Riding More Trails Around Montreal

 
In mid-September, we headed north into Canada, for a few riding days. My husband and I love the Canadian trails, and we simply made reservations at our favorite, reasonably priced KOA. The hardest part about vacationing in Canada is finding accommodation. After too many $300 hotel rooms, "Camping" at KOA was the perfect solution. Their cabins are rustic, but they have electricity, so we bring a heater, electric hot pot, etc., making our stay comfortable. They have decent mattresses also; we provide the bedding.

First up: riding a section of the Soulanges Canal from Salaberry-de-Valleyfield. In the summer, a ferry crossing allows a nice loop, but we cycled one side, crossed on a pedestrian bridge, and also made an interesting stop at Coteau-du-Lac National Historic Site, a section of the St. Lawrence River rapids, tracing its history from First Nations inhabitants to early canal usage for maritime trade, and later as a strategic stronghold.

I visited the site many years ago with Adele.

The second morning, we started in La Salle (10 miles west of Montreal) and headed east on a favorite trail following the Lachine Canal. It's popular trail for locals, so doing it mid-week was a great plan. We stopped at Atwater Market to pick up an Italian lunch and ate it in a local park.

New Lighthouse Pier in Lachine.

The loop was shorter than we remembered, but returning along the Saint Lawrence River is always a highlight. The Montreal Region's bike trails mainly follow waterways - and that's why I return time and again - and are often part of the long-distance Route Verte network. We investigated the interesting sculptures at René Levesque Park  and a newly revamped lighthouse pier in Lachine.

One of the many Hydro-Québec dams.

On the third morning, we started just north of downtown Montreal, riding toward the Prairies River, the border that separates Montreal from Laval. We discovered a two-way bike route expressway, best described as on-road but segregated by concrete barriers. I was impressed by how fast we traveled, even through intersections. 

We ate lunch at a Lebanese restaurant; I've forgotten the name, and couldn't finish the huge helpings of a delicious chicken-and-rice dish. Afterward, we headed eastward along a riverfront park, through low-traffic neighborhoods. At some point, we turned inland, looping back towards our vehicle. Some neighborhoods, especially the Italian section, warrant better bike navigation and signage. We used Google Maps to zigzag through a busy, industrial, congested area until it became easier to follow a bike route. During this craziness, we spotted a man riding a bike, precariously carrying 4 automobile tires: one looped around his neck, one secured to the front rack, and two on his back rack - holy cow!

Thank you, Canada. We'll return.

Riding from Albany to Saratoga Springs - Zim Smith and other trails

Staying at the Olde Judge Mansion in Troy.

As with many of my Amtrak weekend adventures, it takes a good weather window to even think about planning a trip. Late August was perfect. I was thrilled my husband wanted to tag along, so I bought a reservation for his full-size bike, an Amtrak requirement.

To prepare for my first time using the Downtube Dyan - no reservations or cost to bring a folder - I practiced folding, protecting the frame, strapping everything together, and wheeling the folded bike. The curved handlebars required loosening to compact them against the frame, an extra step worth their added comfort.

I organized the protective foam pieces and strap in a nylon bag for easy access at the train platform. My husband and I rode our loaded bikes a few miles to the station, allowing extra time for the folding process and consolidating bags. I stowed the removable front rack in my panniers.

We stored our bikes safely inside the Bnb.

The train journey went off without a hitch, save for the suggestion to stow my bike in a tight closet - which would prove to be a problem later on. We exited in Albany, New York, mid-afternoon, planning to ride to Saratoga Springs the following day.

It's a gentle ride north on a decent bike route to Troy, a city I've stayed at a couple of times. It's hilly too. We pedaled around, mostly looking for an interesting grocery store, but ended up back across the Hudson River in a neighboring community before returning to Troy. A larger store satisfied both our diets - we found something we could bring to the BnB for dinner.

We had a pleasant evening and a nice breakfast on Sunday before setting off, riding north on the Uncle Sam Bikeway. Though I was familiar with the first 10 miles - it was all new to my husband!

