Inspiration in Upstate New York

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We’ve been spending our summer at Deluxe Park in Walbridge, Ohio. Staying in Walbridge puts us within a stones throw of our “old life.” That’s both good and bad. The good part is being able to spend time with family and friends. That’s the best part. The bad part is being so close to our old life that it kicks up nostalgia and a serious comfort zone pull.

Other Half and I have lived our entire married life in one zip code. He’s lived his entire life in one zip code. I think we both underestimated the gravitational pull of the area. To get back on track and give our adventurous spirit a good swift kick — we both needed to hitch up and hit the road. 

So here we are heading east. We have family on the the east coast and one of my best friends in upstate New York. Over the years we’ve made this trip on a motorcycle, in a car, with a fifth wheel camper and now in the Big Rig. The Big Rig wins.

turning_stone_img_1042_2Our first destination is Turning Stone Resort Casino and Campground in Verona, New York. We made the trip from Walbridge in one day, over 400 miles. In Big Rig terms, that’s a BIG day. Turning Stone is about an hour drive from my GF in upstate NY. She drove in to spend the first full day with us at the casino.

Whenever I find myself in a casino — no matter where it is — I text one of my Besties back in Ohio for slot machine tips. She has a MUCH better track record with slots than me. I figure it never hurts to ask. My text goes like this: I’m standing in Turning Stone Casino, any vibes on which slots I should play?

Big Money Turning Stone Casino NYShe responded to look for a machine with MONEY in the name. That’s all my NY GF and I needed to set us off on a quest for a MONEY slot machine. And guess what – we found one! My GF got down to .47 before the Money slot came through and got her up to $77.97. When it was my turn, I got down to $3 and then Money kicked in and got me up to $71.50.

With our winnings in hand we headed to the resort spa. My GF treated me to an early birthday gift of a spa day. The massage was heavenly and gave us both a false sense of our slot machine skill level. It didn’t take long for our luck to turn at Turning Stone. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. 

Spectacular view - New Berlin NYOn our second full day at the Turning Stone Campground, I left Other Half to his own devices and drove the hour to my GF’s mini-farm in New Berlin, NY. If you enjoy rolling hills, winding roads, small towns and endless greenery this drive is spectacular.

Lap pool view, New Berlin NYMy GF has a beautiful piece of property, 11 acres complete with a lap pool overlooking the vistas. Guess where we spent most of our afternoon.

Two Besties, Carolyn & KrisI left feeling recharged. Truth be told, I’ve been feeling something less than inspired lately. Time with my GF in the beautiful hills of upstate NY (and an IPA or two) did wonders for me. Next stop Maine.