06/13 to 06/19 - Back-Achers Campground

 Back-Achers Campground

Himrod, New York

06/13 to 06/19, 2026

This journey wound up being more like a 5-hour trip with a stop for fuel and folks driving less than the speed limit allowed.

As this is my second time in as many years, the trip along country roads continues to amaze me. The scenery is spectacular. Up long route 17, especially north of Livingston Manor, the road is winding and hilly. Even though the speed limit is 55, precautionary slow-going is the rule no matter how quickly you want to get to your destination. And in a motor home? Even more care is needed. From Watkins Glen, the southern most town on Lake Senaca, route 14 north running parallel to the lake is the most amazing.  Rather than repeat, I'm keeping this blog short and direct the interested to last year's blog that describes the wonders of this region. You can reminisce HERE. You may even see the same scenic shots.

Once off rte 14, the road to the campground once again stirred wonder as I drove toward Seneca Lake... 

...the deepest of the Finger Lakes, over six hundred feet deep and...

...the longest, 38 miles from Geneva, NY to Watkins Glen.

Back-Achers Campground is about midway between and conveniently located in a secluded area on the west side of Seneca Lake on the Finger Lakes Wine Trail.

The sites are back to back here and this year, in site #19, I'm facing north. What I thought was going to be a "packed" campground turned out to be a deserted one by the time Sunday afternoon rolled around. Everyone left by noon. The fella behind me dropped off a bundle of wood he didn't use. What I don't use will be left for the next occupant. By Sunday night, a rainy one, I was one of three RVs enjoying the pitter patter of constant rain on my fiberglass roof. No trees and wide open skies afforded me excellent reception with my Starlink router. So? Steady rain, good Internet service for working on my blogs, a gin and tonic, and good food. I am a Happy Camper. Carlo made sure that I got my protein by supplying me with two dinners from the restaurant. (They had to be divided thus giving me six meals in all. Thank you, Carlo.)

The weather for the week was not encouraging but, if you know me, it made no difference at all. With predictions like this, I looked foward to the pitter patter of rain on my roof day or night. It would be time to continue relaxing, catching up and keeping busy with my blogs. With no Internet service from the camground, I relied on my Starlink mini which provided excellent service.

Thursday, however, things got ugly. The same wind event that swept across the northeast produced tornado warnings twice for my area. Nothing materialized so the wind didn't really affect me at the campground; the power outage resulting from a downed pole elsewhere did affect me. My two coach batteries were overcharged, sulfated and ruined soon after taking the RV out of storage. The smell of hydrogen sulfide (rotten eggs) was so strong, I disconnected them and relied on shore power to maintain heating, lighting and refrigeration.  At 6:00 p.m. I was without power. With no power,

A life saver in many "dead battery" situations

I and a camping neighbor, Ed, (an electrical engineer) used my small battery pack  to jump start the propane driven generator. But with only 1/4 tank of propane, using my generator for power was going to be limited. 10:00 p.m., "quiet time" required shutting it off. I awoke to a (surprisingly) bright sky at 4:30 a.m. but still without power. I dare not open the frig. I decided not to wait any longer for power to return but rather take off for the 90-minute ride to Holley, NY and the comfort (and power) of friend, Ray's, driveway. I planned to be there Saturday anyway.

 

Not so fast, my friend. You have to retract your slide before leaving. BUT...that requires the engine running AND POWER from the batteries. Once again the generator had to be powered up. In came the slide and shortly thereafter, the propane tank was empty. I was uncomfortable knowing I couldn't run the generator while driving to Holley, but, lo and behold, on the way, a

Tractor Supply. $20.00 later and with a full propane tank, a running generator the rest of the way, I slipped into Ray's driveway with a big sigh of relief. After hooking up to shore power, the sigh of relief gave way to concern for what I would find in the refrigerator. 

Saga summary: not having very much in the freezer, most things were a step down from frozen but not soft and thawed. And the most surprising for me? (But not for the cringe-worthy, germ phobic, strict "date obsessives"), the half gallow of milk DATED 06/03/26, was still cold with NO SMELL and DIDN'T CURDLE in my welcomed hot cup of coffee. Hard to believe, but I asked AI: Yes, it's possible. The date on your milk (06/03/26) is almost certainly a sell-by or best-by date, not a hard expiration date. These are manufacturer guidelines for peak quality and store rotation, not safety cutoffs. Pasteurized whole milk, when properly refrigerated (at or below 40°F/4°C), can often remain good well beyond that date.

