Day 22/23 10/12 & 13 Hyde Park, NY to Sitka, Alaska Too many miles
I'll make this short.
Throw the gear in the car. Bob drives us to Newark, NJ. Drops us off at the hotel where we spend the rest of the day packing gear and bikes in the stored boxes.
Drag the gear through the airport. Rip it apart again for airport security. Stuff it all back in and tape it. Hope it survives and gets there.
Arrive back in Sitka, through 4 time zones. Schlep the gear and dump in the garage for the future.
It feels great to be home after a great trip.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Day 21: Hyde Park Tourist
Day 21 10/11 Hyde Park 0 miles
Hyde Park is also worth a visit. Between the Vanderbilts and the Roosevelts, it is very interesting.
I was interested to note at the Franklin Roosevelt museum that there was a court case regarding the social security plan passed by the legislature - almost exactly similar to the ones pending regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act that the Obama administration enacted. Fortunately or unfortunately, war broke out and interest in court cases waned quickly.
Glenda and Mary Louise had heard about the Culinary Institute in Hyde Park. Glenda set us up with reservations and "appropriate clothing" from a thrift store. Don't we look great?
It was great fun.
I didn't realize the major impact the Roosevelts had on our nation. It was amazing foresight, when I perceive our current government representatives are only concerned with the here and now. Just think what might have happened if we had passed the miles per gallon expectations in the 70's when we should have.
Hyde Park is also worth a visit. Between the Vanderbilts and the Roosevelts, it is very interesting.
I was interested to note at the Franklin Roosevelt museum that there was a court case regarding the social security plan passed by the legislature - almost exactly similar to the ones pending regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act that the Obama administration enacted. Fortunately or unfortunately, war broke out and interest in court cases waned quickly.
Glenda and Mary Louise had heard about the Culinary Institute in Hyde Park. Glenda set us up with reservations and "appropriate clothing" from a thrift store. Don't we look great?
It was great fun.
I didn't realize the major impact the Roosevelts had on our nation. It was amazing foresight, when I perceive our current government representatives are only concerned with the here and now. Just think what might have happened if we had passed the miles per gallon expectations in the 70's when we should have.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Day 20: Along the Hudson River
Day 20 10/10 Hudson to Hyde Park 36 miles
It was hot! We weren't in the Rockies, but the road was narrow and kept going up and down. Where's the Canal Trail? Despite the riding conditions, the Hudson River valley is beautiful.
We stopped at Bard College for a picnic lunch and the student union bathrooms. We had known some kids who attended there, so it was nice to see what it looked like.
I loved this yard sale advertisement along the way.
Rhinebeck had worthwhile ice cream.
Eventually we arrived at Hyde Park where we stayed at a campground at Norrie State Park. The really nice thing about the time of year is that we were one of about 4 camping parties in a pretty large campground.
It was hot! We weren't in the Rockies, but the road was narrow and kept going up and down. Where's the Canal Trail? Despite the riding conditions, the Hudson River valley is beautiful.
We stopped at Bard College for a picnic lunch and the student union bathrooms. We had known some kids who attended there, so it was nice to see what it looked like.
I loved this yard sale advertisement along the way.
Rhinebeck had worthwhile ice cream.
Eventually we arrived at Hyde Park where we stayed at a campground at Norrie State Park. The really nice thing about the time of year is that we were one of about 4 camping parties in a pretty large campground.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Day 19: Running out of Time for Olana
Day 19 10/9 Albany to Hudson 8 miles
We cheated! Our plan was to bicycle to New York City. But, alas, time was getting short.
Mary Louise and I really wanted to see Olana, Frederic Church's estate. So we decided to rent a car. The first day, Mary Louise and I would drive so we could get a tour of Olana before it closed. The next day, we'd switch.
Bob and I got up early and rode 8 miles to the airport to rent a car. It was nice to ride without all the gear!!!
I
I f you get a chance, go see Olana. It is an amazing place. Sorry about the lousy picture.
We stayed in Hudson, a nice little town that's part "chic" and part economically depressed. I like the combination although I certainly feel for the struggling people.
We cheated! Our plan was to bicycle to New York City. But, alas, time was getting short.
