And We're Off!

  Kesseville, New York, United States
Wednesday, October 10, 2007

In the spirit of all things Joe and Frannie we decided only a few weeks ago to take off in search of fall. New Jersey has been unseasonably warm and the change of season is just not happening at home so where better to find it than New England.  In less than 2 weeks we pseudo planned this vacation with little more than a tentative road route. No reservations except for our cabin in Maine, we were flying by the seat of our pants on this one. 

We loaded up Joe's 1990 Ford Bronco. With over 300,000 miles most people think might think we were crazy for road tripping in the truck but there is no vehicle better for the off road riding and driving we knew was in store for us as we hunted the elusive moose in Maine. By 4:00 we were northern bound. With no traffic and some great navigational skills we were making great time. Our first stop on this trip would be to Kesseville, NY home to Ausable Chasm, one of the natural wonders of America. Heading up the highway after hours of non-stop driving and seeing too many deer on the side of the NY highway we pulled off in Saratoga Springs. Driving downtown we were instantly taken with this quaint and happening town. After 9:30 at night we were still able to get a table for dinner sitting outside an eclectic restaurant called the Circus Café. Booming with wonderful live jazz music, the Circus Café was only one of Saratoga's happening spots.  Downed in big top motif and servers who wore shirts that read "former contortionist", the energy was alive and fun at this spot. We enjoyed the music, the brisk outdoor seating, fresh squash soup and a salad before gearing back up for the rest of our drive.
By almost midnight we arrived in Kesseville.

Searching out the internet and our AAA book we didn't anticipate having trouble with a room near Ausble Chasm and I guess in hindsight we didn't have any trouble finding a room. The trouble was finding a room that had been updated since being built in 1950. The Villa Motel would have to do though and despite having that smell of grandmas and musty attics, the room was simple and clean. If you are deathly allergic to cats though, stay away. Joe and I both have cat allergies and the inn keeper has five of them that I think have sprayed around the perimeter of the whole hotel. The dander is pretty bad from the outside but the rooms were cat smell free. We crashed hard after driving all night and woke the next morning ready to go.