In Waterford, the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson River, we investigated the first lock and adjoining park, one end of the Erie Canal, before continuing north along the Champlain Canal towpath. Once in Mechanicville, we connected with a trail new to us both, the Zim Smith Trail, the impetus for the adventure, as it would bring us most of the way toward Saratoga Springs.

The trail was hilly and beautiful, often wooded, and connected parks all the way to Ballston Spa. Even watched a heated cricket match! I had trouble shifting into the much-needed lowest two gears and eventually gave up, making do with limited range. We regrouped in Ballston Spa, stopped for pizza slices, and plotted the next miles.

Beautiful architecture in the grand Saratoga Springs homes.

Surprise! After a couple of road miles, we found another off-road path along Geyser Road, and eventually connected with Railroad Run, cruising into central Saratoga Springs. A few hours before train departure, we rested in beautiful Congress Park before heading to the famed racetrack. 

Racing was in full swing. We hung outside a chain-link fence, watching the tall-legged, twitchy horses led to and from the stadium. The horses were hosed off after each race, and we even saw one spit second of a race whiz by. People didn't seem bothered that we stayed a while. What an experience! 

Our train was, unfortunately, delayed 1.5 hours. Ugh. But we grabbed some food and headed to the station. It's a newer Amtrak station. We noticed they were also under construction, building a much-needed level ramp to enter and exit the train. 

After 40+ miles, I was exhausted and frantic, struggling to fold my bike, though I reminded myself, no hurry, we had plenty of time. It was a long evening. We eventually rode home in the dark, arriving home sometime after 11 pm.

Bike update: our son, the bike mechanic, couldn't figure out exactly why the shifting was so horrible, but once he replaced both the cable and housing, it was fixed. We presumed the cable had become crimped after I stored my bicycle in the closet. I know better now. Always seek the end of each train car with plenty of space to store my bike. Since then, because we often have to enter the car at prescribed doors, I've wheeled the bike down a crowded aisle, and there's just enough room for this maneuver. Phew.

Preferring Kingdom Trails in Late August

Burke Mountain Resort rooms have views of Lake Willoughby or Burke Mountain.

In years past, we've made (once or twice by myself) an annual pilgrimage to ride the Kingdom Trails, though usually in July, to celebrate my birthday. I have always enjoyed their breadth of intermediate, interesting, and confidence building, extensive single track network. It's inspiring. 

Though steamy in July. 

This time we went late August. For the first time, we pieced together 2 amazing loops, totaling approximately 10-12 miles each. It felt like a breakthrough, enjoying the longer distance on mostly new-to-us trails. I finished with a big grin, astounded it was so much fun. And I wasn't worn out. My husband confirmed he felt the same way. Maybe it was lowering the saddle with my new dropper post. Or we gained fitness, recently riding both Millstone and Cricket Hill trails. More likely, it's because of cooler weather and being hydrated. 

We rounded out the third morning on rolling Campfire Ring - a favorite - and slogged up and whooped down new-to-us Pudding Hill trail - never again, before driving home.

Yup, we'll be back next year!

Slow Rolling with Adele - Adirondack Rail Trail During Peak Foliage

Adele and I headed to Lake Placid, New York, in early October for our annual riding pilgrimage, this time tackling the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail. (Last year's adventure was in Canada.)

I've ridden the trail in sections, but never end to end (and back the next day). Adele had barely heard of the trail! I knew she was in for a treat. Adele is slowing down, and I knew this might be a great ride for both of us. There is a lot to absorb: numerous small lakes, bridges, waterfowl, and often turtles, especially snappers. It was hard to miss a large one as it crawled across the gravel trail.

To our delight, we happened upon peak autumn foliage. What a gorgeous ride!

The trail travels by Saranac Lake and ends in Tupper Lake, our destination for the evening.

Even during mid-week, the trail is busy. It's a gem in the Adirondacks, completed only a year ago.

There were 36 miles total to reach our room for the evening. Tupper Lake is a little rough around the edges, but we were lucky to snag the last available room!

We always laugh and talk about everything. 