Mary Louise and I really wanted to see Olana, Frederic Church's estate. So we decided to rent a car. The first day, Mary Louise and I would drive so we could get a tour of Olana before it closed. The next day, we'd switch.
Bob and I got up early and rode 8 miles to the airport to rent a car. It was nice to ride without all the gear!!!
I f you get a chance, go see Olana. It is an amazing place. Sorry about the lousy picture.
We stayed in Hudson, a nice little town that's part "chic" and part economically depressed. I like the combination although I certainly feel for the struggling people.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Day 17: Just another Beautiful Day
Day 17 10/7 Schenectady to Waterford 24 miles
We started off at the bright and early time of 10 a.m. Most of the route was along the Mohawk River.
A hill - and going down to boot! Go for it!
I love this picture of two "older people" hanging out having a picnic next to the river in the Fall sunshine. They're holding hands and appear to be having a fine old time. But . .. so are we! We had a picnic ourselves just behind where the picture is taken.
Is this nice or what? Great day, great company, great country . . . oh boy.
Lock 2 leads into the Hudson River.
We're at the end of the Erie Canal.
This is the view from our camping spot. Nice.
A tourist Canal Boat chugs out of the lock.
We are at the confluence of the Canal and Hudson River. Good looking group, huh?
We started off at the bright and early time of 10 a.m. Most of the route was along the Mohawk River.
A hill - and going down to boot! Go for it!
Is this nice or what? Great day, great company, great country . . . oh boy.
We camped at the first lock which appeared to be Lock 2. We had a nice grassy area to camp right next to the Canal. The Erie Canal ended 100 yards east - emptying or starting at the Hudson River.
Lock 2 leads into the Hudson River.
We're at the end of the Erie Canal.
This is the view from our camping spot. Nice.
A tourist Canal Boat chugs out of the lock.
We are at the confluence of the Canal and Hudson River. Good looking group, huh?Day 18: Breakfast for $1.79 and overpriced "guesthouse"
Day 18 10/7 Waterford to Albany 15 miles
It's not everyday that you can buy breakfast for $1.79: eggs, toast, and coffee. It's even better when the "regulars" are playing pool at 9 a.m. in the morning.
As you can see, we're at the "confluence" of the Erie Canal, Champlain Canal, and the Hudson River.
Mary Louise pedaling strong toward Albany. The trail is paved and mostly next to the river. People are using it, but it's still not too crowded.
It says 360 miles, but I'm sure it was a lot more.
We stayed in a funky State Street Mansion "Guesthouse." This is the only place we stayed on the whole trip that I would recommend AVOIDING! Mary Louise and I had no heat for awhile and Bob and Glenda had a prolonged domestic battle above them in the middle of the night. Not to mention, the "breakfast" promised never showed up. We did get a $20 rebate when I called, but I should have asked for a lot more.
The "city" is always nice and Mary Louise and I wandered the streets looking for our favorites: ice cream and beer. We found plenty of both. We had a great dinner at the "Wine Bistro," which even had a nice outside courtyard that was perfect.
It's not everyday that you can buy breakfast for $1.79: eggs, toast, and coffee. It's even better when the "regulars" are playing pool at 9 a.m. in the morning.
As you can see, we're at the "confluence" of the Erie Canal, Champlain Canal, and the Hudson River.
Mary Louise pedaling strong toward Albany. The trail is paved and mostly next to the river. People are using it, but it's still not too crowded.
It says 360 miles, but I'm sure it was a lot more.
We stayed in a funky State Street Mansion "Guesthouse." This is the only place we stayed on the whole trip that I would recommend AVOIDING! Mary Louise and I had no heat for awhile and Bob and Glenda had a prolonged domestic battle above them in the middle of the night. Not to mention, the "breakfast" promised never showed up. We did get a $20 rebate when I called, but I should have asked for a lot more.
The "city" is always nice and Mary Louise and I wandered the streets looking for our favorites: ice cream and beer. We found plenty of both. We had a great dinner at the "Wine Bistro," which even had a nice outside courtyard that was perfect.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Day 16: Irene and we avoid Tragedy
Day 16 10/6 Canajoharie to Schenectady 44 miles
It's amazing how you can see it on the internet or the TV, but seeing devastation in person really makes a much greater impression. Hurricane Irene had caused flooding in the area in late August of 2011. Our first introduction was Bill from the Pineapple B and B telling us about the bridges that were closed and that we would have to "reroute."
