Day 38 Canandaigua to Syracuse, NY 68 milesHere's a picture of the Erie Canal near Camillus, NY. As I understand it you can still put your boat in the canal at Buffalo and go all the way to New York City.
Got a little bit lost today. Made a wrong turn and rode about two miles when I got that "this is not the right way" feeling. Saw a guy working under the hood of a car and stopped to ask if route 321 was up ahead. (Who said guys never ask for directions?) When he stuck his head out from under the hood he had "who is this guy in those goofy clothes and what is he doing in my yard" look. He got me turned around and going back the way I came.
This part of New York is a lot like Indiana - "all corn". The day that we rode between Erie and Hamburg was more "California". We had Lake Erie on our left and acres and acres of vineyards on our right. That was part of New York's Seaway Trail which goes along Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and the St Lawrence. It's a great place to ride because it's nice and flat for the most part and lots to look at.
This blog has really been educational. Sue provides the history of the places we pass through and Old Dick gives helpful hints for daily living.
Aunt Margie is off to Maine. I gotta believe it's going to be a whole lot cooler there than in DC. Eat a lobster roll for me.
Tomorrow we're off to Little Falls, NY. We're at the only motel in town-the Knights Inn. I'm not going to prejudge but the fact that it doesn't have any competition makes me think of Timberlanes. I hope I'm wrong.
I believe you are riding a little more than 80 miles tomorrow. Little Falls, NY will welcome you. It a snug, unassuming residential community nestled in a deep gorge of the Mohawk River Valley. From various vantage points, the view is compelling, if not breathtaking. Population approximately 5900 friendly and helpful people, with a wide and diverse background. You will be struck by the number of stately old homes, that were for the most part domiciles of the entrepreneurs and managers of the once booming shops and factories. Little Falls was the site of several frontier industries during the 18th century, including a saw mill, grist mills and a foundry at the mouth of Furnace Creek. A cheese exchange was established and in the years 1853-1875, Little Falls was the cheese market to the Nation. There is a hydro-electric plant located just west of Lock l7. Before it became Little Falls, it was known as Rockton or Rock City. Be on the look out for "Little Falls Diamonds". They can be located along various outcroppings. These are very unique Quartz crystals. After you get there tomorrow you should take the time for a ride on the Miller Bicycle and Fitness Trail, just to keep in shape for the next day's ride. They have a fantastic celebration in August likened to a mini Mardi Gras. Plan on returning for that. Rest well for the ride tomorrow, you are edging ever closer to your goal. Sleep well.....stay safe and we are thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteI made an error.....you will be only going 79 miles tomorrow, so stay on the straight and narrow. Sorry, didn't want to scare you.
ReplyDeleteHi, Sammy!
ReplyDeleteWe will definitely have a lobster roll for you! We are very excited to escape the heat for awhile! Peter has enjoyed a week of cooler weather already. Good luck as you make the final push to dip your front tire in the Atlantic. Look down for some sea glass. You never know what treasures from the past you may find.
All of our love,
Margie and Beth
Happy Father's Day!! Love you!
ReplyDeleteHi again, Sammy! We want to wish you a HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! It is a day like this that we miss RAY and ROBERT. Both would admire you for your sense of adventure and strength you have shared with us across our beautiful country. What a great gift you have given to your friends and family. You, Ray, and Daddy all are great examples of strong and determined men.
ReplyDeleteMargie and Beth
Sam,
ReplyDeleteI hope that your day went well --- heat seems to be beating on everyone. This afternoon,made a run through the sprinkler and jumped in the car in order to get to the beer store without burning up. I was also wearing those funny sunglasses given at the eye doctor after dilating eyes to see if you are going blind.
I think it was Shreck's homemade wine that caused the eye problem. Fortunately, the eye doctor says I still have one good eye to go with my one good ear. Also, am fortunate that the owner of the beer store just happened to know me -- after one of his employees thought an alien was trying to rob the place.
So, let's talk about me -- your adventure inspired me to make a bucket list. Since the heat reminds me I won't (can't) peddle anywhere, one thing on list is to sing in my own band. It will probably be a band that consists of people who are north of 60 years old and know the words to "Wooly Bully."
Do you remember what your English teachers told you about what it means when you begin nearly every sentence with "I?" Me neither.
So, thanks for the inspiration, pal. Keep asking for directions -- we don't want to read about climbing the hills in Missouri again!
Stay hydrated down the stretch... Old Dick
Sam, Just noticed that Em' responded to yesterday's report so check it out - someone must have posted bail money! Em', glad you got released in time for the wedding. Good to talk to you the other day!
ReplyDeleteSee you at Salem's reunions and old people parties -- remember, Shreck's home is an open house that weekend (don't tell Shreck and Jude)..
beaver, like i said in the last post, it is spelled "SHREK"...who did you have for english at st.Pauls?.
ReplyDeletewhen you and em get together do you check out the popcicle sticks in the tree on ohio avenue...(scene where you probably stole candy bars from the store while marge and flo were stocking?).....while walt was doing, who knows what.......
you truly are the beaver.....
enjoy the solstice, the light is just about right for you folks north of here..the longest day!....if you don't notice it now, you missed it..just like life!
ReplyDeletelyrics to "wooly booly'.......are as follows.....WOOLY BOLLY, WOOLY BOOLY, WOOLY BOOLY!
ReplyDeleteOOPS!,
ReplyDeleteWOOLY BOOLY, WOOLY BOOLY, WOOLY BOOLY!(typo)