It was a quiet night at St Michael’s and by 8:00am we were on the road . . .

. . . we will be riding on the Talbot Trail/Waterfront Trail, along Lake Erie for the next several days  . . .

. . . the Canadians are looking out for us. The drivers are VERY courteous giving us a wide berth. If there is oncoming traffic the cars behind you stop and wait until they pass, rather than trying to sneak by you . . . nice!!!

. . . we are in the land of wind power with hundreds of wind generators located along the route . . .

..

. . . first view of Lake Erie to the right and left of the wind towers . . .

. . . and the first and only grasshoppa’ I saw today . . . but it was pumping!!!!

. . . the Canadian’s, at least in this part of the country are VERY patriotic. EVERYONE seems to have multiple flags flying on their property. Even in these old relics. This must have been a handsome home at one  time.

. . . the Canadian’s also seem to take great pride in ownership and are VERY tidy. Regardless of the size, or age of the home, they are al well kept and maintained . . . not a trailer home, with several old washers out front, to be seen.

Being the Talbot Trail, there are lots of historic markers along the way. You can see them coming up because many are built into these ’beehive’ type structures!!!

. . . along the way I met Roy and Macy. Macy is the rescue dog and Roy said when he got her she weighed 70 pounds. She is now down to a svelte 50 pounds. She was a happy pup!!!

. . . mbbt members beware, bowling ahead!!!!

. . . soon, around the corner came Colleen, from Olympia, WA. She is more than half way around a loop from Mpls. on the Northern Tier. She was hoping to do the whole thing from WA to MA but her son and daughter in law had other plans by having a baby during what would have been the middle of her trip. Sooo . .  she flew to Mpls with her gear, helped welcome her now grandchild and then headed east to MA. She was now on her way back to Mpls. Read her blog here. Safe travels!!!

.

. . .  many local villages have reminders to slow down . . . not sure why this person planted all the trees along the lake, which will eventually obscure the view . . .

. . . but this one was a plea to help save the grandchildren and deer. Hope those were deer skeletons lying around the sign!!!!

. . . this message painted on the side of a semi trailer is obscured for at least half the year as the corn grows taller and taller !!!

Port Stanley was a cute little ‘New England’ type village. The main route today runs about a mile in from the shore. Whenever there is a town that starts with ‘Port’ is means a steep downhill to the lake and a VERY steep climb back up to the high ground. Usually 12-16% grade!!!!!!

. . .  this is the ‘shortest’ water tower I have ever seen . . . and not even on a hill. Must not need much head pressure . . .

. . . again, the Canadian farmers re very tidy. Even old barns like these get new boards and a face lift to keep them functional . . .

. . .  have not seen much road kill on this trip but here was a big boy that’s going to miss the rut this year . . .

. . . the wind turbines are VERY controversial in this part of the county . . .

. . . and most protestors are members of the OFA . . .

. . . some nice splashes of color along the way. This sumac must have been accidently sprayed or is stressed. Too early for fall colors!!!!

Around the next corner I met Lisa and Steve from Camden, Maryland. They are circling Lake Erie on their two year old tandem. Nice folks. Have a safe trip. Think about riding the Northern Tier or Trans Am in the future. You would love it!!!!

Tonight we are staying in a Providential Park. Very limited groceries available so we had pizza . . .. delivered right to our sites!!!!

On the road again, this time another 65 mile day to Selkirk, our home for the night . . .

. . . our first lighthouse sighting . . .

. . . Anne and I have cooking duties and have been drooling over the GREAT Beef Stroganoff we were going to make until we got to the market. No fresh veggies or fruit. Everything was canned . . . ended up being homemade chili with frozen hamburger patties, crumbled up!!!!

. . . Selkirk was like a scene out of  the movie . . . ‘ The Russians are Coming.  . . The Russians are Coming’ . . ..

. . .with this old WWII vintage submarine on display. It was locked up so no touring . . . a shame. Would have been fun to see the inside!!!!

. . . more wind turbines along the lake today, some within several feet of the shore. There is LOTS of produce and fruit grown  in the area (although not available in the local stores) and LOTS of what looks like migrant laborers doing the hard work . . .

. . . this crew was ‘picking pecks of peppers’!!!!

. . . there was a wind turbine fight next to the road, so I stopped to check it out . . . BIG . . .

. . . with BIG propellers. The outer point of each propeller is traveling over 100moh!!!!