People's possessions were just piled high next to the road.
This bridge is OUT! That's a long drop.
It was kind of fun winding around figuring out how to get to where we were going, but the trail and roads were clear (with Bob navigating very well!) until late in the day the trail was blocked by a huge pile of brush and trees and shredded wood from the debris. We were able to take the bikes down a short steep hill to the concrete seawall next to the river. Bob was in the lead. When he stooped down to clear some debris from his way, the bike and trailer with Haagu in it jackknifed and almost went in the water.
Luckily, the bike and trailer stayed on shore but the front handlebar bag flipped open and dumped the contents in the water - including camera, wallet and a few other less important items. I was next in line and I through my bike off to the side and start running to help. Quick as a flash, I see Bob scramble down the ladder, somehow grab the wallet, and I still have no idea how he did it, heaves himself back up the ladder one handed. The water was 5 feet below the last rung of the ladder! How he did it, I'll never know. Whew!
The scene of the averted tragedy! If you look really closely, you can see how far the water is below the last rung of the ladder. You can see part of the mound of the debris on the left.
No good story is without a fairy godmother or similar. We had met Dwight and Ron, two other and the only full trail bicyclists we met, who helped us move the rest of the bicycles and trailers around and back to the trail. We also managed to float the camera "bag" and other items downriver to a barge where Ron was able to retrieve them. No camera, but the camera card had just been changed the pictures survived!
Long day of riding which we didn't expect, but we found a Days Inn that took dogs and bicycle equipment and had a great meal and more beer than we should have.
It's amazing how you can see it on the internet or the TV, but seeing devastation in person really makes a much greater impression. Hurricane Irene had caused flooding in the area in late August of 2011. Our first introduction was Bill from the Pineapple B and B telling us about the bridges that were closed and that we would have to "reroute."
People's possessions were just piled high next to the road.
This bridge is OUT! That's a long drop.
It was kind of fun winding around figuring out how to get to where we were going, but the trail and roads were clear (with Bob navigating very well!) until late in the day the trail was blocked by a huge pile of brush and trees and shredded wood from the debris. We were able to take the bikes down a short steep hill to the concrete seawall next to the river. Bob was in the lead. When he stooped down to clear some debris from his way, the bike and trailer with Haagu in it jackknifed and almost went in the water.
Luckily, the bike and trailer stayed on shore but the front handlebar bag flipped open and dumped the contents in the water - including camera, wallet and a few other less important items. I was next in line and I through my bike off to the side and start running to help. Quick as a flash, I see Bob scramble down the ladder, somehow grab the wallet, and I still have no idea how he did it, heaves himself back up the ladder one handed. The water was 5 feet below the last rung of the ladder! How he did it, I'll never know. Whew!
The scene of the averted tragedy! If you look really closely, you can see how far the water is below the last rung of the ladder. You can see part of the mound of the debris on the left.
No good story is without a fairy godmother or similar. We had met Dwight and Ron, two other and the only full trail bicyclists we met, who helped us move the rest of the bicycles and trailers around and back to the trail. We also managed to float the camera "bag" and other items downriver to a barge where Ron was able to retrieve them. No camera, but the camera card had just been changed the pictures survived!
Long day of riding which we didn't expect, but we found a Days Inn that took dogs and bicycle equipment and had a great meal and more beer than we should have.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Day 15: Gem in the Rough
Day 15 10/5 Herkimer to Canajoharie ? miles
What fun! We woke up to clouds and before long the sun popped out and stayed. You can't beat a beautiful New England fall day and the beautiful town of Little Falls - especially with the wind behind us.
We stopped at sub shop in Little Falls when I took this picture. The best part was Mary Louise and I were standing along the street with the bikes and a medium young woman walks across the street with a kind of baby blanket over her shoulder. We say hello and it turns out that she has a cockatiel in a cage under the blanket - which she takes everywhere that she goes - winter, summer, you name it. I just wished I had taken a picture.
Look at that sky! Get in the mood.
