Hiking - Taughannock Falls

 We started the day with a peaceful hike to Taughannock Falls alongside longtime friends Jim and Deb Coder. About 45 minutes from Watkins Glen, this state park features a wide, mostly flat trail that follows the stream flowing from the falls. The path is shaded by tall, moss-covered trees, with easy access to the rocky riverbed. As lovely as the scenery was, the real joy came from walking and talking with Jim and Deb. We all lived in Illesheim together over 35 years ago, and it’s something special to still be sharing moments like this all these years later.

Back in Watkins Glen, we spent the rest of the afternoon and evening gathered on the porch, joined by more familiar faces—Larry & Carol Maxwell, Jim & Cathy Thomas, Heidi Somers, Reed & Jeni Mellinger, Renee & Eric Marburger, Randy Hauptman, Kyle & Ron Ritter, and again, Jim & Deb Coder. Scotty grilled bratwurst, while others rounded out the meal with German potato salad, chips, liverwurst dip, cucumber salad, cookies, apple strudel, and of course—plenty of beer. It felt just like one of our old gatherings back in Germany—filled with laughter and shared memories!