Dahon Boardwalk and Amtrak to the Glens Falls Area Trails

On my radar since the successful Amtrak excursion to Albany in April, the weather gods aligned to provide another weekend getaway - November no less - this time to explore more of the Empire State Trail in conjunction with the Glens Falls regional network of paths. 

Fort Edward, New York Amtrak station, housed by Evergreen Bicycle Works. There are no facilities or inside waiting area. I took note of this for Sunday evening boarding.

Like before, it's an easy roll to Burlington's Amtrak Station, folding and storing the bike inside a large tote, then hop on board. Sometimes I get lucky and staff hoists the bike up the narrow steps, but not this time. A 3+ hour journey and I start pedaling in Fort Edward.

Saturday was overcast but with light winds so 50sF was certainly doable. I bundled up and set off northward to explore the Empire State Trail's segment to Fort Ann. 

Narrow, older canal at left.

The Amtrak station was situated on the Empire Trail route so it was easy navigation.

The wide Champlain Canal, formerly tugboats towed barges, but this portion also serves boaters long distance cruising from Lake Champlain to New York City! We learned about Loopers while riding the Erie Canal. 

Between paved and gravel trail, plus a segment of dirt road, all following either a narrow mule lead former narrow canal (currently either dry or filled with mallards) the varied surfaces reminded me of our adventure on the Erie Canal Trail.

Canadian geese filled the waterway.

I never found this segment boring. There were walkers, geese honking, and even curvy sections.

What's this on a nearby road, beefing up wet areas for snow machines?

Interesting trail portion through the former canal. I appreciate the historical signage!

With waning daylight, I turned around in Fort Ann and beelined it back to the Glens Falls Feeder Canal junction, turning west.

The initial climb past the beautiful locks was lovely. However, it was hard to ignore the adjacent mountain, a former dump, now classified as a superfund cleanup site...

I continued following the rather quiet Feeder Canal trail, sometimes riding through leaves, dirt, or paved sections along, between neighborhoods, or beside closed mills - some converted to housing in Hudson Falls.  It was very parklike, a gem within former mill cities, that I presume have seen lots of transformation in recent years, especially after GE left, unfortunately contaminating portions of the Hudson River. I felt safe though, and resorted to using lights the last five miles until arriving at my reserved hotel in Queensbury around 6 pm.

I had done my homework, though, and had a pleasant hotel experience. The staff made me feel safe, which as a solitary traveler, made a big difference. 

I also have been participating in the Coffeeneuring Challenge. I'd brought a special mug, filled it with hotel coffee (rather tasty too), and toted it about a mile to a park on the Hudson River, but not without a near disaster. The mug with silicone top seemed fairly secure, but the lid popped off and flew away as I gently coasted down a hill - I stared at the hot coffee, snug in my stem bag, until I managed to stop, avoiding as many pavement cracks and bumps as possible. I jogged back to retrieve the lid - fortunately without traffic - and secured it in place. Phew.

What a grand spot to sip coffee! Overlook Park is the confluence of the Hudson River and the beginning of the Feeder Canal Trail, the portion I had not visited the previous day.

I chatted with three people on a triple Commotion bicycle who were laughing and obviously trying to figure out how to maneuver together. 

I photographed them later when they caught up with me.

A few miles later, I crossed downtown Glens Falls and connected with another trail system to Lake George. I'd ridden this section about 15 years ago, but had forgotten how hilly it is! I struggled a few times and walked a couple short stretches where the trail arcs over a busy road - probably better suited to a lowered-geared bike - but I made it. 

Lake George is nostalgic for me and I wistfully thought of my father who has been gone for several years. We camped as a family with my parents a few times when our children were young. 

As it turns out, it was mostly uphill to Lake George. I rested and snacked on the shoreline, enjoying the emerging sunshine.

Exploring Roger's Island in Fort Edward and the Roger's Rangers monument.

Sunday was also the day we turned clocks back, so I had ample time for riding. The difficult part was the train didn't leave until 6:20, now in complete darkness. But the sun felt nice and I tried to find a lunch spot, but failed, not wanting to add extra miles. I made do with a Stewart's convenience store, had a warm place to hang out, recharge my phone, fill water bottles, and use of a bathroom. I also stumbled on a dollar store, bought a warmer hat (thinking of sitting later on the train platform), replaced threadbare gloves, and got snacks for the journey home.

Slickfin Brewery - what a local gem! Their flagship IPA is yummy.

By early afternoon I had retraced the Feeder Canal to Fort Edward and wondered what to do for the next several hours, besides basking in glorious warmth. I took advantage of pedaling around a bit, visiting Roger's Island, and relaxed in a lovely town park on the Hudson. For travelers, finding a public bathroom is critical and the singular one was closed so I resorted to the local, yet again, Stewart's Shop! 

