Lost with Mike
  • Scoot
  • Paddle
  • Pedal
  • Moto
    • The South >
      • Merchant's Millpond State Park, NC
      • BRP and a visit to Charlotte, NC
      • South Carolina and Back on my GS (2011)
      • Jaw-ja Trip #1 - Visiting my Nephew
      • Jaw-ja Trip #2 - Cousin's Wedding
      • "You rode 1300 miles for BBQ?!?" (2010)
    • Canada (eh) >
      • 2012 - Beards to Canada >
        • Day 1: Arlington, VA > Arlington, VT
        • Day 1-2 (Continued) Back to VA!!!
        • Day 3: Newburyport, NH > Sandy Cove, NS
        • Day 4: Loafing around "The Neck"
        • Day 5: Sandy Cove, NS to Antigonish, NS
        • Day 6: Antigonish, NS to Meat Cove, NS
        • Day 7: Meat Cove, NS to Port Aux Basques, NFL
        • Day 8: Port Aux Basques to Port Saunders
        • Day 9: Port Saunders to Big Brook
        • Day 10: Big Brook, NL to Trans Lab Hwy
        • Day 11: Trans Lab Hwy to Pinware River
        • Day 12: Pinware River, LAB to Norris Point, NL
        • Day 13: Norris Point to Blue Beach
        • Day 14: Blue Beach, NL to Port Aux Basques Ferry
        • Day 15: Sydney, NS to Sandy Cove, NS
        • Day 16: Chillin on the Digby Neck
        • Day 17: Sandy Cove, NS to No. Sandwich, NH
        • Day 18: Sandiwch, NH to Arlington, VA (Home)
      • Algonquin Park 2013 >
        • Day 1: Home to New York
        • Day 2: Chataugay State Forest to Brent, ON
        • Day 3: Brent, ON to Nipissing River Portage at Nadine Lake
        • Day 4: Nipissing River @ Nadine Lake Portage to first island in Red Pine Bay
        • Day 5: Red Pine Bay to Hogan’s Lake
        • Day 6: Hogan’s Lake to Catfish Lake
        • Day 7: Catfish Lake to Cedar Lake to Fredonia, NY
        • Day 8: Fredonia, NY to Brookville, PA
        • Day 9: Brookville, PA to Alexandria, VA
      • Think I'll ride to Montreal this weekend...
      • Ontario on a Whim
    • Maryland >
      • How to Hit a Tree, By ME!
      • Ruckus Stealth Camping in MD
      • Ruck'n around Southern MD
      • White's Ferry and some Maryland Backroads
      • 1000mi right near da' beach (2010)
    • New York >
      • Cornell, Niagara Falls and PA Coal Country (2012)
      • Finger Lakes trip to NY (2011)
      • New York City Trip (2011)
    • Pennsylvania >
      • Early Spring in PA
      • Michaux Camping
      • From a Wedding to "Where-da-fugawi?"
      • Pennsylvania Leaf Peeping (2012)
      • First Big Trip to PA (2010)
    • Virginia >
      • From the Mountains to the Sea in Ol' Virginny'
      • What the Fog? (Northern Neck, VA - 2013)
      • Uncle Bucks Ride to Eat and Snowy SNP
      • Charlottesville Area Ride
      • Serious Helmet Time in VA (2011)
      • Ruck'n Across Virginia (2010)
      • Impromptu Camping with 'DC Rider' (2010)
    • West Virginia >
      • Rella-Vous and Skippii Rescue
      • New River Gorge Ghost Town Exploration (2011)
      • Five States from Laurel Fork (Spring 2013)
      • A Little Dirt, A Little Clouds, A lotta Fun, WV (2012)
      • GS and an NSX? (2012)
      • Seneca Rocks Camping Two-Up (2011)
      • Panniers Only Club at Seneca Rocks, WV (2010)
      • Laurel Fork Fall 2010 on the Honda Ruckus 50cc (2010)
      • Dog Days Rally and Rella's Gift (2010)
      • Pops and Richmonders in WV (2010)
      • Rocket Boys (2010)
      • New River Gorge and Rella's (2010)
    • Cross Country 2009 >
      • Trip Preparation
      • Day 1: (Sept 3, 2010)
      • Day 2: (Sept 4, 2010)
      • Day 3: (Sept 5, 2010)
      • Day 4: (Sept 6, 2010)
      • Day 5: (Sept 7, 2010)
      • Day 6: (Sept 8, 2010)
      • Day 7: (Sept 9, 2010)
      • Day 8: (Sept 10, 2010)
      • Day 9: (Sept 11, 2010)
      • Day 10: (Sept 12, 2010)
      • Day 11: (Sept 13, 2010)
      • Day 12: (Sept 14, 2010)
      • Day 13: (Sept 15, 2010)
      • Day 14: (Sept 16, 2010)
      • Day 15: (Sept 17, 2010)
      • Day 16: (Sept 18, 2010)
      • Day 17: (Sept 19, 2010)
  • Photos
  • Articles

