In Memory of Warmer Summers

August 24 through August 28

Fair Haven, NY; Redfield, NY; Old Forge, NY; Newcomb, NY; Ticonderoga, NY

The morning of August 27th, we had a black bear walk out of the woods and make a slow stroll through our camp not 25 feet from us as we were trying to drink our morning coffee and eat a litle oatmeal.

This was our camp this morning.  We were standing by the picnic table as he walked from the picture’s right to the left before moving along.

I have no pictures of the bear.  I was a little too busy making myself look “large” (or is that for mountain lions?) and making a lot of noise to get him to move on.  I was also giving him “the look” but try as I might, I’m pretty sure I didn’t succeed in intimidating him.  Sallie was standing on her tiptoes waiting to bolt.  She couldn’t outrun the bear of course, but she didn’t have to.  She just needed to be able to outrun me.

I cannot recommend staying at the Old Forge Camping Resort.  The day before  I saw a sow and her two cubs cross the main parking lot, and speaking to a state official today, he said they have more bear problems there than at any place in the Adirondacks. 

We had other animal encounters of more cheerful nature this week as well however.  Meet Peggy the swan.

Peggy lives on the property of the Drift Inn Lodge in Redfield and is the pet of Phil and Donna.  Peggy loves Phil and nuzzles up to him at all times.

However, Peggy has very little love for Donna and will snap at her.

Phil and Donna also have pet ducks and grass catfish that keep the weeds down in their pond.  We were given some duck eggs and bacon and made quick use of these very rich foods.

During this week, we completed our travel on the Erie Canal, and moved on to follow the south shore of Lake Ontario.

We rode east from Lake Ontario into rolling farm country where apple orchards were sprinkled between the corn fields.

And still pushing east we rode right into the heart of the Adirondack Mountains.

The air here is cooler, drier, and filled with the scent of pine.  It’s August and the high season was in full swing for tourists, but we managed well in securing camping spots and handling the extra traffic.  Cycling through the area is taxing as it is mountainous country and try as I might, I had difficulty getting photos as the ride was most heavily forested and dense.

On the 28th our route took us on Blue Ridge Road between Newcomb and Ticonderoga and I finally was able to get some photos that show the terrain.  As you can see, there are more mountains ahead. 

On the 29th we cross into Vermont.  Three states remain –  Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.  We are somewhere close to 400 miles from the finish in Bar Harbor.  We are in the ironic position of avoiding a finish too early as we are trying our best not to arrive at Bar Harbor before the Labor Day weekend crowd leaves.