We enjoyed the return journey and had fish and chips with salad at River Trail Beerworks before riding the slight incline back to Lake Placid.

As we age, I'm thankful for any time on two wheels with my dear friend. Pedal on, Adele, pedal on.

Colchester Cemeteries Quest - Exploring History, Part 3

 

Both the fifth and sixth cemetery visits required longer rides. The smallest, Champlain Cemetery stands on a slight hill, tucked between woods, by far the quaintest of all. I immediately recognized the Vermont Old Cemetery Association's work on repaired headstones.

I liked this design with inscriptions: husband, Sherman "He rests from his labors & his works do follow him" and his wife, Lavinia "She hath done what she could".

I love the interesting old names: Rufus, Philura, Marilla, Hector, and Amelia. When wandering cemeteries, I notice some names are common today, while others have disappeared from our naming lexicon. 

Rufus Thompson was killed in the Battle of Gettysburg and was buried there. It must have been difficult for his parents, Philura and David - and for all parents of early war casualties to not have their loved ones' bodies brought home.

The Monty name, less commonly spelled "Montey," appears on several gravestones. I presume they are all related to the Monty's in the Munson Cemetery. 

Though I gravitate to the older stones for their creative descriptions, mostly absent from current gravestones (likely due to cost), each cemetery has its share of recent burials, too. 

The following day, the weather held and I visited the last cemetery on my list. From relatively tiny Champlain Cemetery, Fort Ethan Allen Cemetery is vastly different. The flat burial ground reminded me of a small-scale Arlington National Cemetery, primarily housing veterans and their families. The flag-adorned plots bordered a busy highway.

I can usually find something interesting: an epitaph, a unique headstone, but I was struck by the sheer number of simple headstones. This cemetery is also close to a former military fort, its namesake. Established as a cavalry post in 1894 and closed in 1944, Fort Ethan Allen was strategically located to protect the northern borders; its grounds are now a National Historic District. The brick buildings remain, refitted into housing and businesses.

This concludes my quest to visit 6 cemeteries maintained by my community of Colchester.

Sculpture Park, Ti Ferry, a Steep Climb, and a Star Trek Museum Tour

Outdoor sculptures are fun experiences.

As August weather cooled this summer, I was inspired to get on with my proposed trips. I pictured this 3-event adventure as an Amtrak overnight, but weekend weather hadn't been conducive. Instead, we packed everything into one day, driving first to Lemon Fair Sculpture Park (on a busy road), later parking in a small town to tackle the rest by bike. 

The sculptures are composed by multiple artists exhibiting their work. We walked a mown trail through a hayfield, sending grasshoppers jumping everywhere! I was drawn to several works: shiny, hammered metal ones, and especially the quad of horses, from lattice depictions to full body to the foreground mixture of both.

The ferry route is the longest running crossing of Lake Champlain, dating to 1759.

On the Vermont side of Lake Champlain, we boarded the Ticonderoga cable ferry, crossing narrow water, then pedalled a few more miles into the small town. It was getting hot.

Ending the one-hour tour on the Bridge!

While not a Trekkie, per se,  I've wanted to visit the Star Trek Museum per rave reviews. The owner has reconstructed the original season film set from plans, and as we later learned, had altered some things to make it more authentic, due to changes observed on film. We barely made the reserved timeslot, showing up sweaty!

A knowledgeable tour guide walked a small group around the set, explaining everything from how they filmed to the intricacies of backdrop decorations gleaned from the studio's stockpile (that appear in other TV shows!). What struck me the most was the flimsy walls, open ceilings, and rooms that were configured to represent multiple rooms on the Star Ship. Other interesting notes: Lucy and Desi Arnez studios financed the first three original seasons (I think?) - because filming Sci-Fi was expensive. The public clamored for more, and thus the reruns propelled the original cast and shows to stardom. I am of that generation, watching in the 1970s. In the lobby, there are many original outfits, plus the museum hosts special screenings on the Bridge. And maybe best of all, cast members show up each year - William Shatner, in his 90s, came last fall. 

Well worth the visit!