Despite the hill getting there, the Pineapple Bed and Breakfast was the best yet. Bill, the innkeeper, met us with a 12 pack of assorted Saranac Lake beer and outside chairs in the sun. Then we proceeded to beat up on poor Sarah Palin. Stay there if you get a chance. You can't beat beer and ragging on Sarah.
We finished the day at a "true" Italian restaurant that was very good and inexpensive. Then back at the Pineapple we were served ice cream and apple deluxe.
What fun! We woke up to clouds and before long the sun popped out and stayed. You can't beat a beautiful New England fall day and the beautiful town of Little Falls - especially with the wind behind us.
We stopped at sub shop in Little Falls when I took this picture. The best part was Mary Louise and I were standing along the street with the bikes and a medium young woman walks across the street with a kind of baby blanket over her shoulder. We say hello and it turns out that she has a cockatiel in a cage under the blanket - which she takes everywhere that she goes - winter, summer, you name it. I just wished I had taken a picture.
Look at that sky! Get in the mood.
Despite the hill getting there, the Pineapple Bed and Breakfast was the best yet. Bill, the innkeeper, met us with a 12 pack of assorted Saranac Lake beer and outside chairs in the sun. Then we proceeded to beat up on poor Sarah Palin. Stay there if you get a chance. You can't beat beer and ragging on Sarah.
We finished the day at a "true" Italian restaurant that was very good and inexpensive. Then back at the Pineapple we were served ice cream and apple deluxe.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Day 14: Breakfast at Denny's!!!
Day 14 Rome to Herkimer 10/4 30 miles
Sometimes it's the little things in life. We had not eaten at a "chain" restaurant yet in the trip, but our breakfast at Denny's hit the spot - and I'm not necessarily a Denny's fan - and I know it's not Mary Louise's favorite. Maybe I will be now - or maybe it's like the great taste of hot dogs over a fire on a picnic in the sun with plenty of beer - good at the time but don't try it at home.
We rode through the city of Utica. It was great fun as we pedaled through various ethnic neighborhoods: first Vietnamese, then Cambodian, African, Italian, and more. It would have been fun to eat our way through the neighborhoods. Then we hit small towns on a two lane road: Frankfort, Ilion, Mohawk, and then Herkimer.
The Herkimer Motel and Suites was a great place to stay. Dick's Bicycle Shop tightened up my crank in a big way. Kept the special washer in and it hasn't given me a bit of trouble since. Dick's is a great shop with a mix of classic and new bicycles in a homey atmosphere. I'd like a shop like that someday.
Sometimes it's the little things in life. We had not eaten at a "chain" restaurant yet in the trip, but our breakfast at Denny's hit the spot - and I'm not necessarily a Denny's fan - and I know it's not Mary Louise's favorite. Maybe I will be now - or maybe it's like the great taste of hot dogs over a fire on a picnic in the sun with plenty of beer - good at the time but don't try it at home.
We rode through the city of Utica. It was great fun as we pedaled through various ethnic neighborhoods: first Vietnamese, then Cambodian, African, Italian, and more. It would have been fun to eat our way through the neighborhoods. Then we hit small towns on a two lane road: Frankfort, Ilion, Mohawk, and then Herkimer.
The Herkimer Motel and Suites was a great place to stay. Dick's Bicycle Shop tightened up my crank in a big way. Kept the special washer in and it hasn't given me a bit of trouble since. Dick's is a great shop with a mix of classic and new bicycles in a homey atmosphere. I'd like a shop like that someday.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Day 13: Sun and 10 cent washers
Day 13 10/3 Green Lakes to Rome 37 miles
The Canal Trail is really nice. Overall, it's a great mix of big cities which are quite craftily routed for bikes, pleasant scenic villages and towns with basic services, and rural areas that are just pretty - especially with the leaves starting to turn color. Today we road along an "old canal" that had been rerouted sometime in the past. We saw signs of beavers (tree stumps chewed as only beaver can), turtles (which we'd been looking for all along the way and hadn't seen yet), and of course some old deserted overgrown cars in the woods.
Sometimes you'll see fisherpeople. This family was fishing in the rain.
I was mightily tired of tightening the bottom bracket multiple times a day, but we hadn't come across a bike shop. After the 400th time, I saw a building being worked on and a workman standing outside. I asked him if he had any kind of lock washer that might fit. Lo and behold, he took out a bag of washers and the first one fit. It wasn't a lock washer but had some type of grommet on the inside of the head. But I tried it and RELIEF! It worked.