So, to conclude, another page is written that will amuse me in my old age when I read these entries in my diary called a blog post. I know there are those who cannot wrap their mind around the term, "Happy Camper" when obstacles like RVs catching fire, blown transmissions, flat tires, awning or couch replacements, power outages, frequent battery failures, ruined shoes or clothing due to unseen sparks emitted from campfires. Or, when temeratures are too low for effective heat pump operations or too high that ACs can't keep up with the demand and the inside of your RV is 92º; or even, heaven forbid, running out of milk for coffee or ice cubes for my afternoon cocktail.  Perhaps true happiness isn't the absence of these 'bumps in the road', but the quiet defiance of calling myself a "Happy Camper" anyway. One day I'll reread these entries, smile at the chaos I've traveled with and realize the obstacles weren't interruptions to the journey—they were the journey.

Never underestimate the joy of relaxation, unless you're without power.

06/13 to 06/19 - Back-Achers Campground

 Back-Achers Campground

Himrod, New York

06/13 to 06/19, 2026

This journey wound up being more like a 5-hour trip with a stop for fuel and folks driving less than the speed limit allowed.

As this is my second time in as many years, the trip along country roads continues to amaze me. The scenery is spectacular. Up long route 17, especially north of Livingston Manor, the road is winding and hilly. Even though the speed limit is 55, precautionary slow-going is the rule no matter how quickly you want to get to your destination. And in a motor home? Even more care is needed. From Watkins Glen, the southern most town on Lake Senaca, route 14 north running parallel to the lake is the most amazing.  Rather than repeat, I'm keeping this blog short and direct the interested to last year's blog that describes the wonders of this region. You can reminisce HERE. You may even see the same scenic shots.

Once off rte 14, the road to the campground once again stirred wonder as I drove toward Seneca Lake... 

...the deepest of the Finger Lakes, over six hundred feet deep and...

...the longest, 38 miles from Geneva, NY to Watkins Glen.

Back-Achers Campground is about midway between and conveniently located in a secluded area on the west side of Seneca Lake on the Finger Lakes Wine Trail.

The sites are back to back here and this year, in site #19, I'm facing north. What I thought was going to be a "packed" campground turned out to be a deserted one by the time Sunday afternoon rolled around. Everyone left by noon. The fella behind me dropped off a bundle of wood he didn't use. What I don't use will be left for the next occupant. By Sunday night, a rainy one, I was one of three RVs enjoying the pitter patter of constant rain on my fiberglass roof. No trees and wide open skies afforded me excellent reception with my Starlink router. So? Steady rain, good Internet service for working on my blogs, a gin and tonic, and good food. I am a Happy Camper. Carlo made sure that I got my protein by supplying me with two dinners from the restaurant. (They had to be divided thus giving me six meals in all. Thank you, Carlo.)

The weather for the week was not encouraging but, if you know me, it made no difference at all. With predictions like this, I looked foward to the pitter patter of rain on my roof day or night. It would be time to continue relaxing, catching up and keeping busy with my blogs. With no Internet service from the camground, I relied on my Starlink mini which provided excellent service.

Thursday, however, things got ugly. The same wind event that swept across the northeast produced tornado warnings twice for my area. Nothing materialized so the wind didn't really affect me at the campground; the power outage resulting from a downed pole elsewhere did affect me. My two coach batteries were overcharged, sulfated and ruined soon after taking the RV out of storage. The smell of hydrogen sulfide (rotten eggs) was so strong, I disconnected them and relied on shore power to maintain heating, lighting and refrigeration.  At 6:00 p.m. I was without power. With no power,

A life saver in many "dead battery" situations

I and a camping neighbor, Ed, (an electrical engineer) used my small battery pack  to jump start the propane driven generator. But with only 1/4 tank of propane, using my generator for power was going to be limited. 10:00 p.m., "quiet time" required shutting it off. I awoke to a (surprisingly) bright sky at 4:30 a.m. but still without power. I dare not open the frig. I decided not to wait any longer for power to return but rather take off for the 90-minute ride to Holley, NY and the comfort (and power) of friend, Ray's, driveway. I planned to be there Saturday anyway.

 

Not so fast, my friend. You have to retract your slide before leaving. BUT...that requires the engine running AND POWER from the batteries. Once again the generator had to be powered up. In came the slide and shortly thereafter, the propane tank was empty. I was uncomfortable knowing I couldn't run the generator while driving to Holley, but, lo and behold, on the way, a

Tractor Supply. $20.00 later and with a full propane tank, a running generator the rest of the way, I slipped into Ray's driveway with a big sigh of relief. After hooking up to shore power, the sigh of relief gave way to concern for what I would find in the refrigerator. 