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Pressed for time, and not knowing how long it would take us, we climbed the 500ft road to Mt. Defiance. It was tough! We also were low on food and a bit dehydrated, but we made it. The breeze cooled us. What a view and strategic overlook of Fort Ticonderoga on the flat peninsula below.

Mt Defiance is notable because British General Burgoyne's army in 1777 built the road to place artillery overlooking both Fort Ticonderoga and Fort Independence, (located on what's now the Vermont side). The same road that's now, thankfully, paved!

The descent tested my brakes, but it seemed only a hot minute back to the entrance.

We discovered a food coop - who knew? - in tiny Ticonderoga village. Refreshed and satiated, we ferried back and arrived at our car in less than 10 miles.

A Simple Upgrade to Po Campo's Musette Crossbody Bag

My addition: pull the string and cordlock through the webbing and cinch for security.

Po Campo's Musette is a classy, large-sized bag with their signature Visi-Hemp fabric and liner. I am in love with the well-made fabric: sturdy, reflective, and stylish - features I appreciate after using their Crescent handlebar bag in the same material.

Awkward gaping.

The simple opening, however, has a drawback. The roomy size begs to be filled, yet the opening gaps without a closure mechanism. I used this bag as a flight carry-on - it fit comfortably under the seat - but I was concerned about concealing valuables, or worse, losing something important. 

The cord is zigzag stitched beneath the bottom edge of the label, so it remains hidden in the overall design.

Musettes are inherently simple - designed to hold a water bottle and a few additional items. I love problem-solving, especially when it comes to making a much-loved item more functional. While some manufacturers use snaps, zippers, or velcro, I aimed to streamline the solution while keeping the svelte overall style. Along with adding heavy cord and cordlock, I sewed a small piece of webbing - placed between hash-marked design - to blend in.

The cord can be tucked inside if not needed, yet handy to pull out once the bag is stuffed, then slip through the webbing to secure everything. 

I'm pleased that I found an unobtrusive solution! 

3 Day Tour Around Lake Champlain - Oh, the Lilacs!

On Memorial Day weekend, I set out on an easy, scenic 100-mile route circling northern Lake Champlain, doable with my current fitness, divided into 3 manageable days. I like to enjoy roadside wildflowers, architecture, historic markers, and even garage sales! I waited until the bike ferry opened; it's a pleasant lake crossing, bypassing a busy road in favor of pedaling South Hero's gorgeous Westside Road. With some rain in the forecast, I hoped the light itinerary would allow me to choose a dry window for cycling each day.

Lilacs were in bloom, their heady scent perfuming the route, so much so that I dubbed my adventure "the lilac tour." Mmmmm.

Point Au Roche's rooms purposely lack a TV, overlook manicured grounds, and have private decks. It's a wonderful spot to enjoy birdlife, and I even saw a woodchuck.

One of my favorite places to stay is Point Au Roche Lodge. Located at "D" on the map. It's a low-key, rustic place with lovely, large rooms, a gazebo to relax in (or park your bike discreetly out of sight), and a kitchen to cook your own food. I brought some items from home for dinner and breakfast, supplemented with convenience store food.

The lower right photo shows the remains of a wooden railroad trestle that once crossed the lake.

It rained early on the second day, but let up by 10am, so  I cycled northward on an amazing tailwind, all the way to Rouses Point! I ate a breakfast bagel at Lakeside Coffee Roasters, relaxed for an hour, then slowly climbed and descended the Missisquoi Bridge to Vermont, amidst buffeting sidewinds. 

The roadway was busy, though with wide shoulders, until I turned towards Alburgh, then located the Alburgh Rail Trail, a few yards off the main road. The trail is only 4 miles, but the remoteness and nearly singletrack through wetlands were a delight, with a birdsong serenade. The trail conveniently intersected with a side road to my destination, the Alburgh RV Resort, located at "H" on the map.

