After spending nearly a week in New Hampshire, we were in Vermont for less than two days. We left Rochester by going up another mountain. We road uphill for about 10 miles, but most of it was gradual, so it wasn't too bad. The top of this mountain was much more fun then Mount Bethel. For one, you could actually tell that it was the top, because it started going downhill, unlike Mt Bethel, where the top had a little downhill... and then some more up... Also, this one actually had an elevation sign, so that lead to many pictures. The Long Trail passed over this mountain. But the best part of the top, and the most welcomed, was the trucks use low gear sign. Because that only means one thing... downhills! So after 10 miles of uphill, we were rewarded by not having to pedal for four miles!
At the base of the mountain we found Brandon, another quaint New England town. Lucky for us, Brandon was the site of a lovely farmers' market. The booths were filled with maple syrup, delicious jams, banana bread, zucchini bread, and best of all STRAWBERRIES!
The ride from Rochester, VT to NY was probably our most interesting. After leaving the mountains, and Brandon, we found ourselves riding through rolling hills surrounded by farms. The warm sun was a nice change from the rain of the day before, but it got a bit hot as you climbed the hills and lost the breeze.
From lunch we set out to finally leave VT... after only 1 night. Our journey to NY state involved a short ferry ride that took us to historic Ticonderoga. After taking a picture at the NY sign, I regret to say that I passed up the chance to stop by the Fort. I figured I had been there before, so I may as well see what else the area had to offer.... mistake. The next day was the 250th anniversary of the battle at Fort Ticonderoga, and preparations were in full swing. Preparations that involved 1000s (not 100s, 1000s) of reenactors, and you didn't even have to pay to go inside to see them, they were everywhere.
Instead, joy and I took some comparatively tame photos by the falls and a covered bridge in historic downtown. After climbing yet another hill in the heat, we stopped for some ice cream... which I must say, was pretty good, and continued on our way. Whilst pedaling along, we see Zach, standing on the left side of the road. Was there a problem or a treat in store? Obviously a treat! Lake George provided a great escape from the heat as we jumped in and swam around before finally pedaling our way to the evening's destination, the YMCA in Silver Bay.
Now I say YMCA... but I'm sure you have all seen Dirty Dancing. Remember that resort? It was more like that. Beautiful camp style buildings on Lake George and plenty of entertainment provided. Just to name a few of the wonderful attractions... swimming, kayaking, sailing (though there wasn't much wind), archery, a full dining hall... and perhaps the best part.... beds!
In the morning we all enjoyed overeating in the dining hall before beginning our journey to Indian Lake.