Strangers in a strange land

Soon found ourselves in the American version of Niagara and on Hwy 104 headed east. Traffic was light as we'd missed rushhour.

After leaving the city, the road went to 2 lanes lined with lovely old historic houses. They were similar to those on the Canadian side, yet different.

In Niagara On The Lake, the historic houses are modeled on English architecture, maybe Georgian? On the US side, they were different. Think they call it Federal. I'm not showing off. I just read a lot of decorating magazines.

Lots of US flags on display. Not sure if that is a hold over from July 4th or typical. Also noticed a lot of small flags on graves in the cemeteries. Wondered if they marked the graves of soldiers.

It was a lovely drive through charming villages. Seemed to drive forever looking for a cafe. I was feeling pretty hungry after my "tummy upset" fast. Finally found an old inn and had a great feast on fresh fish and chips served by a friendly waitress. Noticed that she and the people sitting around us all sounded like Brother Jake from the Blues Brother's movie.

On through Rochester on #104. Don't enjoy biking through the cities very much trying to stay with Grant's bike in heavy traffic.

Survived and rode along finding 104 became a lovely 2 lane country road perfect for biking. Saw lots of bikes and bike shops so suspect the road is well known.

Our goal was Waterton, but we passed a state park on Sacket Harbour, Lake Ontario just shy of it and pulled in. It was a beautifully kept and appointed park. Our spot was near the water and with the humidity we were dripping with sweat. Immediately headed for the beach and a swim. Water temp not bad for Lake Ontario and a sandy bottom so we enjoyed a refreshing dip.

Later that evening while Grant was on the computer, I sat at the picnic table and listened to my little FM radio through my headphones. Settled on a broadcast of West Side story and looked into woods behind us. It was magical. The forest was alive with lightening bugs. Wish you could have been there with me, kind reader. It was a wonderful moment.

It's a wonderful thing to wake up to warm air and smell the coffee brewing in our little peculator and know there is a ride ahead through new countryside.

Today's ride along Hwy #3 was a real treat. Just wonderful roads through the Adirondacks. Passed through more lovely villages with wonderful homes most sporting big porches, hanging baskets and indications they were well loved. Guess what kind of chairs were on those front porches?

Lots of rivers and lakes on either side. Hills, twists and turns. Magnificent bike country. Several of the towns were holding fairs or events on this July 11th. Saranak Lake had a boat show featuring those classic early lake boats. Beautiful looking things, gleaming with varnish and polish.

Passed through Lake Placid, kind of a Whistler with a rich Bavarian twist. Very busy and the shops looked expensive. Again more glorious country roads well used by the bike community.

We carried on to Keesville where we caught a small ferry across Lake Champlaign. We had no idea of the schedule, but drove right on. The crew were wonderful and worked hard to find room for us. The tail end of the tent trailer was hanging over the stern.

The boat was called the Adirondack, dated 1815, a classic lake ferry painted blue and white. Turned out to be a good thing we were on the stern as it was a rough crossing and the bikes parked at the bow were crashed with waves. One of them was a Harley special edition Fireman bike driven by a retiree from P.Q.

Grant and I went upstairs to the little coffee area and settled in. Again, the humidity drove us outside for air and we stood on the upper deck at the bow with a bunch of kids. They kept watch for really big waves and hooped and hollered as they crashed over the bow getting us all wet.

The swells were quite substantial. Walking was like closing time at the pub and the sky looked dark.

We arrived at port in Burlington, Vermont. Looks like a beautiful city and wish we had more time to explore it. There was a parade forming so we got to hear a steel band and see some of the entries as we drove through.

As we passed through the campus on Vermont University, the windshield was misted with rain. We'd been advised to look for an information booth just after Exit 13. As we drove along, I noticed Exit 14, then 15 and passed Grant gesturing. I pulled off at the next exit and took the first right I came to as right hand turns are so much easier, and stopped waiting for Grant.

When he pulled up he said he'd just tuned into the local radio station and the programming was interrupted with a Severe Weather Warning. They were calling for thundershowers and damaging winds and hail.

I do believe someone was looking after us as the parking lot we were in belonged to a very nice hotel, the Hampton Inn. A little too nice for our budget, but the increasing rain left no doubt this was it for the night.

So we find ourselves looking out the window watching lightening strikes, driving wind and howling rain. Grant had a good long shower and I enjoyed a long hot bath. When I was finished I was shocked to see the surface of the grey water was dotted with dead mosquitoes.

We are both freshly clean and ready for dinner. The Inn has a shuttle bus that will take us to the Friendly restaurant. Then a night in a king size bed. Hoping for clear skies tomorrow.