. . . the peppers that appear in your market may come from here!!!!!

Here is the industry spin on wind turbines . . .

. . . one of the more controversial parts of the turbine industry is the number of birds that are killed by the turbines. The sign says that for every 10,000 birds killed by autos, house cats, other equipment and people in general, only1 is killed  by a turbine!!!!

. . . they are an interesting piece of machinery . . . .

. . . hey Smoochie, another  bio reserve just like the one outside of Newton, IA. Who knew there was more than one!!!!

. . . oh, they got  it covered up here . . . and again today, the drivers of ALL types of vehicles were VERY courteous.

. . .  C-stores, for purchasing beverages, have been far and few in between as we have biked across Canada. Here was one of the first we have seen. Sort of an oasis out in the middle of nowhere. Gatorade is expensive up here, even with the exchange rate.

. . . LOTS of NICE homes along the way today both on farms and out in the middle of nowhere. Here was one that was on the market for $1.2 million CND. A ‘bargain’ when considering the USD exchange rate!!!!

. . . first fatality marker I have seen since entering Canada . . . and on a straight section of road . . .

. . . today we also passed many small river and creek tributaries  entering Lake Erie . . . nice viewing . . .

. . . this maybe the largest home I have ever seen!!!! Built right on the shore of Lake Erie by a husband and wife team who started their careers in 1973 as farm laborers.

Farming, the orchard business and trucking have been very,  very good to them. It’s Big I’m telling ya, BIG! My photo was taken near the red star.

. . . fun to bike along and watch the freighters prowling the Great Lakes . . .

. . . but the view was partially spoiled today  by this HUGE steel mill built right on the shore . . .

. . . as I biked along the perimeter fence a large cloud of something appeared. I pedaled faster and tried not to breathe!!!!

. . .t he mill had a conveyor system for unloading ore from ships . . . it went under the road bridge . . .

. . and up into  the plant. VERY loud operation. I can’t imagine working in that type of environment all day . . .

. . . evidently the government has some environmental concerns too because here was one of several environmental monitoring stations positioned outside the perimeter fence . . .

. . . soon I  came upon the Hillbilly Horticulture business flying both a Harley Davidson and Confederate flags . . . funny!!!!!

. . . more produce along the way. The mild weather along the lake is provides great growing condition’s for  . . . asparagus . . .

. . . not quite ready for picking yet . . .

. . not only is wind power BIG up here on a commercial scale, but also for the local landowner. This chap has his own generators’ . . .

. . . and as the sign says, helping them to live ‘off the grid’!!!!

A little burp in the mileage figuring met what should have been a 55 mile day today into Niagara, ON is going to be 83 miles!!!!!

. . . so we moved the breakfast time up 15 minutes!!!! On the way out of Selkirk we noticed we will miss the  Annual Gas Fest. NO IDEA what that is!!!!

. . . the gang was passed by, what I think, is the largest double bottom manure spreader know to man . . . glad there were no mishaps as it detoured around our riders!!!!!!

. . . another spin by the store with no fruit or veggies . . . most of the small stores like this having nothing fresh . . . . (but they did have Dew Worms) taste like chicken!!!!!

. . . first warning sign I have seen for ice coming off wind generators. Probably not a good place to be anywhere near one of the in the winter.  WONDER WHAT THE ‘THROWING RADIUS’ MIGHT BE”!!!

Great draw bridge along the way today. Hugh saw it fully retracted,when he rode by, letting a freighter slip out into Lake Erie . . .

. . . they REALLY mark the RR crossing in some areas for bicyclists’ . . .

. . . this one really ended up being no big deal. You can see Good Mike up ahead.

. . . today we would be on a trail system for much of the afternoon keeping us out of urban traffic as we bike trough Port Erie and into  Niagara, ON. Paved and very few bicyclists’ along the way . . .

. . . downside, LOTS of crossings creating bumps for those with loaded bikes. Had a headache by the time we were done from the  constant ‘thumping’.

. . . looking for  ‘simple accommodations’, you might want to consider . . .

. . . with the adjoining landscape business. ‘Turn yer Haven into a Heaven’!!!!

. . . great name of a little burg we passed through . . .

. . .now this was one BIG hay barn.You could stack em’ 8-10 high!!!

. . . soon we entered the greater Niagara area . . .