It was raining by the time I arrived at the campground, so I ducked into the recreation hall. I had a good experience last year at this spot. While primarily an RV resort, there's a communal grassy area beneath trees that serves as a tent area; people are nice; there's a lakefront area, and I called ahead to pay, because reception is often closed, though the proprietors are only a phone call away. It was a chilly 50F and still windy, so I snuggled inside my packable jacket - a necessary item - and read for a while, until the rain stopped. I set up my tent, then returned to the sheltered entryway to cook dinner before settling down to watch a movie on my Kindle in the tent.

I was warm and comfortable, earplugs blocking out the rain that continued overnight, but for some odd reason, that has never happened before, I didn't sleep for more than an hour - that was a long night! 

I had planned to make coffee on the third morning, but after packing up a soaked tent, I wanted to start on my 40+ mile journey south, once the storm had passed, knowing I could eat breakfast at a Maplefields convenience store 20 minutes away. The coffee and waffle breakfast sandwich tasted great!

The rest of the ride was pleasant. A slight headwind didn't hinder progress; Google's routing kept me off busy Route 2, and the lilac fragrance freshened the gentle island miles. I'm always amazed at the nicer waterfront homes slowly emerging along the lakeshore. I stopped for a rest at Hero's Welcome, engaged with cycle tourists from St. Louis, and waved to a lone tourist soon after I set off. 

I ate half my sandwich at the familiar Grand Isle ferry landing, filled water bottles, and an hour later returned on the bike ferry, arriving home at 3pm.

What a great route!

Colchester Cemeteries Quest - Exploring History, Part 2

 
Like the previous outing, I set out to visit two more local burial grounds. The largest of the Colchester Cemeteries, the Village Cemetery sits behind the Burnham Library. 

It's also worth noting there's strong historical interest within our community with an active Colchester Historical Society. We recently went to a talk about a regional railroad line.

Thus, I was intrigued to immediately spot the Burnham name. But the library wasn't named for Herbert, but rather Etta. Upon his retirement in Massachusetts, they moved back to where she grew up, both serving the Colchester community. After Herbert passed, Etta lived a few more years. She willed most of her estate to “build, furnish, and maintain a library.”

The Leggett headstone is a sad reminder that parents, especially during wartime, often outlive their children. Only 2 of 4 children lived to old age.

The Nourse name caught my eye because there's a region where Bay Road meets East Lakeshore Drive, with a pretty view of Malletts Bay - still marked as Nourse's Corner on Google Maps. It was a snack bar hot spot in the 50's, and I recall my parents mentioning the place. George Nourse started the snack bar, which specialized in toasted hot dogs, and it ran for 20 years, though it didn't survive his passing. 

Regionally, Michigan-style hot dogs, split lengthwise, grilled, then topped with meat sauce and mustard squiggles, served on a toasted bun, were popular when I was younger, and still found today at Beansie's Bus in Burlington's Battery Park. Once in a while, I stop for this irresistible treat. 

Moses headed the Colchester regiment in the War of 1812.

The Moses stone is unique because the raised lettering is still visible on the marble stone. It's customary to see debossed lettering, like the right-hand gravestone, that, in time, marble doesn't weather well, especially in a harsh New England climate. Sometime over the past 200 years, stones were replaced with harder granite. Because of the differences, it's easy to spot older graves in any cemetery.

The older stones have interesting inscriptions: for example, specifying days lived or age at death. So much character in the old headstones!

I found an excellent, comprehensive online Colchester history resource, something I'll surely reference time and again.

The second stop was at the Old Methodist Church Cemetery, tucked away behind a firehouse on Main Street, formerly the Old Methodist Church site. At first, the grounds seemed neglected, sandy and barren, scrubby grass trying to survive. While a nice iron gate bordered the cemetery, it lacked signage, so I hope the colorful official marker is in the works. 

Upon closer inspection, I noticed the old stones were cleaned, and fragments pieced back together. There is a statewide Old Cemetery Association that helps communities preserve historical markers, with the help of volunteers.

 

Celebrating the life of Charlotte Johnson at 101 years old - amazing longevity for that time period. She outlived her husband by 40 years!

While headstones remain, trees and, eventually, stumps morph into headstones. 

Two more cemeteries to go!