When ponchos attack (and other pictures from our weekend)

I actually grew up in Nebraska and I've lived in NY for fifteen years. Before moving here when I heard NY I just thought NYC and Buffalo (because of the Bills). There is so much more - it really is a lovely state. 

You definitely should go! We went last year too (Watkins Glen and Letchworth State Parks). The parks are very accessible and you can easily visit different places. I was surprised last year that Watkins Glen was right in the downtown. In Ithaca too there were waterfalls smack dab in the middle of civilization.

I would have to look at the pictures for the shutter speed data - but I'm guessing anywhere from 3-10 seconds. I found that even if I could get longer shutter times, it didn't affect the final picture. If anything, it was worse because it left the picture more susceptible to wind blowing and blurring the leaves in the picture.

The filter was a neutral density filter (that particular one was a 6 stop Lee filter -  not sure if I will get the same one or the 10 stop filter).  You could hand hold a filter in front of the camera, but if you are taking a picture with a filter to get longer exposure times, then you will need a tripod anyway. The tripod can be a hassle, but it's pretty much essential to waterfall pictures. You could always try one of those little Gorilla Pods - they are more compact and lighter.

The good thing about these falls and trails is that they aren't that long, so it's not bad to carry a tripod. And although we hiked a longer trail to get to one of the falls, it's also easily accessible from a different parking.

I loved the museum. We were there for 3 hours or so - I easily could've spent more time but was vetoed (I think my husband and daughter were tired). My daughter made an ornament and was so excited. Great museum!

Will have to remember the food recommendations for next time!