At Junkins house, house no - retreat - eden - whatever you call it, it is a
lot more. Set in the woods of north west New York state this place is beautiful.
We are far from civiliation, so it seems, but with all of the amenities that one
could ask for. Cool nights, warm days, hosts that are more than anyone could
want. See the photo taken from the back porch.
Dave and Sandy took us touring, to Genesee Abbey, Letchworth state park,
the Genesee River, the gorge where the river runs, the dam built in1952 that
saved this area from severe flooding when hurricane Agnes visited in 1972.
Did I mention that we could pick blue berries, raspberries and blackberries
and fish and kayak and we dont even have to dress.
Their covered pool is inviting any time you get the urge. It may be a
little cooler than the one at SPR but refreshing none the less.
However, not is all well in paradise. The beavers have dammed the spillway
that lets water out of the pond. Dave has to clear the debris and mud that the
beavers have built up around the spillway. He doen't want to let the water level
get too high in the pond. Some people pay good money for a mud bath. Here it
doesnt cost a dime.
As most sandpeeps know Dave and Sandy are avid birders. While at their home
Dave set up about 10 nets which allowed him to safely trap about 35 birds in
about four hours. These birds included orioles, song sparrows, purple finch,
humming birds, woodpeckers and one hawk. Dave explained what he did once each
bird was safely in hand. He put a band on the leg of each bird that was not
already banded, recorded the band number, the type, sex, condition, wing
measurement and overall condition of each bird. Once this was done the bird was
taken outside and released. Please see the photo of Mary holding a hummingbird
before releasing.
On leaving the Junkins we are now heading west to Indiana.
We have been on
the road for 64 days.
Once in Indiana we shall point our Spyder south.
Summer is
more than half over.
Time sure flies when having fun.
Hugs to all
John & Mary