Saga summary: not having very much in the freezer, most things were a step down from frozen but not soft and thawed. And the most surprising for me? (But not for the cringe-worthy, germ phobic, strict "date obsessives"), the half gallow of milk DATED 06/03/26, was still cold with NO SMELL and DIDN'T CURDLE in my welcomed hot cup of coffee. Hard to believe, but I asked AI: Yes, it's possible. The date on your milk (06/03/26) is almost certainly a sell-by or best-by date, not a hard expiration date. These are manufacturer guidelines for peak quality and store rotation, not safety cutoffs. Pasteurized whole milk, when properly refrigerated (at or below 40°F/4°C), can often remain good well beyond that date.

So, to conclude, another page is written that will amuse me in my old age when I read these entries in my diary called a blog post. I know there are those who cannot wrap their mind around the term, "Happy Camper" when obstacles like RVs catching fire, blown transmissions, flat tires, awning or couch replacements, power outages, frequent battery failures, ruined shoes or clothing due to unseen sparks emitted from campfires. Or, when temeratures are too low for effective heat pump operations or too high that ACs can't keep up with the demand and the inside of your RV is 92º; or even, heaven forbid, running out of milk for coffee or ice cubes for my afternoon cocktail.  Perhaps true happiness isn't the absence of these 'bumps in the road', but the quiet defiance of calling myself a "Happy Camper" anyway. One day I'll reread these entries, smile at the chaos I've traveled with and realize the obstacles weren't interruptions to the journey—they were the journey.

Never underestimate the joy of relaxation, unless you're without power.

06/01 to 06/13 Croton Point RV Campground

 2026 Summer Adventure

CROTON POINT RV CAMPGROUND

HUDSON HIGHLANDERS

06/01 to 06/13, 2026

Welcome back to another season of travels with Winnie (and me). Since returning from a 3-month stay in Florida, my 47 days at home have been exciting, full of wonderful and rewarding experiences. Five birthday celebrations, Four get-togethers with neighbors and friends, five dining experiences at Cosimo's Trattoria in Poughkeepsie, six visits to Sakura Garden in Hastings and one at Samurai in Croton for delicious sushi. In addition, I've had the pleasure of watching daughter, Marybeth and team excel in her bocce league at Cosimo's. With four matches thus far, they are 11-1 on the season.

A sushi taco

The meat of the entire lobster went into making...

...six scooped out lemon halves filled with...

...a lobster salad consisting of  chunks of lobster, mango and apple in Alex's special sauce.

L. to R: Bocce Champs: MB, Cheryl, Neil, Rosie, Robin, Laurie

The season started my eleventh year and rally with the Hudson Islanders at Croton Point Park. Twice annually we meet at CPP and for the club, it marks the 29th year of existence. I arrive earlier than the actual rally days (6/4 to 6/11). Members and their site assignments are usually the same as prior years but this year, life has gotten in the way of many. Health, family committments and obligations have taken their toll. Our numbers were greatly depleted.

Nonetheless, the get-together has always been an opportunity to enjoy each other's company be it at the Meet & Greet, Pot Luck Supper, Cocktail Hour or at the Campfire. All photos courtesy of Roberta. Thank you, Roberta.

The Friday "Meet & Greet" this year consisted of a number of pizzas purchased by the Club. Here, Gene is enjoying the "Pot Luck Supper" on Saturday night.

L. to R: Kathy, Jack, Johnny, Sr., Gene, Susan, Johnny, Bert, Herve, Dan and Melanie.

The daily 3:30 pm Happy Hours were usually at my site. Although most brought their own, drink choices included: beer, Gin & Tonic, Chardonnay, red wines, Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey bourbon, Buffalo Trace, Malibu rum w/pineapple, orange and coconut juices.

Sir Jack

Johnny

Bert and Herve

Day visitors, George and Vicki

Dan and George

Melanie

And the highlight of one afternoon's Happy Hour was the magical tune that attracts kids of all ages from near and far, the ice cream truck. A mad dash to the road, the anticipation of the truck turning into our road, all things forgotten, Mister Softee had arrived.

Little conversation thereafter as each devoured their prized possession.

A day visit by Steve and Maria allowed them the pleasure of one of our campfires. 

