"j": start of construction 1975, finished 1976 … and still running

Adirondacks (en)

22.07.
Leaving Montreal. I’m going south. I cross the border to the United States at Rouses Point. The border guard asked me where I’m from, why I have no Canadian license plate and how that works importing your own vehicle. “I even don’t have an idea, how to put that in my computer.” I told him that it is a temporary import and I therefore keep my license plate. He made some phone calls. After a few minutes, everything worked out perfectly. I had to go into the building to fill out the green visa card, the fingerprints and a picture were taken, I had to pay $6 service fee and everything was done. The border employee wished me all the best for the my journey and I was gone.
Many thanks to my brother and his girlfriend, who gave me small amounts in different currencies of some countries I will visit. I already needed a few of the USD to pay the service fee.
It is very difficult to find cheap accommodation here. Vermont is a beautiful but damn expensive area. Hostels are pretty rare and I dare not do camping, because the weather is quite changeable. I stop in a village, because I found it quite nice and asked at the tourist office. “Where is your limit?”, they asked. I said: Around $ 50-60 (though that is far beyond my real average budget of $ 30-40 per night, but I knew I would not get anything here for that price). The staff told me, prices are around $120-$150 per night in this area, excluding taxes. $150 (including tax) is my entire budget for two days. I ended in Rutland, much further south than planned, where I found a motel for $60 the night.

23.07.
It’s pouring rain. The weather reports and satellite images show rain throughout the area. I waited a while and decided to stay another night. It rained far beyond 12pm. So I was watching TV and planed the onward journey. In the afternoon, sun came out. I did some errands and cleaned my motorcycle from the dust and dirt of the past days.

24.07.
DSCF0728In the morning, it was raining again. I found a weather page on the internet, that updates almost in real time. There I saw that it is just a smaller cloud passing by.
I go back north a little bit, because I want to cross Adirondacks. Today’s destination is Lake Placid. 1980 the Olympic Winter Games where held there.
It’s cold. I wear my jacket + inner lining, a sweater and a T-shirt. It’s cool, but driving is tolerable. The ride is short, and I arrive at the hostel early after lunch time. I see that it has about 12 degrees C. With another T-shirt and thick socks, it would be able to drive at 10 degrees C. At least I now know where the limit is.
David and his wife, Terri, are operating the hostel. It is located a bit outside of Lake Placid and it’s very nice. David is a relaxed and friendly guy. 2009, he has hiked the Appalachian Trail in about 5 1/2 months … 3.580km.

As far as I’ve traveled around in Vermont and New York State, I can say: It is just like in Austria. A mix of deciduous and coniferous forests. I could be driving around in the mountainous are of Austria.

I spend the afternoon walking around and having a coffee in Lake Placid. Preparations for the Ironman are going on, which takes place on the coming weekend. David told, that Ironman has been held each year since 1996 and is THE major annual event in Lake Placid. He also told, according to a survey in one of the past years, the amateur riders,  with the profession, gain in average $150,000 per year, while the professionals, who depend on sponsors, only gain around $30,000.
DSCF0721Located in the village I drop in at a “junk dealer”. The guy sells an old pan for $ 55 which is a bit rusty too, $ 525 for the other thing on the photo, about $ 300 for a rusty deck, from which one the frame and the springs are left, and a lot of other stuff.
Hello, Mum! We should not sell our old stuff so cheap at the flea market or over the internet. We should offer them as antiques.

25.07.
Finally sun is shining. Before leaving, David recommend, to either visit the ski jump or drive a few miles up a mountain. I decided for the ski jump, because it is on the road. From the top you have a great view around the area.
I continued through the Adirondacks. It’s a really beautiful area. From time to time I pass smaller towns on smaller or larger lakes.
The joy disappeared when I approached Albany. Maybe the old city is nice. But the suburb in which I stay is a total contrast to my trip during the day.

And I will tell you the next days about my 9 hour horror trip from Albany through Manhattan to Philadelphia.

Thanks for reading, Jürgen.

Album Flickr


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