Redfield, NY to Old Forge, NY 57 Miles July 20

After breakfast Cliff Gilbert drove us back to town to retrieve our bicycles and get back on the road. We were prepared for more hills today as we were heading to the Adirondack Mountains. We were not prepared for the deluge of rain today. It began in the morning and only rained harder as the day wore on. Unfortunately, this was the worst day for Pam's tire to blow out. This happened in front of a home. Pam didn't know what to do without a spare and she knocked on the door. The family thought of who they knew who could help out and called their friends. Steve and Craig who have been cyclists for many years and cheerfully came to help out. In the meantime Carol showed up with her spare tire, which the fellows mounted on Pam's bicycle. What luck!

We continued on through rain, which inhibited our vision when our water spotted glasses became foggy. We were saved by the wide shoulder and well maintained roads. Thank you New York! Our way was also made a little easier because the air temperature was not too cold, so though we were soaking, we never did have to bundle up in our rain gear. I believed it when told, they had about 6-7 inches of rain today! If this continues tomorrow this will be grounds for a day off.

In Old Forge we were donated a room at the Country Club Motel. The owner, Bill Wengert, is an avid cyclist and when we showed up literally soaked through, we were cheerfully given the room key and told not to worry about a thing. I have never ridden in rain this strong. It got to the point where I felt like I was actually sitting in a puddle of water.

Later, Charlie Swanton, a friend of Burt Goodnough from Redfield, picked us up and took us to his home for dinner. Charlie entertained us by giving us a tour of the home he has built from the ground up. He has put many unique decorative touches, such as moldings made of trees which still have on the bark. Charlie also has allowed us to wash and dry our clothes, so at least we will be starting off dry in the morning. Charlie reminded us that "there is never a bad day in the Adirondacks, even when it rains." I'd have to agree that today was beautiful, even with the rain.

We can see the end of our journey. We have about 500 more miles and only three mountain ranges between us and Bar Harbor.