I never expected areas in the State of New York to have limited cell and internet coverage. But I am finding that there actually is a rural New York. As we pedal and start climbing eastward from the shores of Lake Ontario, I am pleasantly surprised at how familiar I am with the country side. The species of trees and the color of birds are different, the language is slightly foreign. Who knew Pulaski was pronounced with a long “I” as in sky? But the folks who live and work the land are the same. The work hard and then they like to play hard in the woods. There are many signs of hunting, fishing, boating, OHV(ATV), and camping. Everyone has a camper. Before I mention the familiarity of Old Forge and Inlet, I need to catch you up on yesterday’s journey.
Everyone is mentioning Henri, Fred’s younger but meaner cousin. Henri had its “eye” set on the New York coast which potentially effects our travels. Thanks to everyone praying for our safety. If this gets posted we are safe and sound.
Yesterday morning we woke up in Pulaski(sky) to grey skies, but the weather held. In fact the sun came out just in time for us to start climbing proper rollers. Nearly 3,000’ in total. Not bad considering when we were on the towpath we barely got out of double digits. Rhonda is grateful we got her front shifter cable replaced.
As we left the lowlands, we once again pedaled through farmland. We came across several Amish farms offering honey and produce for sale.
Soon we rode over the Salmon River and the Salmon River State Forest and the farmland disappeared. I kept looking for a sign to Challis thinking I took a wrong turn. Instead we passed through the villages and hamlets of Osceola, Redfield, and West Leyden before we entered historic Booneville, where buildings are still named the Post House and Hurlbert House built in the early 1800’s. Dropping into Booneville a dark cloud finally cut loose with the promised rain. We hurried with the rain gear and were fast enough to get them on just as the rain stopped.
We found Capri Pizzeria and ate the largest serving of Lasagna which would serve as our main meal of the day. Stych’s Barn, our camp was a few miles down the road.
Stysh’s is an RV park that hosts more than I can count campers who rent by the day, month, season or entire year. They also like cyclists and keep a place under a large oak tree for tents or allow them to sleep in the barn. Except last night the barn was used for a concert, so Dan set us up in an unused site overlooking the Black River. Very quiet and soothing. One of the better night’s sleep. The moon even showed itself.
This morning’s coffee was drunk overlooking the River. Very peaceful. Because of the weather forecast we opted for a motel tonight. We also shortened our day. Probably the shortest distance yet still 2300’ of climbing. We are in a very typical Adirondack motor inn, the Deer Meadows Motel & Cottages outside of Inlet, NY. I’m even sitting in an Adirondack Chair in front of our room.
Getting here we rode up along the Moose River, seeing only deer, and lots of weekend traffic heading home early. The Moose River Road is narrow and unmarked and seemingly always on the incline. We came to a T intersection with route 28, with traffic closely resembling Sunday traffic on Idaho 55. Sure enough, eventually we entered Old Forge, eerily familiar to McCall. We grabbed a delicious handmade turkey club at a convenience store before leaving the main route for a more subdued south shore drive towards Inlet. I’ve driven this road dozens of times. But I recall the name of the road as “Warren Wagon” along Payette Lake, without the Secesh summit. Entering Cascade, umm I mean Inlet, we found the bike shop open but offering nothing we couldn’t live without. Less than 2 miles down the road was Deer Meadows Motel. Not wanting to ride back up into town later, we had second lunch at the Golf Course, the Double Eagle Grill. For some reason I was and am tired. I needed that second lunch and the air conditioned club house. It provided just enough rest to get me the point 8 mile to the motel.
It started to sprinkle but now is dry. We need to see what ole Henri is up to and whether we need to re evaluate tomorrow’s plan.
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