Finger Lakes trip to NY (2011)

6/16/2011

Lauren and I took off together for a nice vacation to northern New York on a sunny May morning. Around 7, the weather hovered in the low 70s as we merged onto 495 to escape the city. Unfortunately, two complete closures of the inner loop delayed our departure as we sat in traffic, engine off, naming all the car brands back and forth A-Z.

Once reopened, we enjoyed a brisk ride up 495 to 270 exiting in Frederick, MD and heading north along 15 toward PA. We made a side excursion to explore Cunningham Falls once more. I had made a visit in a past trip to Reading, PA but arrived before they opened.

This beautiful trout stream along the road deserved a stop to breathe in the fresh morning air and relaxation soon to come.
IMG_0867.JPG

IMG_0868.JPG

Obligatory AM flower shot
IMG_0870.JPG

Say hello to my little friend :sweeti
IMG_0871.JPG

Up to Cunningham Falls, we walked around the lake and snapped a few pics
IMG_0874.JPG

IMG_0878.JPG

Beautiful morning for a short hike to the falls as the evening rains evaporate around us.
IMG_0881.JPG

IMG_0882.JPG

A little geologic information about the mountain
IMG_0883.JPG

Very picturesque
IMG_0884.JPG

IMG_0885.JPG

Finally reaching the falls, the water was sort of low but at least it was flowing :D
IMG_0887.JPG

IMG_0891.JPG

IMG_0897.JPG

Hello Mr. No Shoulders :eek1
IMG_0890.JPG

Did I mention this beauty also enjoys taking pictures? Expect a few of hers added below :D
IMG_0900.JPG

IMG_0901.JPG

Perfect morning!!!
IMG_0902.JPG

Very nice - almost stepped on ya!
IMG_0905.JPG

From here we made it to the border of Pennsylvania and pulled in to a McDonalds for a quick bite to eat (her first trip ever to a McD breakfast). To my surprise, I spy an identical 2001 GS and park alongside it.
IMG_0906.JPG

The rider was inside and also was wearing a faded red stich' which only made things even more interesting. Wonder if I'll be back here one day?
IMG_0907.JPG

From here we made the short trip up to Gettysburg for a brief ride through the battlefield together.
IMG_0910.JPG

IMG_0912.JPG

IMG_0913.JPG

KABOOOOOOMMM!!!!!!!
IMG_0914.JPG

"Hey hun, do you want to go climb that?"
"Sure, let me take off my gear!"
IMG_0916.JPG

"Much better!"
IMG_0919.JPG

Whoa check out the view to the west. That is Eisenhower's family farm!
IMG_0925.JPG

IMG_0926.JPG

The last time I climbed this was age 12 in Boy Scouts. Sorta neat to be back.
IMG_0929.JPG

From here we rode west into the mountains to get lost and explore in the general direction of North. Lauren couldn't quite make out what this sign meant. I imagine they have a bit of snow up here in the winter :nod
IMG_0930.JPG

The sky looked quite ominous as we rolled through Carlyle but somehow we managed to stay in a pocket of sunshine. I think I'll keep her along in the future as a good luck charm.

