25 August Wednesday Blue Ridge, NY – East Middlebury, VT

Starting Point: Blue Ridge, NY
Ending Point: East Middlebury, VT
Via: North Hudson, Severance, Paradox, Ticonderoga, Shoreham (VT), Cornwall and Middlebury
Mileage: 59
Time: 6:23
Mph: 9.2
Terrain: mountainous
Vertical climbing: 2,812
Temperature High: 73
Temperature Low: 64
Lunch: turkey/cheese and PB&J sandwiches, fries (MacDo), smoothie
Dinner: calzone, salad
Weather: overcast, a little rain
Lodging: Lake Dunmore Kampersville
Cumulative Mileage: 3,956
Miles to Go: 245
Projected Distance: 4,200
Days completed: 80 (including 8 rest days)
Distance Completed: 94%
Days to Go: 7

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     It seemed a long way with a good supply of hills from the Blue Ridge Campground to the ferry at Ticonderoga.The area down the hill from where we stayed had been a flourishing tourist destination probably 10 years ago. There was Frontier Town and all things having to do with that era. Now it was more like Ghost Town with many businesses boarded up. It wasn’t clear what possible economic engine could re-ignite the area. I was so looking forward to getting a bagel at Mister Bagel on the main route that goes through the area near Ticonderoga. My hopes were dashed as the building came into view – it was out of business as well.

Fort Ticonderoga

     As always there is an exciting downhill finish right before turning off for the ferry to Vermont or Fort Ticonderoga. I briefly stopped to take a look at the grounds and exterior of the fort; several of our band did also. Some even paid the fee to go inside only to complain later of feeling pressured for time.

Ticonderoga Cable Ferry Dock -- Vermont in Background

     There was a couple bicycling together back to Vermont and taking the ferry with me. They were having a sort of mini-honeymoon having left their two young children with the grand-parents. We discussed all things bicycle. John asked a very good question, “What did you miss the most?” I had trouble answering that because there were too many little things and big things to name. This question ranks up there with “What are some of your favorite places?” or “Where would you recommend taking a bicycle trip?” As the trip winds down, these questions do swirl in my mind as I try to envision what I’ve seen over the past 80+ days. I’ll write more about this another time.

En Route to Vermont

    

Ticonderoga Ferry Pilot

This was another long day that Joe described as short. We all are skeptical of his claims now of easy days ahead.