1 July 2013
* Elmira, New York to Brushwood Folklore Center, Sherman, New York *
Our weary travelers awoke early, headed over to the RV/vardo way station to empty the tanks, and checked out of the Watkins Glen KOA. Rainy and drizzly weather awaited them as they headed down highway 14 to Interstate 86 west from Elmira to Cuba across the Southern Tier Expressway. Fueled by Hershey’s sugar free candies they obtained at Hershey Park and Snapea Crisps, the duo continued driving fighting the rain and wind. Young fairy prince Cian slept through most of the travels from Elmira to Cuba. Looking through the panes of glass at the Corning museum of glass and the tasty morsels of cheese at the Cuba Cheese Shoppe broke the monotony of the rain and roadways as they traveled Northwest.
The trio journeyed through the Seneca reservation, past the casino, and over the Allegheny River. Sir Thomas Leaf had some memories passing over Chautauqua Lake, in Jamestown, New York from his many travels to the Starwood and Sirius Rising Festivals when they were held at Brushwood.
Before long the delvers were weaving their way through Amish country, into the small town of Sherman, New York.
Driving from Sherman on to Brushwood Folklore Center, they passed a horse-drawn buggy with an Amish family in it heading to town. The country air, the peace and quiet – Sir Thomas Leaf felt like he was home. As much as he believed he could live in these parts, he knew the winters would be unforgivable so that scratched this area as a possible place to plant their roots on this great quest of theirs. Pacific Northwest was still drawing them in. As they approached the dip on Bailey Hill Road, they could see the signs and landmarks for the Pagan and wildlife sanctuary known as Brushwood Folklore Center. The land had definitely changed since the last time that Sir Thomas Leaf wandered these parts. It was empty, a few seasonal campers, and some vendors in town for the Blue Heron Music festival. Registration was smooth, staff friendly, and got an electric spot for the RV/vardo. They set up camp and stripped off their clothes heading to the swimming pool and hot tub (all clothing optional). Then took a wander around the sacred landscape, visiting various shrines, temples, circles, and altars. The thunder dome emanated magic. The ADF Nemeton was mystical and full of occult knowledge. A moment was taken to remember his elder and mentor, Sir Isaac Bonewits, who had a memorial monument erected in his honor. Onwards to the Viking temple and other ritual areas, the weary travelers headed off to sleep for a slumber under the pitter patter of the rain on the vardo roof.
I-86 through the Seneca Nation Reservation:
Seneca Nation and Allegheny River:
Chautauqua Lake, Jamestown, New York:
Brushwood Folklore Center, Sherman, New York
Brushwood Folklore Center, Sherman, New York
Brushwood Folklore Center, Sherman, New York
Brushwood Folklore Center, Sherman, New York
Brushwood Folklore Center, Sherman, New York
Brushwood Folklore Center, Sherman, New York