Then we came upon this scenic covered bridge! What a pleasant surprise and great place to take a break.
IMG_0931.JPG

IMG_0932.JPG

IMG_0933.JPG

A view down the river:
IMG_0934.JPG

IMG_0936.JPG

From here we rode across the Susquehanna to the eastern bank and explored the less traveled side of the river for the better part of an hour. Eventually we passed back over and returned to the more busy side where we spotted a drive-in movie theater deserving of some exploration.
IMG_0940.JPG

I said a hip - a hop - a hippi - to the hippity hop - a hippit to the hop and it don't stop

AUTOMATICKET!!!!
IMG_0943.JPG

IMG_0947.JPG

Lauren took some more shots as we rode through so expect to see those too. I was too busy not crashing. I'm trying to do more of that recently. Good plan.

Now we pull the :cromag and take a stop to consult the GPS(s)
IMG_0948.JPG

Maybe I'll just take pictures instead. Good plan.
IMG_0952.JPG

We rode through scenic mountain roads northward until the sky became ominous ahead. This mountain view greeted us as we crested into the town of Williamsport, PA
IMG_0965.JPG

The airport
IMG_0964.JPG

Descending into town, we both decided this would be a neat place to spend the night as thunderstorms seemed to be all around us and the hour growing late.

"Wow that's a cool mural!", Lauren exclaimed.
IMG_0962.JPG

"Yeah!" I said roaring past it in a blur of carelessness. I circled the town once more in search of a restaurant when I finally listened to that wise voice behind me and pulled in to investigate.
IMG_0962.JPG

OH!!! What a great idea!
IMG_0961.JPG

IMG_0957.JPG
IMG_0956.JPG

The Bullfrog Brewery was just what we needed! They had live music, great food and beer. We will certainly be staying in Williamsport tonight!
IMG_0960.JPG

I enjoyed some kind of Beef Ale Stew while Lauren enjoyed the Philly Cheese Steak with sweet potato fries (I ate half...NOM)
IMG_0958.JPG

While ordering, a guy walked up and introduced himself then asked what kind of bike I was riding? Turns out he is a fellow GS rider and said it was rather rare in PA to come across wandering GS riders...usually 'merican muscle and little else. We exchanged information and he was kind enough to share routes and places to visit via a late-night email later on. Thanks random GS dude! I'll fwd. this along to you :wave

After lingering around and allowing the shower to pass, we rode aimlessly around the town forever contemplating the best place to stay. Eventually, we settled on the Holiday Inn Express just so we could later remark "I don't know but I slept at a Holiday Inn Express last night". Okay...just so "I" could later remark...have to be clear here.
IMG_0969.JPG

Gear unpacked, we returned on foot to the Bullfrog for more beers and live entertainment.
IMAG1793.jpg

Settling in, I see a BMW pass by outside the window...NO SHIT! It is a Maccao Yellow 95' R1100RS IDENTICAL to one I recently sold. The rider had just removed his helmet out front as I came up and started jabbering on with him. I have never seen one like it and was in shock. Too cool! He later came over and chatted with Lauren and I and introduced us to a fellow cartographer in the bar. Great night out and a great relaxing end to the first day!