Fort Edward is a sleepy town, but I did locate the hot spot after hearing a band, Googling, and discovering Slickfin Brewing - and only two blocks from the train station! Perfect. I sat outdoors next to a heater, and chatted with locals, eventually retreating inside to enjoy warmth when the sun went down. Though the brewery officially closed at 5, it was okay to stay until 5:45, when I helped stack chairs on tables. 

The return journey went off without a hitch and I pedaled home in the dark. Each day was about 38 miles.

Coffeeneuring 2023 - Learning to Paint with Gouache, Rides 1-4

#1 - This mug was a gift from a brother.

Learning to Paint with Gouache

Leaning into my eleventh year of the Coffeeneuring Challenge, I've come up with a theme that might fuel the flames a little longer - painting! Lately, I've been exploring Gouache's bold, flat colors, a medium that appeals to the beginner. If a mistake is made, let it dry, and repaint areas of concern. Surely, gouache and I will get along fine! A 4" x 4" simple layout, using my mug of choice, is an easy size to practice color mixing and brush techniques without feeling overwhelmed by a large project. I also love that Gouache adapts well to detailed or loose brushwork.

Impromptu tea drinking, joining neighbors that I found resting near a bridge.

Coffeenuering #1 was a family affair. After I finished my tea, my family rolled up and I set off with them. We made up the route as we went, eventually cresting Ethan Allen Park for peak foliage peeping. Oh, the colors!

1. The Place: Pedestrian bridge over the Winooski River

Date: Sunday, October 22

Drink: Tulsi Tea
Observation: I planned to drink my tea in another spot but joined neighbors sitting on a bench near the bridge.
Total Miles: 14

#2 - I acquired this mug from my employer's holiday party.

The second outing was a typical after-work scramble to get outside before sunset. It's relatively easy to fill a thermos with hot beverage, grab a mug, bike lights, and wear layers for an autumn evening ride - insert bike of choice - then stop somewhere interesting before adding more miles. I'm comfortable with riding in the dark, and most days I prefer the solitude of an empty bike path.

Dahon Boardwalk, my trusty small wheeler.

All alone on the beach. I like to stay a while to see how the sunset morphs. Is the color better right at sunset or several minutes later?

2. The Place: North Beach, Burlington

Date: Monday, October 23

Drink: Wild Sweet Orange Tea
Observation: Geese were flying overhead and a small contingent frolicked on the shoreline nearby.
Total Miles: 9

#3 - Our eldest son sent this mug for my birthday, acquired in Mexico on a recent vacation. It's fun because the circular top morphs into a square bottom. It's a Mara design.

For Coffeeneuring #3, I set out to meet up with Adele, both on folding bikes, to attend the Halloween Bike Ride. Adele's costume was too hot and she eventually left as the route swung close to where she lived, where I continued on. Burlington did a great job keeping the riders moving by blocking intersections plus leading and ending with a police escort. Despite 40 F temperatures, I dressed well for the event.

On the way home, I stopped in Lakeview Cemetery near a lovely hydrangea tree for tea.

3. The Place: Lakeview Cemetery, Burlington

Date: Sunday, October 29

Drink: Ginger Tea
Observation: After attending the Halloween Bike Ride, I stopped to admire my favorite umbrella-shaped colorful hydrangeas that are abundant in Lakeview Cemetery.
Total Miles: 14

#4 - I found this beauty at a dollar store.

Coffeeneuring #4 took place during a weekend excursion to the Glens Falls region of New York. I brought my mug with me, stored safely between clothing articles in my front bag. I filled the mug with hotel coffee and hightailed it to Overlook Park, a lovely spot on the Hudson River.

Afterward, I continued exploring many trails before taking Amtrak home.

4. The Place: Overlook Park, Glens Falls, NY

Date: Sunday, November 5

Drink: Holiday Inn Coffee
Observation: Such a peaceful place with a view of the Hudson River. It's the confluence of the Feeder Canal Trail and the Hudson River, and where I began following trails for most of the day.
Total Miles: 38

How to Stay Motivated in Late Autumn

As late Autumns chill sets in and sunset is less than an hour away, I'm finding it difficult to bundle up and get outside for a bike ride. It's a difficult time of year for transitions, and the looming time change makes it harder. Working from home I find it necessary though to do something to define the space  between home life and work life. Thankfully, the Coffeeneuring Challenge will help some. I also plan to photograph sunsets, and/or head out for errands - buying groceries, even, can be a goal. 

How do you stay motivated for chilly rides?

Slow Rolling with Adele - Sheldon to Swanton and Back

Highlights included beautiful foliage, a smooth section of trail, and wonderful conversation.

Slow rolling with Adele is a highlight of autumn riding. Even though our adventure this year was truncated to a single afternoon in mid-October, after 15 years of friendship, I marvel that we still enjoy riding together.

My commuter bike has new shoes.

