Old Forge, NY to Long Lake, NY 49 Miles July 21

We were able to sort out all of our gear and plastic bags and we still be packed and on the road by 5:30 AM. We did have plenty of hills today, but we only had to deal with some short periods of drizzle toady. We are riding along the Fulton Chain of Lakes and when Carol and I arrived in Blue Mountain Lake we stopped to eat at a Lakeside Park. We were approached by Jerry and Diane McIntyre who had just heard about us from Sheila, a woman Pam had just received a donation from. Jerry and Diane invited us to stay with them when we are in New Hampshire, so we are always well taken care of.

Just leaving Blue Mountain Lake was a long STEEP hill. I found out later, that this was part of the old road from the 1880s; in the old days the roads just followed the contour of the land. Half way up the hill, when we were huffing and puffing, we saw the Adirondacks Museum and decided it was worth a stop. It was done in typical New York high style. There were several exhibit halls, including one on Adirondack design. I learned that the most prevalent thing I see in the Adirondacks, the Adirondack Chairs, have nothing whatsoever to do with this region. We also saw an exhibit of boats. We saw one old Guide boat that weighed in at 53 pounds, but was able to port 1,000 pounds.

With only ten miles to go to Long Lake, mostly downhill, we arrived to find Pam's orange flag at the Wesleyan Church. We were staying next door with Pastor Chris Humby and his wife Mary Ellen. They generously took us into their home, even though they've only been in town for three weeks and have a two sons; five year old Patrick and two year old Micah, and Mary Ellen is expecting her third in November. I had forgotten how much energy it takes to keep up with young children. But, the boys were sharp and quite sweet. Patrick said Grace for us before dinner and Micah wanted to add his own with "Amen". Mary Ellen put the boys to bed with a story and asked them questions about what she read and Patrick could answer every question. The world will be in good hands with the next generation. This is the first home we have stayed in with young children and it was such a refreshing change. We all miss our families so this was special.