Chime School

Posts Tagged ‘picnic’

Don’t you hate it when you have a camping trip planned and the forecast calls for terrible weather? Have you ever postponed a camping trip because it was too cold or snowy? I don’t have that problem anymore. Last November I decided to go to deer camp with a bunch of my friends. We made our plans a few weeks ahead of time so we’d have plenty of time to get our camping equipment together. As opening day of deer season approached, I watched the Weather Channel and things didn’t look very promising. The forecast was for a cold and snowy week but we knew it wouldn’t stop us from hunting down our prey.

The fact is I had canceled too many camping trips in the past and recently bought a four season camping tent and some thermal sleeping bags to prevent it from happening again. The camping tent sleeps eight people so I knew there would be plenty of room for the four of us and our supplies. I also knew we’d be warm and dry because the four season camping tent is built to fight off strong wind and heavy snow.

As the weekend got closer, I packed all my supplies with complete confidence that we’d be going camping as planned. What’s even better is that people without the best camping gear would be canceling their trips. Less hunters in the woods would mean more deer for us. Also, doesn’t it seem like the deer know exactly when hunting season starts? Well, maybe because of the lousy weather they wouldn’t be quite so careful.

The weekend finally came and we stowed our camping equipment in the car and headed for the woods. All of a sudden it dawned on me that we left the picnic backpacks with the sandwiches for our first day in it. We don’t barbecue on the first day because by the time we get to camp and set up our equipment, it’s too late to bother cooking.  After the first night though, we cook all our meals on our portable grill.

Finally we were on the highway. I couldn’t wait to get to hunting camp and set up our camping gear before the snow and wind set in. For me nothing is better than a weekend at hunting camp with my best friends and the anticipation of the hunt to come. Stay tuned and I’ll tell you how we did on our winter weather hunting trip.

After checking out the cliffs at Chimney Bluff State Park, we’ll take a pleasant 30 mile drive to Fair Haven Beach State Park. Fair Haven Beach is a family oriented park. It’s sandy Lake Ontario beaches are some of the finest in Upstate New York and the hilly woodlands above offer excellent hiking. Inland you’ll find Sterling Pond which is surrounded by campsites and cabins that are available to rent. Along with swimming, the pond offers excellent fishing and has rowboats, canoes and paddle boats for rent. The park also offers playground and picnic facilities as well as sports playing fields. Finally, waterfowl hunting is permitted in specific places during the appropriate seasons.

Next we’ll travel another 35 miles to the historic City of Oswego. Oswego is home to Fort Ontario. The original fort was built in 1755 and was a British stronghold during the French and Indian War. The first fort was destroyed by French forces in 1756 and rebuilt in 1759. The second Fort Ontario was destroyed by U.S. forces during the American Revolution. The British reclaimed Oswego in 1782 and built the third Fort Ontrario which was given to the United States in 1796. The third fort was attacked and destroyed by the British during the War of 1812. Between 1839 and 1844, the current Fort Ontario was built because of the threat of another and a possible British attack from Canada. Between 1944 and 1946, Fort Ontario housed victims of the Nazi Holocaust. In 1949, New York State began restoring Fort Ontario as a State Historic Site. Fort Ontario is now open for tours from early May until the middle of October on Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 – 4:30. There is a small admission fee.

Today Oswego is one of the most key ports on Lake Ontario. During the spring, Oswego Harbor’s sheltered waters offer some of the finest steelhead and brown trout fishing in the Great Lakes. During the summer, many anglers turn their attention to the fine walleye and bass populations. In Oswego Harbor, September means coho salmon. Large numbers of the hungry fish gather in the harbor in preparation for the autumn run. The local charter captains can brag about their customers who have hooked huge fish including a 33 pound coho in 1998 and a 33 pound brown trout in 1997. What ever the season, pack your favorite spices in your picnic backpack don’t forget your grill tools because you will be catching and grilling some great fish in Oswego Harbor.