We awoke the following morning and enjoyed the continental breakfast to the fullest then rolled out following the suggestion from the GS rider's email. What a great route!!!
IMG_0982.JPG

His first recommended stop was Cohick's Trading Post
IMG_0984.JPG

While hopping off, we caught the attention of this gruff trucker who told me a bit about the joint and pointed out the cool old baths once operated out back.
IMG_0983.JPG

I apparently don't have a pic but Lauren does...so she will post it shortly. This beautiful house was located beside it.
IMG_0986.JPG

The back attic entry to the trading post and a very old spider web
IMG_0987.JPG

IMG_0988.JPG

The Old Timer's sitting out front. That is how you know it is genuine!
IMG_0995.JPG

Let's go inside!
IMG_0989.JPG

IMG_0990.JPG

They have EVERYTHING! I get my love for these old trading post from my father.
IMG_0991.JPG

IMG_0992.JPG

Well how do you do?
IMG_0993.JPG

I like the "sold" tag
IMG_0994.JPG

A back garage/barn near the property
IMG_0996.JPG

From here we explored along Rt 973 to 44 which followed this picturesque river. I felt like I was back in WV. Swoon
IMG_0998.JPG

Small waterfalls cascaded along the roadside as we blurred past.
IMG_0999.JPG

IMG_1000.JPG

Oh my! A dirt road...sorta going in the same direction as the paved road. No brainer.
IMG_1002.JPG

IMG_1011.JPG

SOOOOOO Worth it!
IMG_1006.JPG

and idea of scale:
IMG_1007.JPG

All I can say about these roads in the Susquehannock and Tioga State Forest is WOW
IMG_1016.JPG

IMG_1031.JPG

The following action shots are courtesy of Lauren once her camera battery died. Fortunately she was able to capture some AWESOME video from these roads.
IMG_1018.JPG

This area is known as the PA Grand Canyon. It sure is beautiful but Grand Canyon it is not.
IMG_1022.JPG

IMG_1025.JPG

IMG_1029.JPG

This one road proceeded to get more and more slippery.
IMG_1036.JPG

I didn't want to risk any limbs on the ascent so decided to take my chances going straight. It wound up being a much faster stretch of dirt up and over a mountain towards Rt. 6
IMG_1035.JPG

Emerging from hours of shit-eating-grins in the forest, we explored some of the surrounding farmland on our way to finding petrol.
IMG_1037.JPG

IMG_1039.JPG

IMG_1046.JPG
Fueling up I saw two interesting sights.

A Live Bait vending machine:
IMG_1045.JPG

A gorgeous MG TD
IMG_1044.JPG

The recent flooding in this area is evident in the foreground while the antique steam locomotive sat chugging in the distance.
IMG_1047.JPG

Getting closer to NY
IMG_1053.JPG

I love this shot! Wide open roads and a cool breeze.
IMG_1056.JPG

IMG_1060.JPG

We made it!
IMG_1063.JPG

GOT MILK?
IMG_1066.JPG

Thank you GPS!!! More dirt roads courtesy of "Shortest Distance - Avoid Highways"
IMG_1075.JPG

Followed by the largest Chirstmas Tree Farm I have ever seen!
IMG_1079.JPG

Long trains abound around Corning (home of the famous Corning Glass Works)
IMG_1082.JPG

IMG_1084.JPG

IMG_1088.JPG

Here we are getting closer to the Seneca Lake valley ahead
IMG_1091.JPG

Welcoming all farm traffic...behind us.
IMG_1098.JPG

IMG_1101.JPG

IMG_1103.JPG

Cruising into downtown Watkins Glen (more pics the following day)
IMG_1109.JPG

The view alongside the Lake Rd was to-die-for
IMG_1116.JPG

More wineries than you could shake a stick at.
IMG_1117.JPG

IMG_1122.JPG

Five miles from our destination, the skies opened up but we were all smiles checking in and unloading our gear. Ahhhhh time to relax.
IMG_1125.JPG

The Belhurst Castle was absolutely picturesque but I won't bore you with "vacation" shots...er I will try not to.
IMG_1135.JPG

Bar view on the lake after the storm
IMG_1155.JPG

Food Porn beware!!!
BIG BURGER
IMG_1147.JPG

BBQ Sandwich
IMG_1148.JPG

IMG_1163.JPG

Underwhelming sunset but what a view of Geneva, NY
IMG_1169.JPG

Morning broke in a cloudy cover but the view was still grand.
IMG_1206.JPG

The following day, we set out to explore the surrounding region known particularly for their climate/soil ability to grow complex white grapes for Rieslings and Gewurtzraminers.

