Hyde Park, NY

We made plans with Rich and Eleanor to met up in Hyde Park New York for the weekend. Rich and I had a bit of magazine stuff to go over and Sandi and Eleanor had a great time catching up. We had never been to this part of New York so it was a treat for all four of us. Emma was kidnapped by her grandparents so it was just the four of us.

We were treated by Rich making the reservations for us on this trip. We had several options including inviting them to spend time in our driveway which we had discussed but since Sandi and I will travel anywhere anytime we opted for the camp ground.

Well whenever there are two or more Airstreams in one location you have to take a photo.

We went out on Saturday to visit the Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park which happens to be the smallest Vanderbilt mansion. Actually our Ranger was a really great guy but I just had to post this photo, gives the appearance that he didn't like the question the visitor asked him.

The grounds are just beautiful even this early in the season. We weren't allowed to take photos inside so that you would buy the many books available in the gift shop. The story of how the mansion became a National Park is very interesting and the interior a perfect example of the Gilded Age.

One of the only plants that were blooming were the Tulip Tress.

Of the many gardens, I think the Pool Garden is my favorite, but another trip will probably change my mind. The rose garden is probably incredible.
Eleanor and Sandi walking the grounds. We were treated to an overcast day and the rain held off for the most part. After leaving the park we stopped at Duncan Donuts for good conversation and some coffee, they had the local radio station playing and we heard the National Emergency Alert and it wasn't a test!
We ran back to the camp ground with the threat of 65 MPH winds, ground stricking lightening and hail a very strong possibility. We fired up the laptop and tracked the storm.
It didn't take long for the sky to turn that very strange green-black color and we had some very intense lighteneing and thunder. As we stood outside watching the storm move north we counted our lucky stars that it tracked exactly seven miles north of us.

As many of you may know, Sandi and I love diners and Rich and Eleanor are of the same mindset. We hit paydirt in Hyde Park! The Everyday Diner is a must stop. Fair prices, great service, large portions and very good food.

I wasn't kidding about the amount of food either. Happy Campers.

We haven't come across many Diners with Mascots, but here is Ed!