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Another month into the season and two more track events have come and gone. The Zone One DE event at the Glen was great. A very smooth event with lots of run time all three days. The weather couldn't have been better, some sun, some clouds, comfortable temps and a constant breeze. That dependable breeze at the Glen is so welcome when you get out of the car after a run session overheated from the workout. The weather is such an important factor; if the weather isn't good, there's not much hope for the event. That's true for us because we don't drive in the rain. After the last track event at Mt Tremblant, we may have to reconsider that rule. That makes two out of three events this year that were a 'wash out' for us. The first was NCR's Memorial Day event at NHIS. It rained both days we were there. We may have to get ourselves some rain tires and windshield wipers! At LCMT it rained Saturday and Sunday, but Monday was a beautiful day. Lots of drivers brought their rain tires and didn't miss a run all weekend. Those of us that were waiting for dry track had to wait until Monday. Next event is Beaver Run August 24 & 25. Any one know a good chant to the weather gods? On way to Watkins Glen we tried a different route this time. We usually take route 88 to 17 and 14. Last trip we tried taking route 90 all the way to the northern tip of Seneca Lake and followed route 14 south. I don't know if it's shorter in actual mileage but it was equal to the best time we ever did going the other route. What makes this the better choice, is the lack of long steep hills; a serious consideration when towing a trailer. I'm happy to say this not really an issue for us since we've traded up to a bigger truck and down to a smaller, lighter trailer. Another advantage is less local traffic and less maneuvering to make route connections. The only problems with the all 90 route is the lack of choice in food along the way and all the service plazas in New York have only one diesel pump each. We got stuck in the line for diesel behind a tour bus and a camper and it cost us half an hour. From Albany west on route 90 the only food available is McDonald's or pizza. There is also a curious lack of billboards advertising anything that exists in the towns along the way. My guess is the state of New York probably has a contract with the turnpike vendor that doesn’t allow any advertising that would cut into their business. This was a major disappointment. After traveling the other route for years we had the all the best stops noted. So I've started taking notes on the new route. Here's what I've got so far. There's a Denny's at exit 30 just east of Utica. There is a Brueger's Sandwich shop at the service plaza on the eastbound side of route 90 after exit 27. There's a 24-hour diner at exit 27. In Utica there's a Wal-Mart and two shopping malls, one on either side of the highway. I hope this is helpful to anyone considering trying this route. Now for all of you who have commented that you enjoy the gardening subject matter, or at least appreciate that I write about something other than club events, I'm going to muse about my garden. Time spent in the garden is good for the soul and the blood pressure. Today while I watered the gardens, I made it a point to notice what's blooming and generally how things are developing. Even though I see the gardens everyday, sometimes I'm so focused on what needs to be accomplished; I forget to smell the roses even while I'm working around them. Actually the roses in my yard don't have any fragrance, which is a good thing since I'm allergic to the scented ones. So I use that expression only as a figure of speech. I have made recognizable progress this year. The planting around the new patio and pergola are complete and looking colorful. The original lily garden that was the first thing I planted thirteen years ago has evolved and filled in nicely. I think that one is finally finished (as much as any garden can be). The new garden that I planted this spring is coming along nicely. It looks very sparse but everything is growing and many of the plants have bloomed already. It occurred to me the other day that now is the beginning of the peak of bloom time. The day lilies and true lilies are in bloom. I have many varieties of both so every couple of days a new one opens up. Did you know that day lilies come in every color except blue, and have amazing variety in form and colorations? A strong true pink that doesn't fade in the heat of a sunny day was one of the more recent developments and was worth the wait. I have at least one of every color except green, which would be a curiosity but wouldn't add any color contrast to the scheme of things. Today the first blooms of a newly acquired daylily opened up to reveal a ruby red flower with wide petals with ruffled edges. It looks like it's made of velvet. The picture tag that enticed me to buy it didn't do it justice. I took my own picture but it won't capture the freshness of real life. I do plan to submit some photos of the gardens to the photo contest at PorscheFest in August. The water lilies are in bloom too. They almost look fake the color is so strong, sharp magenta petals with golden stamens that remind me of a sea anemone. If my ramblings have piqued your curiosity, come on by and see for yourself. Make a tour of it and visit Newbury Perennial Gardens one exit north on route 95 (exit 55). They have a few acres of mature plantings, formal, informal, rock garden and woodland glade. Relax, enjoy and don't forget to smell the roses. |
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