Thursday, November 09, 2023

9/27/23 Erie Canal to NYC + Amtrak

34 miles Weedsport to Dewitt

Leslie tested negative again. The trail degraded quickly, turning into mostly dirt double track, though it was a quick surface to ride on and forgiving if you ventured off into the grass. There was a little mud, so it was slick in places. We stopped at a canal museum area for a rest and talked to some local walkers. They noted that the " please check vehicles for stowaway cats" sign was no joke. Apparently the museum cats are quite curious. 


The trail going into Syracuse had elevation gain. We came in from the NYS fairgrounds and took a pedestrian bridge over the 690. Up and up led to a ridge above Onondaga Lake, avoiding a large industrial section. A long switchback brought us back to lake level, then through a natural area someone told us harbored 50 or so eagles at a some points. We saw none. There was a lovely coffee shop downtown, Recess Coffee. 

Stopping in at the Syracuse Art Museum, they let us bring our bikes inside; there was already a touring bike in the gallery. Most of the installations were changing, but there was enough to see to make it worthwhile. The second floor basically consisted of an amalgamation of works usually in storage, called Off the Wall, because the storage areas are being overhauled, as well. The result was very cool. Traveling through Syracuse, we followed the canal trail down the median of a busy road, but it wasn't a bad solution. The Econolodge in Dewitt was simple, but clean. Trader Joe's was the dinner destination, a 4 property journey, over lawns. Dark beer, frozen Mac n cheese, a Tai wrap, and frozen dumplings cooked in the tai wrap container. Those were especially delicious. We had also picked up breakfast from Trader Joe's!

No comments: