A Perfect Wedding Day at Clark Reservation

Columbus Day weekend. Peak season to check out the foliage of the deciduous trees that grace our landscape in Upstate New York. I asked my husband, "Would you like to go to the Adirondacks tomorrow and take a hike in the mountains?"

He gave me a blank expression that I interpreted as a no.

So instead, we got up early on this bright Sunday morning and drove about 20 minutes away to see a landscape that matches any vista in the Adirondack Mountains: Clark Reservation located in Jamesville, NY. As you can see from the picture, the major attraction at the park is the plunge basin lake, formed at the bottom of an ancient waterfall that was a result of the glacial ice melt about 10,000 years ago.

But there is even more history to see at the park: the fossils of sea creatures carved into the limestone pathways along the basin are testament to the fact that millions of years ago this part of the world was the bottom of a shallow sea.

I wasn't really thinking about all of this history however as I walked. Instead I was just in awe with the numerous cedars carving spectacular sculptures into the soil with their gnarled roots. And the rich palette of colors that the maples provided for my soul. And the loud swishing noise that greeted my ears over and over as Canada geese flew into the lake from the bright blue skies above - seeking refuge I assume from the waterfowl hunters in the surrounding fields.

  

I will just store these memories away with me whenever I am feeling down or sorry for my self. Because I was physically able to hike into the basin, and hike back up (yes, we had to climb those limestone steps to get back to the car). When I got to the top I was also delighted to see that someone was planning on getting married today, and they had perfect weather. Good luck to you both - the anonymous couple that got married today. I hope when you come back to the park each year to celebrate, the weather cooperates and you get the same view that graced your ceremony today.