Evan Malinchock
Usually nothing that is worth relaying to the blog happens at night, but last night there was a sight to behold from our campsite. The beautiful park was covered in a sheet of eerie fog, only lit by spotty street lamps. The mood was amplified by turning 180° and viewing a stereotypically terrifying looking graveyard with the same dark fog. Brian and I were both up to see the spectacle and we're astonished by the pure spookiness of it all.
Erwin park at night
After forcing myself to sleep we woke up and rode to a local deli for breakfast which was generously gifted to us by the chef there. From there the climbs began. The day was punctuated by consistent inconsistency, as one punchy climb and unsatisfactory descent lead to another. I was definitely out of my saddle way more than usual and that's saying something extraordinary. But as far as negatives go that's all I have to speak on because the day was absolutely stunning.
The skies were clear blue and the roads (other than being technical and tough) were so much fun to ride. Massive peaks that Brian and I both longed for were set against bright blue lakes with cute little hamlets along the beaches. It finally felt like we were back in the wilderness that we have missed so much.
Marion River
For a lot of the day we snuck through gravel back roads that had challenging climbs. One such climb lead up to a lunch spot for the ages at the Adirondack Museum. We ate lunch in a viewing room overlooking a lake spotted with forested islands and mountains along the coast lines.
Lunch break at the Adirondack Museum
After finishing up a brutal climb we had a fast and fun descent into a flat that took us to our final destination of Newcomb, NY. Here I called around to inns and B&B's to see if they had a patch of grass that we could camp in. One of the families in Newcomb offered up their horse stable to us along the banks of the Hudson River! It was here that we ate and made camp for our final night in New York.
Our accommodations for the night
Knowing this is the last night (as far as plans go) in New York, I am now just realizing how fast time is flying this trip. Washington seems like such an early memory that I can't even believe that this was the same trip. Though I am looking forward to the, I'll be it short, adventure that Vermont has to offer tomorrow, I'll miss the abbreviated extent we had in the Empire State. The people against all stereotypes have been beyond hospitable, the roads have been fun and gorgeous, and the weather has been variant but welcomed. I will miss NY riding for sure.
Headwaters of the Hudson