A DAY OF MOUNTAINS AND LAKES

Days like today are made for Harleys

Ready to roll

Adirondacks

I knew first thing this morning that it was going to be a great day to start our trip. It was about as clear as you could ask for and just warm enough. We left as planned at 8 and after gassing up headed out. We chose a route that would take us through the central Adirondacks as neither Skip or Charlene had been in that part of the state. I had started out in a tee shirt and by the time we got to Boonville, I knew that sas we climbed I would need my jacket. The ride into the mountains didn't dissapoint. I am from the Adirondacks and love the mountains but the memory of them never does justice to actully being there and to experience them from the seat of the Harley is even better. You can actually smell the balsam and the streams that flow along the sides of the road, really really special! As we passed through Old Forge (with a stop to point out the Old Forge Hardware) the Fulton chain of Lakes, Inlet, Blue Mountain, Raquette Lake, Long Lake and finally the Tri lakes of Tupper, Saranac and Placid I felt the familiar pull of the mountains and was pleased that both Skip and Charlene found the ride to be spectacular.

We lunched in Lake Placid at one of my favorite places, The Great Adirondack Steak and Seafood Co. and followed up with a walking tour of downtown. We stopped in the Harley store and Charlene found a shirt that she liked (actually, I have never know her to leave a Harley store empty handed).

Adirondacks from the lake

Burlington and The Green Mountains

Ready to set sail

Our next destination was Port Kent and a ferry ride across Lake Champlain to Burlington and the ride down from Lake Placid and through Wilmington and Jay, along the Ausable River is another ride that is special. Now if you have never taken this trip, it should be on your to do list. Lake Champlain is beautiful and as you cross you see the Adirondacks behind you and the Green Mountains above the Burlington skyline ahead, quite a nice experience.

We arrived in Burlington Vt. at about 6, had a nice dinner and now it's time to rest up for tomorrow's ride. Check in to see where we end up!