Rolling through Geneva, NY, Lauren snapped some pictures of the town's buildings and architecture:
IMG_1215.JPG
IMG_1211.JPG
IMG_1212.JPG
IMG_1214.JPG

The wind made it a great day for sailing. I bet they are out there having a blast!
IMG_1220.JPG

This kind man walking the lake path stopped and offered to snap our picture. Thanks walking dude.
IMG_1222.JPG

^ This is where I hopped off the bike and scared the hell out of Lauren as she thought the whole thing would collapse and fall on top of her. I should have told her I put it on the kickstand.

Rolling on the east side of the lake wishing I had brought the GPS.
IMG_1226.JPG

IMG_1235.JPG

So so many vineyards:
IMG_1229.JPG

IMG_1237.JPG

IMG_1243.JPG

IMG_1250.JPG

IMG_1263.JPG

We explored a number of them but I won't go into depth boring you with the pics. They can be found here: LINK

IMG_1293.JPG

Grape Buds
IMG_1295.JPG

IMG_1301.JPG

IMG_1306.JPG

The geology of the area lends itself to many waterfalls. It was absolutely stunning and right on the roadside!
IMG_1317.JPG

IMG_1330.JPG

RUN RUN RUN!
IMG_1334.JPG

Down we rode into Watkins Glen at the south end of the lake in search of a bite to eat.
IMG_1337.JPG

IMG_1346.JPG
Neat little market. Lauren said it'd be cool and it sure was a great stop!
IMG_1341.JPG

IMG_1345.JPG

IMG_1344.JPG

IMG_1343.JPG

IMG_1347.JPG

MMMMMM
IMG_1349.JPG

I love old floors
IMG_1350.JPG

Just south of Watkins Glen is another waterfall along the roadside
IMG_1353.JPG

IMG_1354.JPG

Back to relaxation mode.
IMG_1388.JPG

IMG_1400.JPG

I woke around 5:15 to enjoy the morning sunrise.
IMG_1429.JPG

It was nothing short of spectacular.
IMG_1432.JPG

IMG_1433.JPG

IMG_1435.JPG

IMG_1436.JPG

IMG_1438.JPG

IMG_1439.JPG

Packing up, we had one last delicious meal and set forth back to VA. This Winery deserved a visit...I mean check that out!
IMG_1447.JPG

HOORAY! TIMER SHOT
IMG_1449.JPG

IMG_1458.JPG

The remainder of the trip was beautiful albeit mostly high-speed riding to cover the distance back to VA. We made it home before dark and unpacked before falling fast asleep. Over 1000 miles for the vacation and back to work for TWO DAYS until our next trip to NYC for Memorial Day Weekend. Those pics soon to follow!

