Golden Triangle

Way back before the crazy talk of WWIII and Tom Brady knocked from the playoffs, I had the exceptional weekend getaway in the UpState's of NY. The season was late summer (Sept. 2019), the Triangle tour called my name. Departure Station: Brownstown, PA. Destination Point 1: Rochester, NY. Destination Point 2: Syracuse, NY. Final Destination: safe return to the cul de sac in Brownstown. First leg of the Triangle consumed of visiting the Genesee Brewhouse in Rochester. Wifey and I were dipped down deep in thought on the Genny delivery docks. Waiting for the drivers to return with empty trucks so we can hike pallet after pallet with our pallet jacks, pallets loaded with cases of all varieties of Genesee Beer for the masses. We used this down time to gain our strength for the 3rd shift, it all be worth our while when we head into the office on pay day and then head upstairs for a view of the falls and the real payoff. A taste of the 12 Horses and the Ales of the generations past and present.

From Rochester, we made our way East on the Thruway to the 'Cuse. Route 90 was our friend and made our journeys end. The cultural significance of this route always has me remarking. The homestead of Harriet Tubman and freedom's trail is along this route. A route North, into the Canadian wilderness and vast expanse of free will. We popped into Syracuse to take in a show at the Fairgrounds. Hotel check in had me spellbound and I went another round with the cold Genny's in my cooler. Wifey and I put on our young, skinny jeans and rolled out to see Cardi B. Cardi's unapologetic delivery makes my thoughts turn to all friends who are good to me. Those who make no mistake in telling me the truth for my own good. For my own benefit while I sip a beer and soak in the notion of self reflection through the perception of real peers. -Next morning... I checked out the hotel pool and tested the pH for pertinence and upkeep, the water was saturated with chlorine, the pool room was warm. Enough to make me want to take a pre-brunch nap. But, we had to head back. South on 81, back to Brownstown. I started to chart my route on my paper maps with my cartographer's compass. So close to towns that I traveled through years ago. Route 13 to Cortland was my homestead: Sheds, DeRuyter, Cuyler, Truxton, Homer. Towns that are scientifically beautiful in the mid fall when the light grows against the leaves of the maples. The view from Preble Hill: stunning. This area witnessed my passion unfold for my wifey when we met in 1996. These geographies and mile markers on 81 have deep reverence with me. I sat on these hillsides among the Finger Lakes and made my decisions decisively to act on the love I have for Melinda. The days in UpState NY, past and present, made me better. The travel, the road, the friendship of Big Kev, strengthened me along the way. The tutelage on the homefront from Paul and my Dad was also the key ingredient during these days of 1996. My Mom's recognition of my budding love for Melinda was a blessing. All these forces combined to grow me. They were all, and still remain, necessary. Cheers to all interactions and bonds with all folks near and dear, for better or worse. I can drink to that! Take that to the bank! From Genesee's most scrupulous taste tester. I haven't disliked one yet! In the snow, in the sun, it's all about the fun. Rain, sleet, snow...let it flow.