Day 3 - With Brother and on to Black Lake

The night at the Comfort Inn in Hazleton, PA was restful and just what we needed after two long days on the road.  We actually slept in until 7:00 AM !

We were on the road at 7:48 am  and it was a very cloudy morning with rain threatening. We  ran into light rain a couple times on our way north to Binghamton, NY.  But I did manage to get in a few photos of the PA hillsides. Was excited when we finally saw the sign for Binghamton, and even more excited once we turned on to 17 W............

The plan was to meet up with my brother Dave and his dog Jake and the Canine Commons Dog Park in Binghamton.  About 8 miles outside of Binghamton we pulled into a rest stop (yes - a DPB) to give my brother a call since it was raining, just to confirm that we should still meet at the park.

By the time we got to the park - about 15 minutes later- the sun was shining and it was an absolutely beautiful morning.  We arrived there about 9:45 and once parked we saw Dave and Jake heading our way to greet us.

It's been so many years since we've seen brother Dave, so this was a very very special day for me.  He looked wonderful!  As we headed toward them, Jake came on ahead to welcome Rich and I.  Below are pictures of the park, of Jake, and of David, Rich and I.

Like my brother, Rich and I are avid dog lovers, so this was the perfect place for us to get together.  We had seen many pictures of Jake out on face book, but it's not the same as face to snoot! Really friendly, and good looking dude!  Below are pictures of Jake and his friends playing at the park.  And today Jake met Marly for the first time - and they were immediately friends.  Jake is a regular, and a favorite here at Canine Commons - and he even made the cover page on the parks Face book page last month!

It was after 11:00 when we headed for lunch.  We followed Dave and Jake through the back roads to a quaint little place,  The Apple Dumpling Cafe at Apple Hills Farm Market.  What a great little place for lunch!   A lot of unique dishes.  Rich selected the Cheese Steak Panini, Me - the Open faced Reuben with slaw, and brother Dave had the restaurant's signature sandwich - the Open faced grilled apple. ( grilled apples between ham and swiss).  Everything was excellent.  It was such a beautiful day we decided to eat outside, which was perfect.  Would love to go back again - maybe for breakfast and check our their store.  Below are pictures of the three of us. ( Jake waited in the car - with the windows down).

Love the picture of Rich and David.  My brother - a true liberal/Democrat made sure he covered the front of Rich's shirt.  What did it say?  Pipe Down you Silly Liberal! They both managed to get through the day without a political debate!

Wish we could have spent more time there.  Hopefully we can do it again soon, or Dave and Jake can make to Florida for a visit.  Anyway, as hard as it was, we hugged and said our good-byes.  Rich made sure that Jake would remember his uncle Rich - making sure he saved a piece of his sandwich as a treat for Jake.

By this time my camera battery was about dead.  Forgot to charge the battery!  Thanks Dave for the pictures at lunch.

It was 12:09 pm when we were back on 81 N heading for Syracuse, Watertown and then Hammond, NY.   Just one quick stop for gas.  I kept trying the camera, and did manage to get two pictures.

NY posts these signs along the highway  "Text Stop Rest Area".  What a great idea.  I tried to get the other sign they have along the side of the road that says. " It Can Wait - Text Stop Ahead"

And the bottom picture - a really cool motorcycle.  We were behind it for a while, and I was able to get this shot as we passed.  Denny - thought you might like this one.

By 3:15 we had arrived at our cabin on Black Lake.  Beautiful day with temps in the upper 70's and NO Humidity!  Unpacked and Charged the camera.  Here's home for the next several weeks!   Yes - we will be roughin' it for a while - and we are so looking forward to it!  We are right on the water with a great view from the living room and yard.

It was about 4:30 when we were almost finished unpacking when our friend Bill knocked at the door.  Said to come over to his place about 5:30 - 5:45 for dinner.  Dean Rogers - who owns the park, also joined us for dinner.    Bill made an awesome Italian dinner of Bucatini and Venison Meatballs,  Italian Salad and bread. Some aged cheese, apples and apricots for dessert.  What a life saver.  We had not done any grocery shopping yet!  So this was absolutely wonderful.  Just met Bill and his wife, Linda last year while we were here.  Really nice couple.  Looking forward to seeing Linda - she's due to arrive on Friday!  Yeah!

That's about it for the day of arrival.  Early to bed................. It was already a great first day.