This is Tuesday, July 1st, spent the night at Walmart in Skowhegan Me. Stopped by the Bike & Board Shop and talked to the owner about bikes and the trip. Continuing on hwy 2 west on a nice sunny day.

Wednesday, July 2nd, spent the night in Farmington, Me. at the Walmart. Continuing on hwy 2 west. Came into the town of Mexico, Me. where they have a sawmill and paper mill and also have a roaring river going through town here. Nice little community and a lot of red brick buildings, also taking a picture of the water coming down the hillside. The pictures of Rumford Falls on the Androscoggin River also known at one time New Pennaco Cape Falls the highest falls east of Niagara with a total vertical drop of 176 ft. The system of dams and canals were built in 1890 to generate electricity and today 40,000 kilowatt of power is produced from the upper and lower dams. The Diorama commemorates the Anasagunticook Tribe which was a part of the Eastern Abanakis  they lived in nearby Canton and Bethel camped on the spot to fish for migrating salmon. By 1817 only occasional salmon were seen due to the dams being built. This stream is owned to brown trout, and rainbow trout, and landlock salmon.

Thursday, July 3rd, spent the night at an RV Park off of hwy 2 heading west in Hanover, Me. I am at the state line between Maine and New Hampshire. Looking back at the state of Maine, very beautiful state, green trees, water, river, ocean, inlets, wonderful people, small towns, a good way of life. Seen some bicyclists in this last week hear but they are always going the opposite direction I am. Seen signs that say snowmobiles crossing and snowmobiles clubs. That is one organization I won't be joining since I am a desert rat. But I have enjoyed going through the state of Maine. Now looking forward to going through the state of New Hampshire on hwy 2 going west. From hwy 2 in New Hampshire to 115 going south. We are on our way to Twin Mountains to spend the night which has taken us away from hwy 2 which we will be picking back up in the Michigan area. We are on our way to Albany N.Y. Traveling south on 115 came across a historical marker. Cherry Mountain Slide, on July 10th 1885 at 6am a slide from Cherry Mountain northern peak left a deep gash from Aowl's head to the valley. A million tons of boulders trees and mud loosened by a cloud burst rolled and tumbled a Tortous 2 miles destroying Oscar Stanley's new home and his cattle. Farm hand Walker rescued from debris but died 4 days later. The Stanley family was not there. Excursion trains and carriages brought people from far to view the tragic site, which has now almost disappeared through natures's healing process.

This is Friday, July 4th, we have made it to the town of Carroll in Twin Mountains, N.H. going to spend a couple of days here. Wish everybody a happy 4th of July. I wish to thank everybody who made this country free and given me the opportunity to travel around this country to see it's beauty and visit with these wonderful people.

This is Saturday, July 5th, this is a day off visiting the area of Twin Mountains, N.H. Went to the fireman's pancake breakfast, met some very wonderful people and visited the area here. Historical marker, Bretton Woods Monetary Conference. In 1944 United States Government chose the Mt. Washington Hotel as a site for the gathering of Representatives from 44 countries. This was to be the famed Bretton Woods Monetary Conference. The conference established the World Bank. Set the gold standard at 35.00 an ounce and chose the American Dollar at the backbone of International Exchange. The meeting provided the world with a badly needed post war currency stability.

