Life in the Slow Lane (The Pearl): Aug. 12 – Great Gully Falls, Union Springs, NY

Allan H. Treman State Marine Park

"And then I learned adventures are the best way to learn." —Unknown

Stan needed, wait, make that wanted, some different fishing supplies so we took a road trip up the lake to Bass Pro Shop outside of Auburn. We could have taken a shorter, more direct route, but what's the fun in that? We drove up the west side of the lake so we could have lunch at O'Malley's.

O'Malley's is a log cabin that is located about halfway up the lake and offers a great view with your meal. Everyone has recommended it and our meal was very nice, sitting on the deck overlooking the lake. From there we enjoyed the drive north to the Bass Pro Shop...another fishing pole and a new spinning reel for Stan and a shirt for me. Fishing poles...like boats and tools...all you need is just one more.

The view from our table on the front deck of O'Malley's

From Auburn we drove down the lake on the eastern side, stopping in Union Springs to look at a marina that was recommended for winter storage. Our last stop of the day was at the Great Gully Falls trail. It's a pretty easy hike up the creek to an 18’ falls. Half the trail is through the creek, so we were glad we had hiking sandals. We both enjoy hikes like this one…we like getting our feet wet. Our only complaint...too many other people around enjoying the hike. The falls had a little water and the creek was very low, which made the hike even easier. I could see this could be a dangerous place when the water is heavy. The best things about the trail are the swimming holes and the fact you can walk behind the falls.

The lower falls and swimming hole...as you can see there isn't a lot of water this time of year.