Chris Keil
10/29/96
College
Writing
Essay #3
Character of a
Place
Final Draft
The Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes Region of western upstate New
York possesses natural beauty and characteristics that make it an ideal area
for residence and vacation. However,
because of New York City, the state's defining attribute to many outsiders and
locals, the Finger Lakes' fruits are ignored and shared amongst a relatively
small amount of people. In a state that
bares the advantages and drawbacks of the World's financial capital, a nearby
refuge that challenges even remote sections of the country with its untrampled
forests and clean lakes, seems appealing but is somehow missed amid the bustle
of Wall Street. People who visit the
Finger Lakes will quickly realize that New York includes, along with concrete
jungles, wilderness on the other end of the spectrum, wilderness created by the
forces of our planet.
Glaciers formed the hilly terrain
characteristic of the Finger Lakes region, by carving out the lakes and
valleys. Lush deciduous forests with an
ample amount of pines cover the countryside, providing homes for abundant
wildlife. A very popular method of
exploring and experiencing the forest is on horseback which gives riders a
completely different vantage point on the passing scenery. Crystal clear brooks meander through rugged
terrain as they constantly erode away at formations of prehistoric slate and
limestone, making it easy to find fossils and rocks shaped and brilliantly
colored by these ancient but persistent streams. Waterfalls nestled deep in the woods serve as
ideal places for a picnic or simply to reflect upon civilization without being
faced with the world's ordinary pressures.
While driving on the winding rural roads, you will greet many deer with
your headlights; hopefully not this other parts of your car. Raccoons can become a nuisance by scavenging
through your garbage at night while rabbits can be found nibbling on the grass
in your yard. Even in the most developed
areas, the forest is no more than a walk away and proves to be an ideal place
for recreation or simply to escape the stress of modern life and revert back to
simpler times.
Swimming in the abundant bodies of water or
even a backyard pool refreshes anyone during the region's hot summer days. Fortunately for those who dislike humidity,
the air is usually dry and comfortable in comparison to that of coastal
areas. Fall is a very beautiful time of
the year as the trees turn to their pleasant autumnal shades before shedding their
leaves. The typical seasonal traditions
are at their heart here, as the area has a rich native American history and the
countryside turns out mass amounts of pumpkins, corn, and other defining
characteristics of fall. During the
harsh winters, the Finger Lakes Region pulls in some of the highest figures in
annual snowfall in the Northeast. The
enormous lakes are not forgotten by the changing seasons as they freeze over
and seem to transform into great barren white deserts. Even the biggest winter enthusiasts welcome
springtime which can truly be compared to a rebirth as wildlife and
civilization seems to bud out of the melting snow. Lake residents construct their docks and
prepare their boats for the upcoming warm weather while farmers till their fields
and plan the summertime crop. The local
wildlife emerges from hibernation and once again becomes part of this renewed
world. This climatic cycle is so
distinct in the Finger Lakes, but each season bares a different type of beauty
and new way of life and play that is a pleasant change from the previous.
The actual lakes of the Finger Lakes region,
like many area towns and counties are named after past Indian tribes of the
region. In the 16th century, the famous
Iroquois League was centered in this area as it was a prosperous center of eastern
Native Americans. Nowadays people are
reminded of these tribes only though the names of the lakes and towns, and an
occasional Indian trading post. The
principal lakes are the Conesus, Hemlock, Canadice, Honeoye, Canandaigua,
Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles, and Otisco Lakes, varying anywhere
in length from 11 to 40 miles long.
Glaciers cut these lakes during the Ice age while forcefully expanding
through the interconnecting stream valleys of old. Thus, some of lakes feature steep rocky
slopes and depths in excess of 600 feet as does the majestic Lake Seneca. Atop some of these cliffs stand resort hotels
and the million dollar homes of the areas wealthiest inhabitants. The views from such scenic points are truly
breathtaking, making anyone jealous of those with the fortune of watching a
sailing race from their front porch over breakfast. While these lakes are integral part of a
beautiful landscape they are pleasing in more ways than just to the eye.
Despite the lakes' constant recreational use,
they remain clean and peaceful, especially in the evening. Each lake boasts at least one manmade sandy
beach which are rarely ever crowded with swimmers, while others choose to swim
at the private docks that line the shores.
Motor boating and water skiing are very popular especially because of
the smooth surface that becomes dangerously choppy only during a substantial
storm. Because the lakes are nestled in
valleys, winds are often strong enough for remarkable sailing and windsurfing,
although crafts such as jet-skis and sleek speed boats definitely outnumber the
wind-powered vessels. Paddling a canoe
or kayak can be fun and a great workout, especially in the early morning before
the power boats head out for the day.