This is Sunday, July 6th, back on the road again. We finished hwy 2 on Thursday to hwy 115 and then hwy 3 and now going on hwy 302 heading west. Traveling along here came to the town of Bethlehem and on the north side of the road is a shrine. Our Lady of the Fairway Shrine and Maplewood Caddy Camp. Beginning in 1915 boys from Boston were brought to Bethlehem to work as caddies at the Maplewood and Mt. Washington Hotel Golf Courses. They lived in tents and then cabins at the campsite which is now Friendship House. Some 2000 young men learned about in the White Mountains under the leadership of camp director Norman Franzdim. Hundreds of the alumni continued their association with each other in the area. In 1998 the Shrine was dedicated as a memorial of the former caddies and the contributions they have made here and elsewhere. Went through the town of Littleton on hwy 302 just a short distance past town is a historical marker next to the river. Willowdale Settlement. Willowdale was established around a sawmill that was built in 1812. The village thrived because sawmills, gristmills, and a factory producing sawmill machinery, were powered by the Ammonoosuc River. After the Littleton Lumber Company opened in 1870, the village grew rapidly, to include stores, a post office, a school, railroad siting and a hall. The company employed as many as 60 workers and produced 3 to 6 million board feet yearly. Until fire destroyed it in 1898. The village never recovered and slowly dwindled away until it disappeared altogether. A fate suffered by 19th century villages. So I am standing here and there is nothing around. Continuing on hwy 302 the next historical marker. Old Colt Kiln. A reminder of by gone days, this stone structure was used to make wood into charcoal for the nearby iron smelters. Pine nuts, a waste material, from the adjacent lumber mill were a fine source for charcoal. Charcoal production through this kiln built in the 1860's was necessary to the iron mining industry. Bath, N.H. settled in 1766 by Jaasiel Harriman whose cabin was near the great rock. His 9 yr old daughter, Mercy, carried dirt in her apron to the top of this unique rock formation. Here she planted corn, pumpkins, and cucumbers, making it the first garden in town. Three well preserved covered bridges are to be found here, along its many fine homes, is a federal mansion built by Moses P. Payson in 1810. Following hwy 302 we have turned on N.H. state 10 south, making our way to the lower part of the state. Coming across here is a historical marker, Roger's Rangers, the river's junction 10 miles north was rendezvous for Roger's Rangers after their destruction of St. Francis, Que., October 4, 1759.

Monday, July 7th, we spent the night in an RV Park in Orford, N.H. this morning we continued on hwy 10 until I got to Dartmouth College, the road turned east and I lost hwy 10 so I ended up on hwy 120 going south and went through Lebanon and came across an historical marker. Kimball a Union Academy. This school known first as Union Academy was chartered June 16, 1813 to train young men for leadership in the ministry. The original building located about 1000 ft west of here was dedicated January 9, 1815, destroyed by fire 1824.

This is Tuesday, July 8th spent the night at Walmart in Claremont. Heading on 103 west. Now crossing the river into the state of Vermont. Going a short distance on 103 and heading for hwy 5 south. Passed a little water falls, took a break and listened to the water. Proceeding I came across an historical marker. William Jarvis, consul to Lisbon, was the first to import Merino Sheep into the U.S. In 1811, consul Jarvis brought from Spain to his farm in Weathersfield Bow the prized Merino Sheep whose longer fibers revolutionized the woolen industry and stimulated sheep raising throughout the east. In the 1830's Merino's were the state's principal livestock. Came across a plaque, General Lewis R. Morris 1760 to 1825. Homestead built by him in 1795, soldier of the revolution, member of congress, 1797 to 1803 commissioner for Vermont statehood. 1791 secretary for constitutional conventions, 1793 member of Vermont, legislator 6 times, his action decided presidency in 1801. Currently at this location General Lewis built his Christmas tree farm. Continuing on hwy 5 came across two cyclists, Dotty and her niece Linda. Dotty rides her bike once a week on Tuesday's for about 20 miles and she happens to be 77 years old. Continuing to West Minister, another historical marker, Courthouse West Minister Massacre. Here stood the Cumberland County Courthouse seat of New York's colonial administration. Opposition to hold a court session led to the massacre of March 13th 1775. Here the New Hampshire grants on January 16 1777 declared the independence as New Connecticut later Vermont.

This is Wednesday, July 9th spent the night at an RV Park. Worked my way to hwy 9 heading west. There were some pretty good hills. Through the state of Vermont and now in the state of New York were the road changed to hwy 7. At this point ended up getting an afternoon shower. Now on hwy 22 south we followed that until we hit state hwy 2 going west to where we spent the night at an RV Park.

This is Thursday, July 10th, Continuing on hwy 2 in New York and traveled into the town of Troy across the Hudson River where hwy 2 turned into hwy 7 to hwy 159 to an RV Park called Frosty Acres and lay low tomorrow for an extra day off and we will get back on the road on Saturday. We had lunch by the river.

