The epicenter of some of the most storied USRRC races I can remember. Not that i’m a dyed in the chequered flag buff…But back in the early-mid 60’s when I was into slot-car racing, one of the ground breaking designs was Jim Hall’s Chaparral’s. Usually numbered 66. He was one of the pioneers of wings on cars to increase control…

and when the rule changed outlawing “Wing Effect” he wagged his finger and produced this…

Note the two big fans at the back, and the skirt…the car had two engines. One to power the wheels, the other was a re-purposed snowmobile engine that powered the fans at the back creating suction holding the car to the road…yeah that got outlawed as well…

So the Hamster Ball isn’t number 66 it was fun none the less. I let Koko drive a lap or so… She’s looking  back to see who we beat? Uh…*No One* would be the correct answer.

The city itself rests at the south end of Seneca Lake. Looks like a thriving community in the summer…not so much so this time of year.

The finger lakes area is a known wine region. So we went tasting. On day one we found one that was a gem. Silver Springs Winery aka Don Giovanni Wines. The guy that runs it it a hoot. We went through his wares and didn’t find anything I wouldn’t drink. Had a case or two sent home for “Later Consumption”. The next day we went to Ravine. The “Dry” Rieslings they produce are outstanding.

After a tasting we were on the road again…headed north…