Cocca's Inn And Suites Wolf Road Latham

... to Rome (via Aer Lingus which was the cheapest flight I could find). From Rome, train to Bagaia (Viterbo), then train to Spoleto to meet Philip Dickey and Bridget, who have a car. Thence to two different villages in Parco Monti Sibillini -- Castelluccio and Montefortino. After a week of day-hiking and a side trip to Asoli Picena, I bus ...

... there is something there with answers. Hum.

Charlie says he is getting quite a few munchies on the road, but I find places to make him run it off. I didn't let him have any fudge (maple-walnut). It isn't as good as the fudge I left behind. Sister Jere suggested I look on-line and see if I can find the place and order some vanilla-pecan. Seriously, it was to die for.

Off to Vermont to see friend Kate tomorrow. Can't wait.

The first part of the ride from the village of Lake George to Glens Falls is mostly on a bike trail. It was nice to have a shorter, much flatter ride the next day down to Easton Mountain, where I attended a retreat over Labor Day weekend.

After the fun experience of really checking tire pressure and filling to specs I was on my way - sounds simple but Visions are not. Too much hardware in the way and make sure your have a gauge with a little hose.
First stop, a short hop to Albany to visit with friends I see far too little of. Delightful way to begin the trip, and a shady spot for the bike to roost for the night.

... one or two ridges to cross. There's a great downhill leading to the Alcove reservoir, southwest of Albany. We camped that evening at a lovely marina on the shore of the Mohawk river, just west of Schenectady.

... where we had started and that we were so close to the finish. There was one really good but short climb and as I started up it there was this huge bear like animal on all fours in front of me, I couldn't tell for sure what it was it looked to beig to be a dog and there was no master around it started to concern me. As I approached I could hear the labored breathing even over mine! It was an old Chow the owner was at ...

... was settled by New England Whalers from Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard and Providence, scared that the British would reclaim the colonies, they moved the 100 or so miles up the river. Here they dragged their cargo up the main street to be processed, hence the numerous references to whaling.

He also told us that locals were dismayed at the buyers from NY City who come up and 'renovate’ properties - not always ...

... relaxing weekends we have had. Other than getting a little to much sun on the beach, it was a great time! Bella did very well with her second camping experience. She is becoming quite comfortable being outside and going up and down the stairs of the camper. She even buried my feet in the sand on the beach. Who knew Chihuahuascould dig such deep holes!

Aunt Joann and Herb were the first ones to pull out in the morning, heading back to their campground in Cobleskill. Steve & Joanne were next and headed to the local firehouse for a pancake breakfast. We relaxed around the campsite while the kids went to the game room and then headed home. We stopped at Sam's Club in Latham to pick up a few items and to drop Kate off to Stephanie. Then Sami took us all for ice cream. He is becoming quite confident towing that camper!

Last night we had all four boys sleeping in our camper. They were up quite late which gave us some time to relax in bed this morning. I was glad I remembered to bring a book and enjoyed a leisurely couple of hours until the troops stirred and demanded to be fed. :-) Aunt Joann & Herb arrived while I was still showering and Mom pulled in shortly after them. It did not take long for Aunt Joann and Herb to set up and we were soon relaxing and catching up. Our ...