This is Saturday, July 12th continuing on hwy 159 and branched onto hwy 60 and on our way to ride along the Erie Canal and coming over a crest you have a view of the valley below and some mountains out a ways. Beautiful day, sunshine and a green area. Continuing on hwy 160 we worked our way to hwy 5 south which went to the bike route. There is a group of about 575 cyclists from 3 different states traveling the other way. They are on a bicycle rode from Buffalo to Albany, an 8 day trip. I stopped in this little town just off by hwy 30, still on the bike route is an historical marker. Sweet Canal Store. Built 1850 served as store and wet house for goods shipped across river into Amsterdam. Continuing on hwy 5s broke off from the canal trail, came across an historical area called Ossernenon, lower Mohawk Indian Castle 1642 to 1659, Father Jogues and Rene Goupil martyred here and Pekakwipha born here. Traveling on I went across the river which is part of the canal system onto hwy 5 west to St. Johnsville were we are spending the night in a campground and also taking the next day off.

This is Monday, July 14th, yesterday we took the day off and kyaked about 2 miles on the canal, me, Sandy, and Scout Cuddles. Today we left there and traveled hwy 5 west to Utica and switching to hwy 69 going west just outside of Utica came across a historic area. Historic New York site of the battle of Oriskany, August 6th 1777. The battle of Oriskany was one of the bloodiest engagements of the American Revolution. British and Indians here ambushed the Tyron County Malicious as they were marching to the relief of Fort Stanwix. General Nick Herkimer though wounded rallied his forces and directed the fighting until the enemy fled. Defeated at Oriskany and unable to force the surrender of Fort Stanwix the British retreated to Canada. There is a monument that rises to the sky here on this battle ground.

Tuesday, July 15th, spent the night in the city of Rome, N.Y. at Walmart. Now traveling on hwy 49 west and then took a side road named New London which took me through some farm areas. Saw some wild turkeys, asked them if they want to go to Mexico but they turned and ran away from me. Made it to hwy 365 going west which took us to the Turning Stone Casino and Resort were we met Jay, a representative of the Fortunet Company, and got a brief tour and then lunch. Spent the evening at the RV Park sitting outside and enjoying the lightening bugs. First time we have seen those since Florida.

This is Wednesday, July 16th, left the Village Turning Stone and headed north on hwy 365 took 31 west to 13 north went around Onida Lake and found a beach area up to hwy 49 went west on 49 to the town of West Monroe and then headed north to the camp area where we will spend a couple of days and pick up some grandkids tomorrow from the Buffalo airport and we will be doing some kayaking.

This is July 18th, Friday. On the 17th we took a day off. This morning I am riding to our first start of kayaking so I left on hwy 69 going west until I arrived at hwy 11 going south. Came into the town of Brewerton and the Onida river. There is an historical marker here. Near this spot Samuel Dechamplain on October 8th 1615 crossed the river and discovered Onida Lake. Passing over the Onida river there are places for restaurants and entertainment here. Continuing down hwy 11 I turned on hwy 31 which is the New York 5 bike route. As I came across the tracks an historical marker. Cigarville Station built in 1871 served Syracuse Northern Railroad, burned and rebuilt in 1890 and renamed Clay Station 1903.

This is Saturday, July 19th, did a little kayaking from Baldwinsville to Weedsport with my grandsons and got a little precipitation but nothing major, it was pleasant out there in the water with some other boaters who were very friendly to us.

