Have you ever had to take a detour? The bridge over the Erie Canal on Canandaigua Rd. is closed indefinitely for structural reasons.   Although it’s inconvenient at times, I’d rather drive a few miles out of my way than end up as a highway statistic. Besides, detours give you a chance to see something new. Today my detour led me through Pumplin Hook, NY.  Don’t you just love that name? A quick drive by takes you past 2 churches, a grocery store, a fire hall and some beautiful farm land. I decided to do a little internet research on Pumpkin Hook. Imagine my surprise to find that there are 2 Pumpkin Hooks in New York State. The other one is in Washington County, north of NYC. Our Pumpkin Hook was settled by Quakers from Massachusetts, which would explain why one of the churches is a Friends Church.The other church is Lutheran. By the way, Susan B. Anthony’s family were also Quakers from Massachusetts who moved west to Rochester.

The local legend is that Pumpkin Hook, once called New Salem (after Salem, Mass.) got it’s more colorful name back in the 1800’s when a whole wagon full of pumpkins was stolen (hooked.)

I was also surprised to find that Pumpkin Hook was recently in the news because the Bowe family was just awarded one of only four Century Farm Awards given in New York State. The Bowes have had a working farm in Pumpkin Hook for over 100 years. Our new Lt. Governor, Bob Duffy, presented the award.

Don’t be afraid to step off onto a detour. You never know what you’ll find.

Day 38: 11,205 Steps   YTD: 343,212 Steps   Goal: 352,000 Steps