IMG_1900.JPG

IMG_1877.JPG

IMG_1854.JPG

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Scoot
  • Paddle
  • Pedal
  • Moto
    • The South >
      • Merchant's Millpond State Park, NC
      • BRP and a visit to Charlotte, NC
      • South Carolina and Back on my GS (2011)
      • Jaw-ja Trip #1 - Visiting my Nephew
      • Jaw-ja Trip #2 - Cousin's Wedding
      • "You rode 1300 miles for BBQ?!?" (2010)
    • Canada (eh) >
      • 2012 - Beards to Canada >
        • Day 1: Arlington, VA > Arlington, VT
        • Day 1-2 (Continued) Back to VA!!!
        • Day 3: Newburyport, NH > Sandy Cove, NS
        • Day 4: Loafing around "The Neck"
        • Day 5: Sandy Cove, NS to Antigonish, NS
        • Day 6: Antigonish, NS to Meat Cove, NS
        • Day 7: Meat Cove, NS to Port Aux Basques, NFL
        • Day 8: Port Aux Basques to Port Saunders
        • Day 9: Port Saunders to Big Brook
        • Day 10: Big Brook, NL to Trans Lab Hwy
        • Day 11: Trans Lab Hwy to Pinware River
        • Day 12: Pinware River, LAB to Norris Point, NL
        • Day 13: Norris Point to Blue Beach
        • Day 14: Blue Beach, NL to Port Aux Basques Ferry
        • Day 15: Sydney, NS to Sandy Cove, NS
        • Day 16: Chillin on the Digby Neck
        • Day 17: Sandy Cove, NS to No. Sandwich, NH
        • Day 18: Sandiwch, NH to Arlington, VA (Home)
      • Algonquin Park 2013 >
        • Day 1: Home to New York
        • Day 2: Chataugay State Forest to Brent, ON
        • Day 3: Brent, ON to Nipissing River Portage at Nadine Lake
        • Day 4: Nipissing River @ Nadine Lake Portage to first island in Red Pine Bay
        • Day 5: Red Pine Bay to Hogan’s Lake
        • Day 6: Hogan’s Lake to Catfish Lake
        • Day 7: Catfish Lake to Cedar Lake to Fredonia, NY
        • Day 8: Fredonia, NY to Brookville, PA
        • Day 9: Brookville, PA to Alexandria, VA
      • Think I'll ride to Montreal this weekend...
      • Ontario on a Whim
    • Maryland >
      • How to Hit a Tree, By ME!
      • Ruckus Stealth Camping in MD
      • Ruck'n around Southern MD
      • White's Ferry and some Maryland Backroads
      • 1000mi right near da' beach (2010)
    • New York >
      • Cornell, Niagara Falls and PA Coal Country (2012)
      • Finger Lakes trip to NY (2011)
      • New York City Trip (2011)
    • Pennsylvania >
      • Early Spring in PA
      • Michaux Camping
      • From a Wedding to "Where-da-fugawi?"
      • Pennsylvania Leaf Peeping (2012)
      • First Big Trip to PA (2010)
    • Virginia >
      • From the Mountains to the Sea in Ol' Virginny'
      • What the Fog? (Northern Neck, VA - 2013)
      • Uncle Bucks Ride to Eat and Snowy SNP
      • Charlottesville Area Ride
      • Serious Helmet Time in VA (2011)
      • Ruck'n Across Virginia (2010)
      • Impromptu Camping with 'DC Rider' (2010)
    • West Virginia >
      • Rella-Vous and Skippii Rescue
      • New River Gorge Ghost Town Exploration (2011)
      • Five States from Laurel Fork (Spring 2013)
      • A Little Dirt, A Little Clouds, A lotta Fun, WV (2012)
      • GS and an NSX? (2012)
      • Seneca Rocks Camping Two-Up (2011)
      • Panniers Only Club at Seneca Rocks, WV (2010)
      • Laurel Fork Fall 2010 on the Honda Ruckus 50cc (2010)
      • Dog Days Rally and Rella's Gift (2010)
      • Pops and Richmonders in WV (2010)
      • Rocket Boys (2010)
      • New River Gorge and Rella's (2010)
    • Cross Country 2009 >
      • Trip Preparation
      • Day 1: (Sept 3, 2010)
      • Day 2: (Sept 4, 2010)
      • Day 3: (Sept 5, 2010)
      • Day 4: (Sept 6, 2010)
      • Day 5: (Sept 7, 2010)
      • Day 6: (Sept 8, 2010)
      • Day 7: (Sept 9, 2010)
      • Day 8: (Sept 10, 2010)
      • Day 9: (Sept 11, 2010)
      • Day 10: (Sept 12, 2010)
      • Day 11: (Sept 13, 2010)
      • Day 12: (Sept 14, 2010)
      • Day 13: (Sept 15, 2010)
      • Day 14: (Sept 16, 2010)
      • Day 15: (Sept 17, 2010)
      • Day 16: (Sept 18, 2010)
      • Day 17: (Sept 19, 2010)
  • Photos
  • Articles