Eating lunch on your boat while dangling your feet into the cool water
and drinking the locally produced, caffeine packed Jolt Cola, is a great way to
take in your mid day meal. Fast food
restaurants like Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonalds cater to boaters as well
as some feature docks along with a conventional parking lot for
automobiles. Fishing, whether from your
front lawn, a waterfront park, or a boat, is great on all the lakes and is a
very popular pastime. The lakes are home
to trout, bass, and large bottom feeding carp in particular as well as edible
shellfish such as mussels and clams.
During the winter, when the lakes freeze over, ice fishing, skating, and
pick up hockey games can be seen taking place while the more adventurous take
their Jeeps out for a spin on the solid ice.
In addition, the premiere night life of the Finger Lakes revolves around
the lakes themselves, as the shores are lined with numerous expensive
restaurants and classy bars which are all accessible by boat. It goes without saying that the lakes are the
heart of the region, but this is not by accident, for they provide
entertainment and enjoyment for all.
The local residents are another attribute that
make this region so pleasing and accommodating, to visitors and fellow
inhabitants. For the most part a
laid-back, friendly nature is characteristic of the locals, enhancing one's
experience in the area. As tourism has
and continues to increase in the Finger Lakes region the area has slowly become
more commercial, but this shift has been limited to larger towns. Still, simple people who hold family values
high on their list of priorities appear to comprise the majority of the
population. Privately owned Inns and restaurants
in which the cook will offer to make you any food you desire as long as the
local supermarket sells the ingredients, are a welcomed change from hotels like
the Marriot which does not rely on each customer's satisfaction for
success. Stands set up on the side of
the road selling refreshments or locally grown fruit also hint towards the
friendly personal atmosphere. All in
all, the Finger Lakes Region is very down to earth, as pastimes such as
baseball and bowling still thrive, compared to drugs and radical cutting edge
lifestyles and entertainment found in urban centers. While a resident of Soho may find the company
in the Finger Lakes rather boring and stale, traditions such as the family
dinner and good-hearted hospitality which were once considered the fabric of
America, still exist there today.
Farming is a major source of income in the
Finger Lakes area as the climate and soil is conducive to many crops. The seemingly endless fields of golden corn
and lush green pastures for dairy cows make up a large sector of the total land. While it seems that abandon farms with
overgrown fields being converted into subdivisions are more common than ever,
the feeling of being in farm country is definitely not foreign. Even people who live in more populated areas
often keep prolific fruit trees or raspberry bushes in their yards. The famous and growing Canandaigua Wine
Company's center of operations, main vineyards, and distillery are all within
miles of Lake Canandaigua. Taking a tour
of this facility will remind you of a winery from central France rather than
upstate New York. The performing arts
center of Finger Lakes Community College emits a glorious glow over the lake
during performances. Obviously, with the
increase of technology, people have moved away from the farms and into the
booming towns and small cities of the region.
Tourism grows considerably each year and the real estate market has
expanded as well to accommodate the influx of wealthy people who have
recognized what the area has to offer. A
wide spectrum of lifestyles, occupations, and culture is found in the Finger
Lakes making it a diverse region that offers simple pleasures within mere
miles.
Outside of the lakes themselves recreation and
outdoor activity is a big part of the full Finger Lakes experience. Hiking and camping in the many nearby parks
and campgrounds will satisfy any outdoor enthusiast. During the winter, one can snow ski in the
areas three ski resorts that, while not comparable to the skiing of the West or
even Vermont, gain popularity because of their convenient proximity. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are
perfect for the abundant and vast farm fields while blanketed in snow. Sports are also a major part of the Finger
Lakes Region, as local schools have competitive baseball and football leagues. Hockey is also gaining formidable popularity
as one will discover by the construction of several neighborhood ice rinks
throughout the area. The possibilities
of outdoor activity are nearly endless and make the natural beauty of the land
accessible to anyone.
The Finger Lakes region bares much of the fruit
that this integral state has to offer, but who knows what the future will
bring. The natural rustic atmosphere
defines the area, giving it a distinct aura that no other place I have ever seen
can duplicate. But more and more people
discover what I and others have always known each year and it has already
started to take its tolls. The Gap and
Urban Outfitters have replaced Snow Country Bike and Ski shop and the Native
American pottery store. What will happen
when the big corporations move in and commercialize this peaceful place where
one can as of now escape consumer exploitation?
Will the down to earth friendly locals be replaced by shrewd profit
minded businessmen? Only time will tell,
but for now it is still a haven that we can rely on for bringing the pleasures
of our ever dwindling natural world. I
thus encourage anyone to experience the Finger Lakes before they are corrupted
by the ignorance of the masses and wills of the elite. Hopefully this great land will be saved by
the shadow of New York City that has protected it so far and visitors will come
to get away from the city, not to bring it with them.
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