Upstate New York to New Jersey

I left Little Falls late in the Morning Friday, for the first time in my life I decided that I would count on the GPS on my phone to get me from point A to Point B. Looking at the map I had two choices take the Interstate to the East, go through a bunch of big cities and get there quicker, or go west a ways and zig zag my way down the state coming into Sparta from the North. Of course I chose the scenic route!
Well, my phone died about ten minutes out of town, the charger actually was what died.  I got to see the scenery all right, and talk with lot's of folks along the way, one nice guy even printed out turn by turn instructions to Sparta that worked fine -- for about two turns. I got to see a lot of great country and it only took me about 3 hours longer than I expected.

 So Long to Sally and Susan

 On the road.

Folks said it was not a great Autumn as far a the colors went.

The colors were awesome as far as I was concerned

 I knew I was getting close to New Jersey when I saw this sign.

 This sign meant nothing to me, except that the Andes I know are in South America,

and if it said "Marguritaville" I would have made a side trip there.

And drank a toast to Jimmy Buffet

Lake Mohawk, Sparta N.J. 

This was actually my initial destination, my Uncle Wally passed on last year and I missed his memorial, and this was a "better late than never" appearance. It was a roundabout way of getting here but it was great connecting with my Cousin Don and his family (never had met Rachel and Charlotte and Ashton).
My Aunt Ruth I used to see every year or two, but I think it's been more than five since we crossed paths.

 Again the weather cooperated in a grand manner, we went on a Saturday outing to a Pumpkin festival and rode a haywagon out to the pumpkin patch. Little Ashton (on the left) is a dynamo, wish I could harness his energy.

 Charlotte too was a bundle of energy, I think these are the only two pictures I got of her where she was not running or jumping. Beautiful kids!

  Snuggling with Grandma on the hay ride.

 Sunday lunch with the Vorecks

Rachel, Ashton and Don in the back, Charlotte, Marilyn, Aunt Ruth and Paula in front

 More Autumn landscapes

 Three generations, Paula Marilyn and Ruth -  See any resemblance?

 We took a nice Sunday drive to a park that Paula used to work at. Great views a challenging hike for Aunt Ruth, but really only because she had the wrong shoes on. She laughed all the way!

 One last little walk with Aunt Ruth before I say goodbye to

Mohawk Lake and Sparta New Jersey

But first a little more Family memorabilia

Above, a song featuring my dad's family.

They used to sing it every New Years, and cook a big ham.

Below, my Dad and Greta his mom and friends. Greta is standing in the back

This little cutie is my Grandpa and his Dad Philo

So long Ruth and Sparta, off to the Big Apple,

New Jersey actually where my cousin Marilyn lives.

One last shot of Paula -  gotta love this one!

I am in Berkeley at the moment, still behind on this photo journaling, but having fun! I will close this for now, but expect to see the New York City/ New Jersey edition soon. Working my way South to my Niece Jessica's wedding next weekend.  

Yahoo!