09-21 to 09/28 R and K Campsite Holley, NY

 Ray & Kathy's

Campsite

September 21 to September 28 

With a grocery pickup waiting for me at Wegmens in Brockport, my breezy, 98 mile trip was scenic and pleasant. Cornfields replaced vineyards. I ordered on line and the side trip to Wegmens in Brockport was timed such that order was ready for me when I arrived. A good experience.

Easter Sunday, 1981

This "camping experience" proved to be most unique experience and worked out perfectly, not to mention the $$$ saved by not going to my original destination, Letchworth State Park in Castile, NY. Ray/Kathy, me and my family go back over 40 years. Whenever we could, we camped with other families during school vacations. Years later, when I did my student teaching in the Hendrick Hudson School District, Ray was a student there. Fast forward some more years and Ray and I wound up as co-workers in Blue Mountain Middle School. Also as members of the Hudson Islanders, the friendship continues.

Their newly constructed home is still a work in progress with Ray being the "contractor" overseeing it all as well as doing a lot of the work himself.

Nestled behind their Class A, I had access to electricity and water.

This aerial view, before the house was a reality, show the terrific location. The Erie Canal borders on their backyard. Lake Ontario is just 12 miles and less than 20 minutes away.

We caught a glimpse of the Thomas X Grasso, one of four new maintenance tugboats for the New York State Canal System built in 2025. This 65-foot tugboat is 22-feet long and has a hull depth of 9'. Their function is to help with upkeep, navigation, dredging and ice work on the canal.

Lots of landscaping yet to be done.

In the summer of 2024

And, with the numerous obstacles and frustrations that only they who contract and build homes themselves will attest, the end is within their grasp and all the pieces have fallen into place (almost)...the way they like it.

The impressive, bright, spacious kitchen welcomes the visitor.

Thank you, Ray & Kathy for a most pleasant eight day stay in what has evolved into a most comfortable and relaxing home that, from the start, has been your own creation. A visit that included terrific home cooking that Kathy has always been known for. Winnie and I have thoroughly enjoyed our stay. 

The tour continues out onto a wonderful sun room, the perfect setting for Ray's and my morning coffee. It was a short walk from Winnie to this setting that could only enhance the pleasure.

With great memories of all Kathy's terrific meals from the past, she ranks right up there with the best. Everything she makes is from scratch and done to perfection. My first evening, presto, I was invited for dinner.

A delicious grilled pork loin with roasted potatoes and asparagus and a Caesar salad. Sorry, it's a mess but I was half way through when I realized, "Hey, this is real food, photograph it!!!" (I've been out of practice.)

The next night it was baked eggplant and...

...cheese tortellini in a delicious light, creamy cheese sauce. Out of this world.

We were joined by next door neighbor, and sister-in-law, Sharon. Her dog, Savannah, joined us. Savannah is a purebred Belgium Malinois; sweet, intelligent and beautiful.

Sharon shared a video taken when Savannah sniffed and knew that an Amazon package was for her. 

Another evening, we dined at The Back Porch

You immediately got the feeling that this place was a favorite for the locals. The menu had a great selection for everyone.

L. to R. Charlie, Ray, Kathy, Sharon, Jordan, Grace.

It's been a long time since I had a good cheeseburger.

Thursday at home, it was chicken Cordon Bleu with stir fried zucchini and mushroom risotto. Oh, and did I mention that Kathy makes her home custard ice cream. AND one flavor she decided to make was butter pecan. How lucky am I?

Friday, Kathy, Ray and I went to the USA Brockport Diner for breakfast.

The diner has been owned and operated by the Mitrousis family for over 50 years. Especially popular among the SUNY Brockport students, it's open very early (6 a.m.) and has breakfast all day. For them, this diner offers good portions of cheap, hearty meals. 

I enjoyed my go-to diner breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs, home fries, well-done bacon, whole wheat toast and jam.

And, like all good things, my time as a squatter has come to an end. Next, I'll be joined by Jack, Dan/Melanie and Tony/Doreen at Hickory Ridge, a campground just three miles away where we all will continue our get-togethers with Ray and Kathy. 

As with so many places I’ve left behind, on my final evening, Mother Nature bid me farewell with a watercolor palette of sunset hues...

...a perfect flourish that deepens the memories of my stay, a tender gesture that lingers, coloring the story of my stay.

Again, thank you Ray and Kathy for your hospitality, generosity and friendship.