Today we started our ride with a different 'feel' concerning what
we have been and are doing. So far we have spent half the time of
the ride and traveled over half of the distance - over 4,800 miles of an
expected 6,600 miles. We have struggled through the adjustment to the
long days in the saddle. We have handled the pressures of being split
into two different groups for two days with four or more hours separating
us. And now on this, the 'over the hump' day we enjoy a leisurely short day
heading homeward, and reflecting on the beauty of New England and the
heritage/history we find here. We have smiles on our faces and renewed
energy as we're "Hammer Down - Homeward Bound"!
Spring is just coming to New England. Many of the deciduous
trees are just barely developing leaves. The winters are harsh, but when
spring comes it arrives with intensity. The greens are so very very
green! Our travel takes us westward through southern New Hampshire and
Vermont to Albany New York. The forests have some evergreen, but are 90%
leaf bearing. In the fall the leaves are most brilliant with Orange, Red
and Yellow that are so bright they almost fluoresce! The evergreens serve
as punctuation points. They a green spots in a sea of brilliant
color. Fall in New England is magical!
This beautiful Highway 101 wanders through small townships that
have existed since the founding of the country. It's a two-lane highway
that follows the paths and trails created by the residents over two hundred
years ago to get from one village to another. These hardy people live a simple
lifestyle. The homes are modest. Mostly two stories and
square. Yards are simple. Where flowering bushes have been planted
the colors of the blooms are brilliant - purples, blues and reds to contrast
with the green of the lawns and surrounding forests.
Every place the highway goes over a hill and dirt has been moved
to flatten the contour the sides of the road expose layers of granite.
Good old New England granite (not dirt and gravel). It's covered with
lichen and moss, plants have grown in the seams, and it's most beautiful!
We stopped to purchase real maple syrup. We notice at the old country
store that the wooden threshold into the building has been worn by countless
crossings. How many stories of joy and tragedy have been told by those
entering or leaving. We pause to take photos of the 'Creamery
Bridge'.
The numerous lakes we pass have us looking for moose in the swampy
fringes. Passed over Hogback Mountain (2,300 feet above sea level) where
you can see three states (New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont). As
we ride up and down the shady hillsides we have a chance to recall phrases of our
early heritage; "One if by Land - Two if by Sea", the
"Green Mountain Boys", words on the revolutionary flag "Don't
Treat On Me", and people and places like Walt Whitman, Henry David
Thoreau, Walden Pond, and the 'Tea Party".
This has been a journey through early Americana! We moved
through upstate New York enjoying easy riding on divided highway. Along
the way we paused to visit Palmyra and spent a few moments in the Sacred
Grove! WOW!!!!! Part of our party wanted to see Niagara Falls - and
did! The sunset was particularly touching. The rest of the group
just wanted to find a bed. We stopped in Erie, Pa. for the night.
Lake Erie was off our right shoulder, and it's so huge you can detect the
curvature of the earth's surface on the horizon of the lake.
Tomorrow promises a challenge. Almost 800 miles to travel,
but the biggest concerns are the early start and the intense stress of
negotiating the traffic around Cleveland, Toledo and Chicago! In a car -
no big deal. But a group of 5 bikes trying to stay together with city
traffic, speed up-slow down, DON'T CUT ME OFF! It will be a
stressful day. But today - a bit of heaven enjoyed on two wheels with the
wind in our faces and the sunrise at our back! We're comin' home!
It happens to the best of us:
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