Two Generations of Dog Riders

Growing up, my family visited Enchanted Forest Water Safari (where the fun never stops!) in Old Forge, NY, EVERY summer.  Although once there, I had a crap ton of fun, it grew old year after year. Or so I thought. Then, we all grew up, and the trips stopped. That’s when I realized how much I loved Old Forge, and it’s amazing water park. I grew so fond of the area. The air was cleaner, the people are pleasant, and don’t even get me started on Keye’s Pancake House!! I learned to swim in the Blue Spruce Motel’s pool. I wandered through an enchanted forest and met  Paul Bunyan! We rode the sky ride (occasionally losing a flip flop to the ground below) and bought candy at the candy shop. Those were good times. It took me all of these years to figure this out.
While we have been back once with friends, a few weeks ago was our first trip as a family. My family which I have given life to. As we rode patiently on the thruway, I tried to tell Ava all about the awesome things she would see! We had camped last year in Inlet, on Fourth lake, near Enchanted Forest, but didn’t visit the water park for thoughts that Ava might be too little still to enjoy it fully. This year was the year. She was ready.
We had so much fun! Not only do I enjoy the waterslides, but I have also fallen in love with the area. I feel better there. My mind is clearer, my lungs are happier, and all seems right with the world. It’s funny how years ago, Old Forge was nothing but a yearly summer vacation spot. Now, it’s a dream location for retirement. A get away to our own cottage (someday!) and a destination for new family memories to be made. My! how I’ve grown up. Still, no matter how old I get,  Enchanted Forest will always hold an awesome spot in my heart.

 Christy Jess, and me on the BIG DOG! circa 1997 ish??    Below: Ava on the BIG DOG! July 2011