. . cutesy restaurants and shops began popping up. Looking at this authentic ‘prop’ outside this restaurant, it’s hard to believe the capacity of this lifeboat is 39 people!!!! Hopefully no on ever needed to use it.

. . . as we neared Fort Erie, there right across the water was Buffalo, NY . . . almost within spittin’ distance . . .

. . . but we stayed on our side of the river and proceeded along the Niagara Pkwy . . . many, many nice homes along the way . . .

. . . with more being built. Some are . . . ‘doing quite well in todays economy, thank you’ !!!

. . . soon on the horizon appeared Niagara, ON . . .

. . . and the headwaters of the Falls. UNBELIEVABLE the speed of he water . . .   600,000 gallons of water flow over the falls EVERY SECOND!!!!!

. . . and to think a 63 year old woman, a teacher from Bay City, went over the Falls in a barrel and survived. See video here!!!!

. . . Connie takes a well earned rest in the mist created by he falls after a LONGGGGGGGG day with me in the saddle . . .

signs warn . . . ‘Don’t get too close to the Edge’.  Not a problem for me.

. . . and here came the ‘Maid of the Mist’ boat tour, chugging up to the foot of the Canadian side of the falls . . .

. . . our family visited here YEARS ago (like 55 years ago) . . . I can still remember staying  at Sully’s Sunbeam Motel!!!!

Snaren and Roxanne, Looks like they were still in  business in 1972!!!!

. . . the American side of the falls is definitely not as impressive as the Canadian side . . .

. . . after a little more touring around it was time to land at the Air BnB we have rented for the next two days. Three levels, 10 bedrooms and three  baths . . . Home Sweet Home.

It was raining when we arrived yesterday so everyone who had wet tent fly’s. crammed them into the only dry spot on our deck . . .  and it worked, everything dried.

Today would be the regular ‘day off’ with laundry, bike maintenance, shopping, a ride on the ‘Maid of the Mist’ boat tour (been there, done that) and just relaxing.

Barring the mileage from yesterday, we will ‘average’ 50 miles a  day or less for the rest of the trip. Of course, some of the shorter days will be because we will be back climbing mountains. This time on the east coast!!!!

Oh yeah, and a day off usually involves food we really can’t get on our regular ‘working days’. Most of the gang visited a local steakhouse on Thursday night and I can testify the NY Strip was EXCELLENT!!!!

. . . after dinner Hugh, Rod and I visited the local gelatoria for a little dessert. Cookies and Cream never tasted so good. And that was a ‘single’!!!

Friday night a group of us went for Japanese . . . YUMMMMMM!!!

I talked to emJay today who reminded me we leave for our Provence bike trip in less than a month !!!!!

We had a nice stay at our three story house in Niagara Falls, ON but this morning it was tome to move on down the road . . . and back into the USA!!!!

We had a seven mile pedal up river before we came to the bridge we would cross . . .

. . . a few more things to discover, like the stupa . . .

. . . the Niagara School of Horticulture . . .

. .  which had a VERY tidy facility and grounds . . .

. . . and a ‘flower clock’ they maintain. It was only 7:30am but the tour busses were already arriving . . .

. . . they say you can set your watch by it!!!!

. . . and there was the Whirlpool Falls which we biked around . . .

. . . from the other side you can see the first gondola crossing of the day.

. . . and for those who didn’t have enough stuff there was one more chance to shop at Souvenir City!!!!

. . . YIKES!!!!

. . . here was our passage back into the USA . . .

. . . as we rode over the bridge there were good views of the hydro plants on both the American and Canadian sides . . .

. . . and yes, at 8:00am there was a awaiting line to get back into the country!!!!

. . . not even a ‘Welcome to the United States’ sign or a “Welcome Home’ mention from the immigration folks . . . oh, well . . . .

. . . but  I did stop at this homey little place for a cinnamon bun and coffee!!!!

. . . and I am looking for the eastern version of this route!!!!

. . . puppy . . I wonder how D is doing in MSN????? Will she remember me after being gone for three months?????

. . . there is a BIG GM plant in Lockport and they are ready to celebrate everything American. BUY, BUY , BUY and help the economy!!!!

. . . we are also on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation . . .

which has LOTS of Smoke Shops and C-stores. I saw more C-stores in three miles I think than our whole time in Canada. Americans like convenience!!!!

A highlight today, and the next several, is was riding on the Erie Canal Trail . . .

