Labor Day.

I’m at lock 15 for the night. I’m the only one here which is surprising. Well me and a peacock. I was in my hammock when I took the picture so its not the greatest. But I had just got to camp and was relaxing for a little bit.

Today was nice riding. A few sections on roads but not too much. Leaving Utica there was a 10 or 15 mile of road riding. But traffic was light and the shoulder was wide. There was a section of brand new trail along the canal. I was really happy to be on it and off the roads. It was just cool enough that when the sun finally burned through the clouds the heat felt good on my sweat soaked back. I only appreciated the warmth for a second though before slamming on my breaks and digging for my phone. If the sun was on my back at 9 am then I was headed West. Much to my chagrin I had went nearly 3 miles the wrong way. I never should of gotten on the new section of trail. I was supposed to stay on the roads. Im glad the sun came out when it did or who knows how many bonus miles I would of got.

After turning around and getting the route figured out I was back on the road. A storm was brewing behind me and I was hoping to out run it. I wanted to be off the road when it hit. It kept gaining on me though. Right when I felt the first drop of rain a little pavilion appeared in the town of Frankfort. Absolutely perfect timing. The road provides.I was under roof when the sky’s opened up. I ate a granola bar dipped in peanut butter while waiting for it to pass. It was just a short storm.

A couple nights ago I met Dave and April. They were camped at the same camping area as me. We talked quite a bit about hiking and camping. I walked over to there campsite to check out there gear. I think they have more gear then I do. It was nice talking with people who think owning 7 tents is perfectly normal. Ha ha. They are both avid outdoor people and have done tons of hiking and cycling. Anyway they caught up to me today and we rode together briefly. They are riding the canal on there recumbent trikes.

My bike seems to be doing fine. I do hope to come across a welding shop that can fix it though. But for right now I’m going to keep riding it the way it is.