Watkins Glen, NY Rally Recap
July 16-20, 2023

	Dates:	July 16-20, 2023
	Location:	Clute Memorial Park & Campground 155 South Clute Park Dr Watkins Glen, NY 14891
	Hosts:	Mary and Jerry Breu Marilyn and Robert Gray

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A great time was had by all (14 coaches and 29 attendees) at the July Watkins Glen Rally on Seneca Lake, one of the 5 Finger Lakes. The campground and city park, with pavilion reserved for Leap'n Lions activities, were on the lake's south shore with fantastic views. While the two days of tours and one free day gave much time to experience this area, there was much more for "next time."

The Corning Glass Museum, housed in a beautiful contemporary building, was all engrossing. Demonstrations on old time glass blowing and glass breaking, with appropriate narration, were fascinating. Beautiful exhibits of glass from Tiffany to paper weights were almost overwhelming. Another series of displays featured commercial applications, including the Hubble Space Telescope and window glass that can go from clear to opaque with the flip of a switch. As a bonus, the Corning admission included a pass for the Rockwell Museum in downtown historic Corning. Here is a beautiful collection of American art, including pieces by Andy Warhol, Grant Wood, Frederic Remington, and a traveling Smithsonian exhibit of American heroes (some questionable).

The 2-hour boat tour on Seneca Lake was beautiful and with perfect weather. The lunch on board was delicious.

Everyone enjoyed the unplanned day doing their own thing. This included a wide range of activities from wineries and distilleries, more museums, hiking in the Glen, shopping, racetrack, etc.

A Leap'n Lions Rally is never complete until you have eaten (3 nights in the pavilion), sat around a campfire, and just gathered together. Born Free owners have common interests, and are very sociable and friendly.

Thursday we thanked Mary and Jerry Breu, their daughter, Heather, and Marilyn and Bob Gray for a wonderful time and said our good-byes. Most said we will see each other at the Biennial Rally in Lewisburg, West Virginia, September 17-21, 2023.

By Gary Gulbranson