In our next article we’ll spend a little more time in Oswego and then continue along the Seaway Trail to Pulaski. Stay tuned!

The Port of Rochester (also known as Charlotte & Ontario Beach) is located where the Genesee River empties into Lake Ontario. It is one of the outdoor recreation hubs in the Rochester area. There is a sandy beach with a large picnic area and lots of playground equipment for the kids. The focal point is “The Dutchess”, a menagerie carousel built in 1905. Still in original condition, this Rochester landmark is one of only 14 antique menagerie carousels still running in the United States. The park also has a pier that extends about half a mile and separates the river from the lake. It offers excellent perch fishing off the river side. Here’s an idea for you: While you’re at the Port of Rochester, make sure you stop for an Abbott’s Frozen Custard. I belive that Abbott’s custard is the best dessert you can get. Abbott’s is located at the end of Lake Ave. right at the entrance to the park. If your in Charlotte, you can’t miss it.

Okay, it’s time to pack your camping tent and say goodbye to Rochester and return to the Seaway Trail. Our first destination will be at Sodus Point, about 40 miles east of Rochester. Two big attractions here are the Sodus Bay Lighthouse Museum and the amazing sport fishing. The lighthouse was originally built in 1824, and after it fell into disrepair, was rebuilt in 1870-1871. It was replaced by a less picturesque but more practical beacon in 1900 and the original lighthouse became the residence for the lighthouse attendant until 1984. In 1984 the Sodus Bay Historical Society leased the lighthouse and they still maintain it today. Climb the circular staircase to the top of the lighthouse and take in the the view as you overlook beautiful Lake Ontario and the Sodus Point piers from a height of 70 feet. The museum also has several displays, including one on the great fishing in the Sodus area, a small library and a gift shop. The lighthouse grounds are a great place to unpack your picnic basket and enjoy a great lunch. There are plenty of tables and grills for your use so don’t forget your grill tools. If you’re lucky enough to be at Sodus Point on a summer Sunday, make sure you plan to stay for their entertaining Sunday concert series. Sodus Point is also the home of several charter fishing boats. Whether lake trout, brown trout or coho salmon are your fish of choice, you’re sure to be able to find a boat and captain who will take you to the fish.

From Sodus Point, we’ll continue to Chimney Bluffs State Park near Wolcott. Though it doesn’t have as many facilities as many of the other parks on our route, I picked this stop because of the amazing geographic displays that mother nature has graced the landscape with. The clay cliffs were first formed by a glacial drummond and are now eroded and re-shaped on a daily basis by the movement of Lake Ontario. The park has several hiking trails that offer many outstanding views of the cliffs. Make sure you wear appropriate shoes when you hike the trails because theground can be treacherous. Climbing the cliffs themselves is very dangerous and is also illegal. When you visit Chimney Bluffs State Park, please take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.

In our next chapter we’ll continue our trip along the Seaway Trail and check out Fair Haven Beach State Park, Oswego, The Selkirk Lighthouse and end the day at Selkirk Shores State Park. I hope you’re enjoying this series about some of the sites along the Seaway Trail.

Remember the good old days before theme parks and grand resorts when your family used to go on picnics? In these tough economic times, why not return to these easier days by taking your family on a picnic? In this article we’ll help you figure out everything you need to make your picnic a memorable experience for your entire family.

First, let’s consider the picnic basket. Think about where you’re going to hold your picnic. Will you be able to park nearby? Will you have to walk or hike a distance to get there. If you’re going to be able to park near your picnic table, a traditional wicker picnic basket will work. However, if you’re going to have to walk to your picnic table, you might want to consider a picnic backpack. Picnic backpacks are very light and have plenty of room to carry everything you’ll need.

One of the things I really like about carrying a fully stocked picnic basket is that it’s an environmentally friendly alternative to bringing paper cups, paper plates and plastic silverware. Modern picnic baskets and picnic backpacks include all the equipment you’ll need to make your picnic a success. You can get a picnic basket or backpack that’s complete with glasses, silverware, plates, salt and pepper shakers, napkins, a table cloth and even a cheese knife and cutting board.

