So, a while back, when we were on our way from Olean (I know I am out of date sync) we stopped about half way home to spend the night and do some sight-seeing. For just about as many years as I can remember we have driven by this particular attraction without stopping. With a 10 or 12 hour drive- your goal is always to get there and not make the trip any longer than it needs to be- your goal is Not To Stop. Sightseeing? Forgetaboutit. Last year we promised that this summer we would finally stop at Howe Caverns and so we did. Mind you, this promise was further reinforced when Erik was watching some Travel/Food network tv show and they showcased Dinosaur BBQ restaurant with several spots in New York state. Erik had to go. (We really have to get rid of cable). The compromise…we stop –spend the night –go to Howe Caverns –stop in Troy for lunch and be on our way. It was a great plan. The only slight flaw- Alec fell asleep in the drive from the caverns to Troy and it was just enough to make him grumpy. He rebounded by the end of lunch but then had no need for anymore sleep on the rest of the ride home. He really needed that sleep.
When we got to Cobleskill- it was dinner time but none of us were too hungry.Just a little excited about tomorrows adventure. Lucky for us, not only did the hotel have a pool, they also had a bowling alley attached. Bonus- the hotel gave us 1 free string each. Off we went. We were the only ones in there. Not practically. We were THE only ones in there.
This was the 1st time Alec had bowled big balls. We had to help him with the balls. By the way, the lanes? They were recently perfectly oiled. Like a sheet of ice they were. How do I know? ‘Cause I took a giant flip when I was helping Alec. I am too old to fall like that. There was nothing graceful about it. Thankfully we were the only ones..no one but Alec saw it. Erik didn’t know where I was until he looked down. Pain outweighed embarrassment but I persevered. And Alec was a champ at bowling. At least he though so.
Then it was time so a little swimming.
and then bed.
Next morning – we were up and out at a decent hour and ready for our adventure-Howe Caverns. You can see the these granite stones spelling out Howe from the highway hence the reason we knew it was there for so many years.
It was going to be in the high 80’s outside but the Caverns are at a constant 52% year round –they blow the cool air up into the main building for natural air conditioning – it was chilly as soon as we stepped inside.
You take an elevator down..I can’t remember how many feet – 150 maybe ? Your guide walks you through stopping to tell you all in very interesting factoids. It was a little like Disney in some ways. Hokey. The caverns were real but it was hard to tell how much was authentic because of all the safety improvements that have been made over the years. But it was still neat and I am glad we went. There is a dark section of the caves that the tour doesn’t go and that is where the bats live. They were kind enough to mention this factoid in the tour and that became Alec’s obsession for the rest of the tour. Why do they only live on that side? Will they bite us? Where are they right now? What do they eat? Will we see them? Why aren’t they over here? How do you know they won’t come to this cave? What do bats do? Why do they exist? Why don’t we want them over her? Will they hurt us? Will we hurt them? Why? Erik and I were exhausted.
And then we went back outside to the warmth and asked a nice lady to take our picture.
And then we were off to find Dinosaur BBQ.
The temporary tattoos made Alec come out of his grumpy nap funk. Phew. Lunch was yummy and portions were large. There were plenty of leftovers for snacking later.
And then we were back on the road.
Mission accomplished!
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