the late 1900's. They have restored most of the rooms so far and it is a beautiful place to visit.

          Boat rides are an option, up and down the river, to see the many multi-million dollar homes, many situated on the numerous islands. This area gets tens of thousands of visitors every summer.   

          Within two miles of the Ridge View Motor Lodge is the Maple Ridge Wind Farm which consist of 195 windmills. This is the largest windmill farm east of the Mississippi River. They will give a tour, possibly Friday afternoon, if anyone is interested. It is really very interesting.   

          Hundreds of miles of country roads will be displaying some pretty awesome autumn colors in late September.  

          Numerous wineries dot the 1000 Island area. I am not familiar with these but can get information if anyone is interested. As Anne is the executive director at the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce she can help anyone out with information. Her work number is 315-376-2213.             Plan early and let the Merrill's know if you are attending so they can plan accordingly.