09/16 to 09/21 Back-Achers Campsites

Back-Achers Campground

September 16 to September 21 

It was another fine day for relaxing travel. Today's 111 mile trip took 2¼ hours. My route included Interstates I-88 to I-81 to I-86. The exit (52A) that took me along SR-14 and proved to be an unexpected treat that goes with driving along this country's scenic roadways. From Watkins Glen to Himrod, NY, this 18 miles stretch along the western shore of Seneca Lake boasted no less than 28 wineries, a brewery and two distilleries. This includes those located off  route 14, New York State's Seneca Wine Trail. Nothing but vineyards on both sides of the roads, many extending down to the Lake shoreline. Named after the Seneca Nation, the lake is the deepest in New York State at 618 deep and creates a microclimate, a "thermal blanket," that gives the region a 195-day growing season allowing wine growers to grow classic European grape varieties that may not survive elsewhere in New York State. Members of the AVA (American Viticultural Area) have cultivated 1,357 acres in the region.

A little known fact: Seneca Lake connects to the Erie Canal system through the Seneca–Cayuga Canal, meaning you can (in theory) boat from Watkins Glen to the Atlantic Ocean.

Another unexpected treat was witnessing, with mixed emotion, the beginnings of color changes in forests surrounding me as I drove. The beginning of the end of a wonderful summer of travel was about to usher in another season.

At last my turn onto Randall Crossing Road was ahead. It was a bit disconcerting to see a Dead End sign...that usually presses the panic button for an RV driver who would then have to figure out how to turn around and get back out. Driving on another mile or two, the sight of the Lake was welcomed.

Ahh, I'm where I'm supposed to be.

But wait...there's more. On and on I went down this country road and at last, another sigh of relief.

The road continued on, the pavement ended, the landscape went from huge grassy areas to a dark, forested dirt road with a speed limit of 10 m.p.h. 

A very pleasant sight as I approached the office. I was greeted by Jared who was ready to take me to my site but I needed a propane fill. My last propane fill was in July at $3.49/gal. Today, propane was $3.50/gal. The tank was behind me, so after backing up, he filled the tank; Wanda from the office joined him and we chatted. Wanda was a most pleasant young lady well into her 80's.  

Site #6 was a pull in with site #15 ahead of me and soon to be occupied.

My pull through graveled site #6 needed risers on my passenger side. Only half of the long site was mine. I shared the water and 30-amp electrical post with the RV that will back in in front of me. My power cord fortunately, fully extended reached with a few feet to spare.

And, just 25 steps in front of me was the bathhouse. After a long drive, setting up in a hot sun with no shade, I couldn't wait. Showers were clean, spacious enough to accommodate the handicapped and the hot water was available instantly. It was the highlight of the day; a treat that made my G&T that much more satisfying.

During my stay, three different RVers came and went. I had very little interaction beyond the casual, "Hi, how are you?" 

The perfect weather beckoned (actually, forced me) to walk down to the (steep) hill and catch a glimpse of the Lake. Photos that follow are both mine and from the website.

A very steep hill prohibited vehicles other than golf carts.

At various points along my walk, I did catch a bit of the shoreline

One of about thirteen tent sites. A fire ring and a picnic table is all that's available. Definitely rustic but the view is awesome.

At the shoreline.

I received a couple of comments that some folks missed my excursions to restaurants. With a little time on my hands (ha!), I watched and drooled over one: Mozzarella and figs, then this one from Brooklyn, a prosciutto bread hero. I'm here in the boonies in an RV and haven't had good Italian bread in months. I had to "improvise." This is the best I could do: I toasted bread, smeared ricotta cheese and pesto on the slices, laid red roasted peppers and topped it all with a thick slice of mozzarella. I sprayed olive oil and grilled it for about ten minutes.

And, with a glass or two of a 2017 Altos Ibericos from Rioja, Spain, it was satisfactory and satisfying. I should have grilled more for a golden brown topping. 

Another week, another campground and another chapter in my wonderful series of adventures conclude. The best part about RV life—every ending has a new road waiting. My next stop will be Holley, New York, 90 miles and two hours northwest. The campsite? A special one, indeed. The side driveway of good friends Ray & Kathy. Their generous offer to have me for a neighbor in their new home for seven nights will see me parked along side their Class A. I'll just need electricity and company for morning coffee and I'll be all set.  Ray, the dreamer likes 6:30 a.m. Charlie, the realist, prefers 8 a.m. After that stay I'll move on to Hickory Ridge Golf & RV Resort six minutes and 3.3 miles west. There I'll join fellow Hudson Islanders, Jack, Dan/Melanie and Tony/Doreen for four nights before we all, including Ray and Kathy, head up to Lake George, Friday, October 3rd, for Hudson Islanders final gathering for the 2025 season. 

An RV doesn’t mark the end of a stay, it marks the beginning of the next adventure.