Erie Canal Day 6: Updated with photos

59 miles today/244 miles total

We knew we had a long 60 mile day ahead of us, so no tootling around camp this morning!

Up by 7, packed and on the trail by 9:30! Stat!!

I’m SOOOO glad we repaired my derailleur yesterday because we needed every single tooth of every single gear today as we climbed the hills leading away from Cayuga Lake!

We had about 15 miles on busy hilly highways before we made it back to the Erie Canal Trail.

It was nice to be back on the winding path, away from the road traffic (although NY drivers have been pretty respectful to us bikers so far)

The trail was gorgeous today. A lot of single track along the abandoned canal. In the little village of Jordan, the canal had been drained and they turned it into a beautiful park/garden.

Someone flipped the summer switch today - it is HOT in Upstate New York! My little temp dot said low 90’s.

Fun rock art next to a tree where we enjoyed our spam burrito for the day. I figured you’d enjoy this more than a pic of Bob eating. Joan, I’ll send you a pic of your Sunny Boy eating later 😊

We crossed the halfway point (mileage-wise) along the trail today.

Bob’s electric thrusters are kicking in!

Bravo to Syracuse for exceptional bike paths leading into town! The trail wove through urban and industrial landscapes, crossed huge motorways and kept bikers and peds safely separated from traffic (and close to microbrews). We were very impressed!

Down East Cider on tap! Pleasure overload! I could have stayed here all day!!!

Syracuse gets an A+ for bike friendliness!

After Syracuse, we had another 13 miles to reach our campground at Green Lakes State Park. We’d met some fellow thru- bikers on the trail today and they kindly shared their campsite with us because the place was booked!

59 miles today. Tired saddles.

After a shower, we explored the Green Lakes,

which are two glacial lakes. Both of the lakes are unique because there’s no seasonal mixing of surface and bottom waters and they’re intensely blue. They’re scientifically significant because they contain ancient plant and animal life. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring these gorgeous lakes!

Meromictic. Isn’t that a great word?!

After our walk we had our best freeze dried meal yet… White Beans, Chicken and Green Chile. Bob gave it a 5 out of 5… which is huge. He’s a very tough judge of freeze-dried meals.

We’re planning for a 30-45 mile day tomorrow depending on how far we want to go… and our tolerance for the mosquitoes. They’re pretty terrible tonight.

Good night to all!