Fair Port, NY to Sterling, NY 64 Miles July 18

Shirley and Kristine got up this morning to see us off with coffee and breakfast. Of course they were sleeping downstairs next to the kitchen because they had given up their bedrooms for us upstairs.

We finished our tour along the Erie Canal in Palmyra and immediately ran into a long steep hill that put our quads into shock. We continued with these hills all day, though not as steep. Today we rode through the New York fruit basket. We passed miles of orchards; cherries, apples, raspberries, blackberries all giving the air a delicious scent.

It was exciting to arrive in Pultneyville where we were on the coast of Lake Ontario. There were no services here as the local grocery had just closed. We sat down to eat in the park when we were approached by Kathy. She had spoken to Pam earlier and taken her home to replenish her with water and ice to combat the 92 degree heat and humidity. Kathy was on the lookout for me and Carol and extended the invitation to both of us. We accepted her gracious offer and went to her home where we met her husband, Tim who wondered where all the strays were coming from. After filling our bottles with ice and water we were ready to continue, using the facilities and even releasing our trash, we were ready to continue.

Our maps showed several stretches on our route today with no services. But, when we arrived we found many fruit stands with local produce. We found one where we reinvigorated ourselves with ice cold blackberries and watermelon. Again, I am passing through an area which does not coincide with the image I had in mind. Upstate New York is lush, green, humid and filled with lovely curious people who enthusiastically support us.

When Carol and I arrived in Fair Haven, we discovered Pam had found lodging for us three miles down the road at Sterling Christian Church. After stocking up on groceries in town, Carol and I rode on and met Pastor JD. He was young and enthusiastic about our endeavor. He made sure we were well taken care of before enjoying the rest of what was supposed to be his day off.

We enjoyed an early quiet night.