The Canal Trail is really nice. Overall, it's a great mix of big cities which are quite craftily routed for bikes, pleasant scenic villages and towns with basic services, and rural areas that are just pretty - especially with the leaves starting to turn color. Today we road along an "old canal" that had been rerouted sometime in the past. We saw signs of beavers (tree stumps chewed as only beaver can), turtles (which we'd been looking for all along the way and hadn't seen yet), and of course some old deserted overgrown cars in the woods.
Sometimes you'll see fisherpeople. This family was fishing in the rain.
I was mightily tired of tightening the bottom bracket multiple times a day, but we hadn't come across a bike shop. After the 400th time, I saw a building being worked on and a workman standing outside. I asked him if he had any kind of lock washer that might fit. Lo and behold, he took out a bag of washers and the first one fit. It wasn't a lock washer but had some type of grommet on the inside of the head. But I tried it and RELIEF! It worked.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Day 12: Day of the Feast
Day 12 10/2 Layover at Green Lakes Ride for food!
There's something pleasant and comforting about listening the patter and drum of rain on the roof while in a sleeping bag in a cabin rather than a tent. And, the day gets progressively better. Bob and I to Fayetteville to get dinner makings.
On our way back, we see a "fresh corn" sign that's "just ahead." Bob rides on while I go deliver the rest of the groceries. 5 more miles of "just ahead" and he's back with fresh corn.
Baked chicken, fresh corn on the cob, panera bread, fresh salad, potato salad, and two bottles of wine is better than just about any restaurant.
Keep that fire going, though! Below is our quaint little cabin.
Mary Louise and I go for a hike and it feels great to have a layover day.
There's something pleasant and comforting about listening the patter and drum of rain on the roof while in a sleeping bag in a cabin rather than a tent. And, the day gets progressively better. Bob and I to Fayetteville to get dinner makings.
On our way back, we see a "fresh corn" sign that's "just ahead." Bob rides on while I go deliver the rest of the groceries. 5 more miles of "just ahead" and he's back with fresh corn.
Baked chicken, fresh corn on the cob, panera bread, fresh salad, potato salad, and two bottles of wine is better than just about any restaurant.
Keep that fire going, though! Below is our quaint little cabin.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Day 11: Rain and Wind and Best Laid Plans Go Astray
Day 11 10/1 Weedsport to Green Lakes 38 Miles
We wake up to geese and wind.
Bob has found a bike shop that has a rim and can relace the wheel on a Saturday. The plan hinges on an Enterprise car rental right along the trail in Syracuse. They take off to get there.
Glenda's trailer has a flat and we catch up. By this time, it's rain and wind. We stop to put on rain gear so we don't get too wet and cold.
We arrive at the Enterprise Car Rental. BUT, it's closes early on Saturday and it just closed. Amazingly, Bob calls the bike shop across town and he comes over and picks up Glenda and her bike. I strap on her trailer to my bike and Bob, Mary Louise, and I cycle on through the rain and traffic.
In the race for the car, none of us have eaten so we stop at a bar in Syracuse. Whew, I needed that. Here is Bob and Mary Louise outside the bar getting ready to go again. You can't see it in the picture but the weather is ugly.
A very long day brings us into Green Lakes State Park where Glenda has reserved a cabin. Not a fancy cabin but we build a fire in the fireplace and turn on the oven on high with the door open. Luckily, Glenda gets delivered by the bike shop (name of bike shop and guy!!!) and he tells us of one place that will deliver pizza. We do it and it's good.
We wake up to geese and wind.
Bob has found a bike shop that has a rim and can relace the wheel on a Saturday. The plan hinges on an Enterprise car rental right along the trail in Syracuse. They take off to get there.
Glenda's trailer has a flat and we catch up. By this time, it's rain and wind. We stop to put on rain gear so we don't get too wet and cold.
In the race for the car, none of us have eaten so we stop at a bar in Syracuse. Whew, I needed that. Here is Bob and Mary Louise outside the bar getting ready to go again. You can't see it in the picture but the weather is ugly.
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