. . . Lock 34 had a tour boat coming through as I passed over on a bridge.

. . . here is one of the ‘old locks’ . . .

. . . and the type of boat that  would prowl the canal!!!!

. . . Connie was ready for a nice, quiet, low traffic ride along the canal as we headed east out of Lockport . . .

. . . nice privately owned boats along the way . . .

. . . reminded me of France!!!!

. . . not sure what this structure is but it must have something to do with water flow. The gates can be raised and lowered . . .

. . . some very picturesque settings along the way . . .

. . . many of the little towns had these mini-lift bridges that would raise and lower to let boat traffic through. This one is raised.

. . . every once in a while you need to look down. I did and  and circled back to check this out . . .

. . . an army of ants heading across the path . . . they were VERY busy!!!!

. . . as I neared Middleport, our home for the night, I met Jason who was under a bridge having a little lunch. He has been out since June riding the four major trails in this area including the Eire, C&O, and the Allegany. He would be camping with us tonight in Middleport.

. . . and soon Middleport appeared around the next turn . . .

Nice camping along the river. No charge,  bathrooms and showers by the police station, and electric power . . .

I met Kelsey, whose owner Bob brought her over to a faucet for a little drink . . .

. . . an eight week old cutie. Very sweet with sharp little teeth. I miss my Daisy (and Smoochie too of course!!).

Nice sleeping in Middleport last night except for the fire siren that went of at 9:30pm and three groups of teenagers who ran through the camp around midnight . . .

. . . these structures we have been seeing are temporary dams that allow engineers to drain parts of the canal for maintenance. When it was first constructed it was only  four feet deep. Through the years, the depth was deepened to eight feet and then twelve. Sounds like it is a constant chore to keep the silt from building up in certain areas!!!

It wasn’t long before I met the Weaver’s, from Helena, MT.  Some flew and some drove to Lockport and they are heading east on the Canal Trail and moteling it. Nice . . . lighter loads, and no sleeping on the ground!!!

Corvin and I came upon this unusual situation where the Erie Canal was actually running over the top of river that had a nice waterfalls right where the two meet. Here he is checking for the key to his lock that he thought he had lost. He rode four miles back to camp to look for it but couldn’t find it. Ends up it was right in the last place he put it . . . his back jersey pocket!!!!

. . . the water was REALLY flowing  . . . a  mini Niagara Falls!!!!

Lot more boats on the canal today . . . here was ‘Tommy the Tug’, who thinks he can  . . . who thinks he can!!!!

. . . the beauty of the canal was marred by this prison on the other side of the river. Not sure where I have ever seen more barbed wire!!!

Next town down the canal was Albion, which had a nice bike shop advertising ice cream and cold drinks . . . but it was CLOSED!!!!

I did meet Matt and Jim from Brooklyn, NY. They were heading west on the trail, having stayed near Rochester last night. Fun guys . . . having a fun time for a few days!!!

Around the next corner was Holley, which had a nice canal front camping area, with electric  . . . just like we had in Middleport. Jason, who camped with us last night there, was thinking of staying here tonight.

The community sponsored a large apple sculpture celebrating the apple business and growers in the area . . .

. . . and we did see many apple orchards today but they could not rival the number we saw early on, in Washington State.

Just outside of Holley I met Boy Scout Troop Leader Laurie and some of her Eagle Scout candidates from Pack 375, sponsored by the Brockport Elks Club. They are all  working on getting their bicycling merit badge. Along for the ride were Alex, Corac, Sam and Casey, along with another chaperone, Mandy.  Laurie started with 11 bicycling badge candidates but lost four when they learned they could earn a similar badge by swimming!!!!

Comments sections seems to have stopped working, but here is a comment from Tammy, “My son was part of the boy scout troop that you met this weekend. My son could not stop talking about how cool your trip was and how interesting it was to meet you. Thank you for taking the time out to encourage this group of young men and the adult leaders that accompanied them”

. . .and my reply, “Hi Tammy, It was great to meet Laurie and the boys along the trail. Who knows, your son’s merit badge may plant the seed for future bicycle trips. It’s a GREAT way to see the USA at 12 mph! Safety first though . . . be sure he always wears a helmet!!!!”

Some of the draw bridges we are biking by are fancier than others. This one, along with it’s tower, was in good shape. The towers are manned by gate keepers during the  day. Not sure who controls the bridges at night????