I'm sure you've noticed in each photo the big draw to a life style I've come to totally enjoy. The environment, the surroundings. CPP is one of the few where trees and more trees provide the serentiy and tranquility that makes "camping out" memorable. The thick canopy provides shade. Breezes help keep the humidity and heat of the day to a pleasnat level. For me, that's what I've come to love and cherish during my time away from my apartment.  For sure, I truly enjoy my humble abode. It's a light airy, safe haven surrounded by friends who are there for each other; a different form of commadraderie. This extension of my universe completes what I consider a fortunte combination of living life while loving all contained within. I wish all can experience such wonders. 

My itinerary was shared in my last blog. When you read this, I will be once again visiting Back-Achers campground on my way to Holley, NY and a week's visit with friends, Ray and Kathy. They could not make the really at CPP, so, on my way to Maine, a slight detour in both time and mileage. Thanks for taking the time to read and maybe comment. 

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.” ~John Muir

06/01 to 06/13 Croton Point RV Campground

 2026 Summer Adventure

CROTON POINT RV CAMPGROUND

HUDSON HIGHLANDERS

06/01 to 06/13, 2026

Welcome back to another season of travels with Winnie (and me). Since returning from a 3-month stay in Florida, my 47 days at home have been exciting, full of wonderful and rewarding experiences. Five birthday celebrations, Four get-togethers with neighbors and friends, five dining experiences at Cosimo's Trattoria in Poughkeepsie, six visits to Sakura Garden in Hastings and one at Samurai in Croton for delicious sushi. In addition, I've had the pleasure of watching daughter, Marybeth and team excel in her bocce league at Cosimo's. With four matches thus far, they are 11-1 on the season.

A sushi taco

The meat of the entire lobster went into making...

...six scooped out lemon halves filled with...

...a lobster salad consisting of  chunks of lobster, mango and apple in Alex's special sauce.

L. to R: Bocce Champs: MB, Cheryl, Neil, Rosie, Robin, Laurie

The season started my eleventh year and rally with the Hudson Islanders at Croton Point Park. Twice annually we meet at CPP and for the club, it marks the 29th year of existence. I arrive earlier than the actual rally days (6/4 to 6/11). Members and their site assignments are usually the same as prior years but this year, life has gotten in the way of many. Health, family committments and obligations have taken their toll. Our numbers were greatly depleted.

Nonetheless, the get-together has always been an opportunity to enjoy each other's company be it at the Meet & Greet, Pot Luck Supper, Cocktail Hour or at the Campfire. All photos courtesy of Roberta. Thank you, Roberta.

The Friday "Meet & Greet" this year consisted of a number of pizzas purchased by the Club. Here, Gene is enjoying the "Pot Luck Supper" on Saturday night.

L. to R: Kathy, Jack, Johnny, Sr., Gene, Susan, Johnny, Bert, Herve, Dan and Melanie.

The daily 3:30 pm Happy Hours were usually at my site. Although most brought their own, drink choices included: beer, Gin & Tonic, Chardonnay, red wines, Jack Daniels Tennessee Honey bourbon, Buffalo Trace, Malibu rum w/pineapple, orange and coconut juices.

Sir Jack

Johnny

Bert and Herve

Day visitors, George and Vicki

Dan and George

Melanie

And the highlight of one afternoon's Happy Hour was the magical tune that attracts kids of all ages from near and far, the ice cream truck. A mad dash to the road, the anticipation of the truck turning into our road, all things forgotten, Mister Softee had arrived.

Little conversation thereafter as each devoured their prized possession.

A day visit by Steve and Maria allowed them the pleasure of one of our campfires. 

I'm sure you've noticed in each photo the big draw to a life style I've come to totally enjoy. The environment, the surroundings. CPP is one of the few where trees and more trees provide the serentiy and tranquility that makes "camping out" memorable. The thick canopy provides shade. Breezes help keep the humidity and heat of the day to a pleasnat level. For me, that's what I've come to love and cherish during my time away from my apartment.  For sure, I truly enjoy my humble abode. It's a light airy, safe haven surrounded by friends who are there for each other; a different form of commadraderie. This extension of my universe completes what I consider a fortunte combination of living life while loving all contained within. I wish all can experience such wonders. 

My itinerary was shared in my last blog. When you read this, I will be once again visiting Back-Achers campground on my way to Holley, NY and a week's visit with friends, Ray and Kathy. They could not make the really at CPP, so, on my way to Maine, a slight detour in both time and mileage. Thanks for taking the time to read and maybe comment. 

“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.” ~John Muir