It started with me frantically pumping a soft front tire while waiting for Adele's party vehicle rendezvous. I managed to install two new tires the evening before to combat a rash of recent flats, a new rear tube, though I retained the front tube with two patches. Somehow the tire held air and soon we were on our way north to Sheldon Center. I suggested we ride a segment that Adele hadn't explored of Vermont's 93 mile Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, turning around at the western terminus in Swanton.

Swanton's ReStore signage. Bikes were outside in the weather and we forgot to ask where the accessories were located.

In Highgate Center, eagle-eyed Adele spotted a yard full of pumpkins for sale, potted sunflowers, and upon inspection, also investigated sheds full of antiques. We eventually left with the seller's business card, for later purchases. It's okay to browse while on a bike ride, but it puts a crimp in purchases, though on the upside, what better way to limit useless spending? Unlike Adele, I could care less about about browsing, but always oblige my friend.

However, several miles later, Adele knew about Swanton's Habitat ReStore and we both enjoyed one of the most organized thrift stores we've ever browsed! I bought a twin sheet set and an electric cup warmer, all of which fit in my large panniers along with painter's suits for Adele (for making costumes). It was a hilarious sight, including the stand-up pump that I decided to carry - because I could - in case I had another tire problem. 

By the time we reached the end, we were chilled and ate warm sandwiches at a pizza place before turning around for a warmer, gab session riding 10 miles back to the car.

Canadian Rides, Northern Rail Trail, and Salt Water

My annual September vacation took a radical turn, due to a rainy forecast, from exploring Pennsylvania's rails trails to pivoting to Canada, New Hampshire, and a bit of Massachusetts where miraculously, 9 of 10 days were dry.

A friend tagged along for the Canadian adventures, first riding the famed Grandes Fourches loop, a route I did years ago with Adele, and worth repeating, for it's variety of urban/dirt rail trail/dirt road scenery.

I've always admired Catherine's Miyata.

Lake Massawippi in North Hatley was a beautiful spot for a break. Friend Catherine was midway in her  quest to ride 500 miles in September, raising money for childhood cancer.

Beautiful sculptures in a Sherbrooke park.

The route follows three rivers, also part of the route's appeal.

One connection across a river takes advantage of a bridge beneath a busy highway.

Soybean fields.

Another day we pedaled a strenuous loop from Compton, with grand vistas of farmland.

We appreciated the public facilities and parks, amazingly in the smallest of towns.

East Standstead.

An intentionally flatter route from Bedford eased tired legs. The stunning scenery of vineyards, orchards, golden maple lined corridors, and farm vistas (lots of Pelletier family farms).

Loving my Bassi Rachel's climbing ability.

On the right, July's floods wiped out a section of trail. Otherwise this part of Canada escaped
the destruction that occurred in Vermont.

Another day's ride included the Tomofobia Nature Preserve, a rail trail I've ridden many times, yet keep coming back. We looped towards Lake Memphremagog on an ungodly steep climb - I walked part - before heading back to the car.

Our friend returned home while my husband and I regrouped before heading off to New Hampshire. We are fans of rail trails and always have ideas in reserve. Riding a portion of the 59 mile Northern Trail in 2022, I knew I wanted to complete the entire route. We learned that while some parts of New Hampshire were affected by earlier flooding, the trail was rideable.

Left photo, we detoured around the bridge initially, as a crew was resurfacing the wood, but was efficiently finished upon our return. The center line has additional plywood to handle snowmachines.

While it would've been preferable to ride one way, camping overnight, we couldn't locate a nearby campground nor find a shuttle. Creative groups might utilize 2 cars and indoor accommodation, but having two cars for this 5 day portion of our vacation didn't make sense. Instead, we found a comfortable campground 10 miles away in Newfound Lake and did out and back segments, riding double the miles!

Mount Cardigan.

What makes this trail special are the lack of frequent road crossings, various terrain, unique vistas and interesting historical markers. It's never dull.

A visit to a nearby facility, seen from the trail. Loons were paddling on the lake.

A couple of rest stops.

Remnants of a tiny roundabout. Initial train engines were small.

Potters Place, a restored rail station.

I swapped the tire and patched the tube while my husband investigated the source of the mishap. Near the gate crossing, I must've scraped a protruding cement knob.

With smooth tires, my bike wasn't an ideal companion on this trip. I had two front tire flats, but managed, making sure I patched the spare tube. There are many bridges, some rougher chunky surfaces, etc. At one point, I thought about trying to locate more suitable tires, but I'm also in the midst of building another bike that will excel on variable terrain.

A trailside dirt playground! This stop made me laugh.

Six miles from finishing (12 roundtrip) I was chilled, after enduring a steady rain for an hour in low 50's F. Since the forecast would improve later, we left the remaining miles and finished a couple days later, on our return home.

The East Coast Greenway appeals to me...a good retirement project.

Meanwhile...we visited our nephew and his fiancé in Newburyport, Massachusetts, pedaled to Plum Island, and then camped a night near the coast.

An all-around spectacular vacation!