. . .  there are newer bridges constructed along the way that are tall enough they do not need to open to allow boats to pass under. They don’t really have the same charm though as the drawbridges . . .

Soon I met Kelsey and Zoot. Zoot loves to go out into the kayak for rides and runs around in circles when Kelsey gets out the tiny doggy life jacket . . . boating time!!!

I stopped in Brockport, pop. 8,366 and a college town.  A lot going on with many murals, around town, painted on old brick buildings. Nice.

. . . there were also some Canal Commission work boats docked there for the weekend. This one looked like floating ‘motel’ for workers who were out on the job for several days . . .

At this point I had had enough of trail riding (did I mention I don’t like riding on trails) and headed out on Hwy 31, that parallel the Erie Canal., for the final 20 miles into Rochester . . .

. . . where I rejoined the trail for the last four miles to our motel. This was one of the better sections of canal as it wound it’s way through the city.

Rochester has a GREAT city trail system including many bridges with scenic views. Lots of kayakers out today . . .

We were supposed to camp at a school tonight in Pittsford, about 15 more miles down the trail but it didn’t work out. Ends up the woman Allison was dealing with regarding the arrangements really didn’t have the last word on the deal . . . which was NO!!!! So we are staying at a Country Inn and Suites in Rochester . . .

. . . Corvin and I are sharing a room . . .

. . . and yes, there is room for Connie too. No stable for her tonight!!!

Nice sleeping at the Country Inn and Suites last night with a GREAT steak dinner at Delmonico’s Steakhouse, which was right next door!!!

Easy riding out of Rochester this morning and soon, we had the trail all to ourselves . . .

. . . Lock number 34, on the Erie Canal , on the way out of town . . . and at this point I exited the canal trail and got back on a road route that would take me 50 miles to our home for the night, Sodus Point.

There are over 592 miles of canal including the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and the Cayuga/Seneca.

Outside of Rochester was this BIG playhouse for the new rowhouse/townhouse development . . .

. . . of which there were only several built. Buy one and get in early!!!!

Fun name . . .

. . . and more fun!!!!

. . . this is probably the best name I have seen on the trip for an Ice Cream store . . . makes sense!!!!

Snaren, you have some competition!!!!

Just outside of Palmyra there was a TERRIBLE accident that had just happened. There was a detour around it for several miles but I was able to jump on the trail for a short ride into Palmyra.

UPDATE:

7 Month Old Baby Survives Car Big Rig Crash Near Macedon

Geneva, NY, United States / Finger Lakes Daily News

Joe Nittler

August 21, 2017 12:23 pm

As I put my camera back in my handlebar bag the zipper broke. This is the second time it has broken since I bought it. Last time I had to send it back to Arkel for them to ‘fix it’.  Now . . the same thing happened again. I sent them an email for repair advice and I’ll see what kind of response I get. I cannot zip the top closed.

As I pedaled on, in less than one mile I came upon this bungee on the shoulder of the road . . . a MIRACLE (or at least a temporary fix!!)!!!

We are starting to see lots of historical homes today. Here was a home that that was mortgaged in 1829  for $3,000 to print the first version of the ‘Book of Mormon’. Joseph Smith supposedly found the Golden Tablets, that started the Mormon religion, just four miles south of Palmyra!!!

mmmmm . . . might be a while before this sells!!!

. . . here was a project that is sponsored by the State of New York and the Fed’s. Doing the right thing!!!

. . . hey Smoochie, this one is for you!!!!

mmmm . . . not sure what this was about. Located in NoWhere, NY, Not a car or airplane engine in sight!!!!

. . . lots of B&B’s located in this part of New York. This was BEAUTY!!!!

. . . also LOTS of roadside veggie stands. Peaches are in season!!!!

. . . close to Sodus Point we came to this War Veteran’s Cemetery . . .

. . . lots of graves of folks who were born in the early 1800’s . . . very interesting and sobering.

. . . and many veterans.

Once in camp, we met the local scientist, 9 year old Dennis, who let us use his eclipse viewing box . . .

. . . and here was the eclipse, as I saw it. The little sun dot in the lower left that as about 1/4 covered!!!

Home Sweet Home in the Southside RV Park, right on Lake Ontario.

Today would be all about putting on the miles . . . before 2:00pm. Heavy rains and thunderstorms predicted in the Texas, NY area, our home for the night!!!