This is Sunday, July 20th we spent the night in a campground and now returning to hwy 31 from hwy 90 and a historical marker. Old Erie Canal, completed from Utica to here in 1819. The Montezuma built here was the first boat on the canal. Took passengers to Syracuse in 1820. I have turned onto hwy 31 going west came across the canal section, this is the Seneca River portion and a historical sign says, Squagonna Aboriginal named for ("Paradise of Mosquitoes"). The river was Tiohero "River of Rushs." Following hwy 31 came across an historical New York Plaque. Palmyra area, here before the white man came, lived the Kayugan Seneca Indians. Their displacement after revolution, when many went to Canada, opened the land to settlers. Massachusetts which claimed a large portion of western New York sold its holdings to land speculators, Phelps and Gorham. Settlement was later actively promoted by Charles Williamson, agent for the Pulteney Associates. The rapid growth of villages followed the completion of Erie Canal in 1825. Incidents in this area raised social and religious issues of national importance. In 1826 the disappearance of William Morgan produced an anti-masonic movement. The vision of Joseph Smith on the hill of Cumorah, near Palmyra, resulted in the Book of Mormon, and founding of the church of Latter Day Saints. The home of the Fox sisters, near Hydeville, is regarded as the birth place of spiritualism. Small industries grew up along the Erie Canal and the New York Central Railroad, but the region remained rural. It is known for its fruit orchards and horticultural nurseries, especially the growing of roses.

Monday, July 21st, my support vehicle gave me a ride 12 miles east of Rochester where I continued from Sunday's stopping after a wind and rain storm. Now continuing through the Rochester area, my grandson, Desmond, ride with me for about 15 miles. Continuing on ended up going through the community of Albion were I will stop for the day and continue in a couple of days. Tomorrow will be a day off, I have to take Sandy to the airport and I will continue on Wednesday.

This is Wednesday, July 23rd ended up going to Lockport spending the time here. I have ridden the bike east and for some reason the wind is blowing against me. The only time the wind has been blowing from the east since I have been heading west. Through the town of Albion were I left off here. The old historic downtown Main Street of churches, civic buildings, stores also along the canal here came across an historic marker. September 28th 1859. Two hundred and fifty people and five horses gathered here on a wooden bridge to watch a tightrope walker cross the canal. It collapsed killing 15 people. Going down the canal path the canal actually goes over a river going by that has a small waterfall.

This is Saturday, July 26th, spent the last couple of days just north of Lockport. This morning I am continuing along the canal trail and hwy 31 brought me down to hwy 425 to 62 and on over the canal trail again which brought into the Gateway Park here in North Tonawanda and on the bridge is an historical sign. Lumber Port, in the late nineteenth century this area was the largest lumber port in the world. They have a downtown section and I will be meeting my cousin, Ellen and her husband, Dick a little bit later today.

This is Tuesday, July 29th, we spent the last couple of days camping in Grand Island, N.Y. Spent some time in the Buffalo area and also Niagara Falls. Did some attractions there. The Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, and the Whirlpool. Left this morning from Grand Island on hwy 384 north across the bridge over to Niagara Falls where I followed the river roads south along the bike trail going through the town of North Tonawanda, Tonawanda, Wheetfield all the way to Buffalo. I followed the path but I think I went a little too far and ended up on a breaker wall which was the entrance to Lake Erie and the falls. And the water is flowing quite fast as it comes into the Niagara River. So we will continue going through the Buffalo area.

This is Wednesday, July 30th we spent the night in Fredonia at a Walmart just off hwy 20. Left this morning and went towards the lake on hwy 60 until I came to hwy 5 west. For the last two days going through western New York, I have seen many grapevines which produces wine and grapes throughout the western part of New York. Continuing on hwy 5 we stopped at Barcelona Harbor for a little break and have some lunch. Nice harbor area and view of Lake Erie. About 10 miles we will leave the state of New York, now in the state of Pennsylvania. One thing the road on some sections of New York was quite fine, the section on hwy 5 in Pennsylvania has been around awhile, not quite as smooth.

This is Thursday, July 31st. Yesterday we left hwy 5 to hwy 20. Jumped onto the Interstate to check out a visitors center could not stop because there was not enough spots for trucks and rv's to stop, so we ended up off of hwy 20 at a truck stop next to the railroad tracks for the night. The next morning we continued on hwy 20 going west approaching the Erie Pennsylvania area came across a cautionary sign, it says aggressive driver area high crash volume. Does that mean I have to be cautious because the drivers are bad around here or is there a driver thats is very aggressive, so why don't we get that driver off the road. Just biked into the state of Ohio. Road wasn't too bad in Pennsylvania not as good as New York but the gas prices are quite a bit lower. On hwy 20 doesn't look like much shoulder and non at all, so we will see what Ohio brings.