Next you’ll need to decide whether you’re going to cook on your picnic or bring a selection of sandwiches and snacks. If you want to cook, make sure the park you’re going to has grills to use or bring a portable grill of your own. Today you can even get portable gas grills if you don’t want to mess with charcoal and charcoal lighter. Whether you cook on gas or charcoal you’re going to need a set of quality barbecue tools.

I hope you agree with me that a picnic is an money saving alternative to a day at the local resort. Give it a try and I think you and you’re entire family will be glad you did.

Are you looking for something relaxing to do now that this winter is finally over? If your answer is yes, you really should consider going on a picnic. I feel my blood pressure go down as soon as I get out my picnic basket and barbecue tools and head for a day in the sun. The fresh air and sunshine just seem to drain the stress right out of me and, let’s face it, a barbecue tastes better than food cooked on a stove any time!

I suggest you pick a place with a stream for your picnic. Perhaps you can even do a liitle fishing. Whether you catch anything or not, you’ll discover that when you’re fishing, all your troubles disappear and you feel totally at ease. Just don’t count on the fish you catch for your picnic dinner because some days they just aren’t biting. If fishing isn’t your thing, you can take a leisurely stroll along the shore or just kick back and watch the water. I’d suggest bringing some bread because there usually seem to be ducks around and feeding them can be tons of fun.

Another activity you can do if you really want to enjoy your picnic is read a great book. I like to leave the business reading at home and bring one of the novels that I never seem to have time for. Just kick back on your lounge chair and enjoy a good story. Please don’t forget to either sit in the shade or protect yourself with some high quality sunscreen so you don’t get sunburned.

These days, life is very stressful for many of us. Luckily, there are many herbal remedies (legal ones) that can help us feel a little more relaxed. These remedies work even better when combined with relaxing activities. When it comes to relaxing activities, I think that there are none better than packing your wicker picnic basket and heading to a park near you. Give it a try, I think you’ll agree.

Are you looking for a fantastic way to add some spice to your romance? Are you trying to win back the love of your life? I have a plan that might be exactly what you want. Romance her by taking her on a surprise picnic. She’s going to be very pleased with you and wait until you find out how little work you actually have to do.

First you’re going to need to do a little research and find just the right location for your picnic. You want to find a park with a nice pond because being near the water is a great way to relax. You’ll also need to find one that has picnic tables and grills so you can prepare your picnic dinner. It will be even better if you can find a park that allows you to drink some of your favorite wine.

Next arrange for someone to take her to a spa or shopping for a few hours so you can do your work. Make sure it’s someone you can trust not to tell her what you have planned. Once she leaves, you’ll be on your way to the grocery store. Buy a couple of really good steaks or whatever you might want to have for dinner. You’ll also want to buy a great loaf of bread, some potato salad and some watermelon or other dessert. Unless you have a portable gas grill, you’ll also need to purchase some charcoal and charcoal starter. Finally, you’ll want a couple bottles of good wine. If you like white wine, make sure you buy it already cold because you won’t have time to chill it in the refrigerator. Chances are you already have all the condiments and other supplies you’ll need in your house.

When you get home, pack your picnic basket and barbecue tools and put them in the car before she gets home. After all, there’s no reason to give up the surprise quite yet. When she arrives home, ask her to wear something comfortable because you’re going out and will be outside. If she’s been to the spa, don’t forget to tell her how great she looks!

She’s going to be very happy when you get to the park for your romantic picnic. You’ll be well on your way to achieving your objective of making her happy but you’re not quite finished yet. First, take her for a leisurely walk by the shore. When youreturn to your picnic table, tell her to kick back and relax and you will do all the work. Don’t let her lift a finger. You set the table, you barbecue the food and you clean up afterwords. I know you will be the hero for the day and maybe, just maybe you’ll save your romance.