Hard to believe as we rolled out of Sodus Point. It was a BEAUTIFUL morning, calm seas and no wind. But VERY muggy . . . you could tell something was coming . . .

This was a funny entrance to Wellness Garden, Therapeutic Massage. The property was listed as ‘Keep Out’ and patrolled by the NYS (New York State???) Police. Didn’t know State police provided private property patrols!!!

Apples . . . apples and apples. Around every turn there is an orchard. AND some BIG storage facilities. Things look like they are starting to rival the Washington State operations . . .

. . . this is probably the WIDEST electric Right Of Way I have ever seen. Evidently everything out of NYCity proper is know as ‘Upstate New York’. This power from Upstate New York must be being pumped down to the ‘Big Apple’!!!

Tonight we are staying in a Jellystone Park Campground. It’s supposed to be in Texas, NY. The directions sent us right through Texas and to the campground . . . I was looking for a sign but missed it. Evidently there wasn’t one to mark the wide spot in the road that only had 3 houses!!! We did find Mexico, NY though. Right between Upper Mexico, Lower Mexico and Mexico Point!!!!

LOTS of VFW’s along the way today with a variety of armament sitting outside. Mostly small mortars or howitzers. New Haven must have some political pull. No bigger than any of the other little unincorporated villages we have passed through . . . they had a full size tank!!!

. . . as Doc Mike, Mark and I entered the campground the sky to the north was black and things were starting to rumble . . . VERY LOUD. David, Corvin and Rod were already in camp . . .

. . . considering the weather forecast, this morning Ally Gator tried to find us overnight lodging in a school, church or community center. No luck. BUT . . .Yogi did have some small cabins for rent . . . so she reserved three!!! Corvin, Mark, Allen Bernie and I are in one . . .

. . . Corvin arrived first and claimed the double bed . . .

. . . the rest of us are in the ‘back bunk room’ . . .  but the place does have a roof . . .

. . . which came in VERY useful. Within 20 minutes of our arrival the heavens opened wide and there WAS lots of lightning and thunder. For a while one could hardly see the shower building located next to us. Many branches and several trees came down in the  campground. Those still out on the road looked for shelter along the way and ducked in wherever they could find a place to stay dry.

The storm lasted about an hour and there is more of the same predicted for tonight . . . one benefit is the humidity and temp has gone down!!!

After the rain ended last night, things cooled off and the high today is suppose to only be 72 degrees . . . and with a tailwind!!!

. . . and  on a scenic trail . . . nice!!!!

The first village we visited, Pulaski was very historic with lots of brick buildings. The inn above is from 1800’s . . . and the town is located right on the Salmon River. . .

For some reason folks in northern NY seem to display A LOT of Confederate flags . . . not sure what that is all about . . .

. . . and  there are a lot of gun dealers.

We’ve seen LOTS of signs to repeal the SAFE act, too. Not sure if it is a Federal or a State of New York issue but it has something to do with gun registration.

. . . and today we are back into Amish country . . .  (funny looking buggy on the sign)!!!

. . . but all you need to do is look at the ample production of goods from Mother Earth to know you are in Amish country . . .  and NO Sales on Sunday.

I got in a drag race today outside of Orwell, NY with an Amish buggy . . . I could see it going up a hill in front of me and poured on the coal . . .

. . . I started to gain on it . . .

. . . I think I can . . . I think I can

. . . I gave the buggy a wide berth because  I wasn’t sure if a bicycle passing a horse might spook it. Glad there was no traffic coming the other way!!!

. . . yippee . . . bicycle beats horse!!!

Great name . . . ‘Huff & Puff’!!!!

This was some type of spiritual retreat center, or something like that . . .

. . .  several large buildings with dorms. They were flying an American flag and a flag with Native American profile on it. Ended up it is Unity Acres is a House of Hospitality for men. Our mission is to provide a safe, caring and permanent home for men, and particularly those who have become chronically homeless due to alcohol or substance abuse, or other factors.

. . . along the way there have also been  a number of cobblestone exterior constructed homes which are unique to this area. Most are very tidy.

LOTS of trailer homes in northern NY state, many in disrepair. Here is one that looks like it blew up!!!!

We haven’t seen windmills since we left Canada, but here was one solitary windmill. Must have been privately owned!!!

. . . oh yeah, we are back in the hills and gaining elevation. Yesterday we climbed 2,750 feet. Been a while since we did that!!!

A great club . . . with a great clubhouse!!!!

As Corvin and I rolled through Osceola, here was the ‘World Famous’ Osceola Hotel!!!

. . . I might be related to this guy!!!!

. . . . . mmmmmmmmmmmmm

Ten miles from Booneville, Corvin and I stopped for a snack. I ate my second sandwich and he had a second breakfast . . . at 2:00pm. I tell ya, the kid has some funny eating habits!!!!

. . . soon we were off for Booneville, our home for the night . . . with a preview ahead of what we will be climbing tomorrow!!!

We are staying at the Brown Barn Campground a REALLY nice layout . . .

. . . lots of mowed lawn, wide open spaces and . . .

. . . a kitchen and in the bottom of the barn,  Ally and Anne are working their magic tonight!!!

. . .Mark was our grillmeister for the burgers . . .

. . . after today’s ride, Ally was ready to eat her veggie burgers RAW!!! 

. . . all the fixins’ including corn on the cob!!!

YUM . . . ice cream and fresh baked cookies for dessert!!!

Tim, from Union Grove, IA, rolled in after dinner. He rode RAGBRAI, then headed to the Missouri River and is now heading east like us. He is traveling VERY LIGHT!!!

It wasn’t supposed to rain last night but about 11:30pm I could hear drip drops starting to fall on the top of my tent. Everything was button down tight so I just rolled over and went back to sleep . . . however everything was wet in the morning. Only a 25 mile ride today to our home for the night, and our layover location, Old Forge, NY. Most of us didn’t get going until about 8:30am when the sky clouded over preventing us from further drying our tents and rainflys . . .

Dan, the owner of he Brown Barn Campground, is a great guy and spent time with us last night including giving us a tour of his old barn. Here was a slab from a tree someone had placed a horseshoe around it when it was a sapling. Time marches on and the tree eventually encompassed it!!!!

Today we will be continuing to climb. We’ve climbed about 3,000 feet each of the last two days as we have gone up and down riding through the mountains eventually only gaining about 600 feet of elevation at the end of the day. But  . . . we are going up into the Adirondacks’ . . . and today we rode on the parkway into Adirondack park.

. . . lots of nice locations and scenic viewing along the way . . . and then it started to rain again!!!!. One of those rains where is it going to stop . . . or should I stop and put on my raincoat? I chose the latter, because it was began to rain steady and it was only 52 degrees!!!!

Got to remember to look down . . . which I did this morning and saw this little fella, a red spotted newt,  walking across the road . . . beautiful!!!

Did you know:

The Eastern (red-spotted) newt is a widespread, native salamander of New York State and eastern North America that can live for 12-15 years!

Larvae live in water and use gills to breathe; however, juveniles (also known as “efts”), become land dwellers and develop lungs to breathe air. The adults also breathe air, but become aquatic once again.

The Eastern (red-spotted) newt secretes poisonous toxins, and the eft’s bright coloration serves as a warning to predators.

Eastern newts use specialized chemicals to find food and attract mates.

Newts help reduce mosquito populations by feeding on their larvae.

. . . some of his relatives were not as fortunate in their road crossing endeavors!!!

. . . talk out carving out your own little piece of heaven from the woods!!! Recreational land, with no water frontage, seems to be going for about $3,000/acre.

. . . as we got further into the park there were more and more fire wood stands. Because of invasive insect issues, most parks will not let you bring in firewood from an area greater than a 25-50 mile radius. Easy money for the local’s . . . good college fund project for junior!!!

The partners of the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program collaborate year-round to stop the spread of invasive species and mitigate their impacts in order to protect these precious natural resources and the human communities they support. Guess which nationwide environmental group is a member??? Click the ‘partners’ hotlink above to find out!!!

In the Old Forge/ Thendara area there is the Adirondack Scenic Railroad (sort of like the North Freedom train rides available NW of MSN) taking passengers’ through the woods on 1-2 hours trips.

. . . as I biked past they were just hooking up an engine to a string of passenger cars . . .”All Aboard!!”

We are staying at the Country Club Motel, so named because it’s across the street from a golf course. It stopped raining and those of us who were in, sat in the chairs (Adirondacks, of course) and soaked up the sun . . . then it clouded over again!!! However, the next five days are supposed to be sunny. We will use the one tomorrow to explore the Old Forge area.