Chapter 622

7/27/2022

Scout Adventures

plans and whimsy

A ride up Equinox Skyline Drive in Manchester, Vermont is a rewarding experience. You never know what you'll see. They call it the longest paved private road in the country but I don't believe them.

The switchbacks are fun to navigate. The reservoir on the right is part of the Carthusian Monks' charterhouse complex. Their order is the most reclusive of monks anywhere. They are locked into their rooms 20 hours a day. They are awakened about midnight to come out and pray for 3 hours. Then back to bed for a few hours before they come out to pray more hours. Can visit family once a year for a brief time. Two small meals a day, no meat. But it's not so bad, they get to commune with God a lot.

Looking forward to the historic hill climb racers in August.

Joined the Wild Horse Indian Motorcycle Riders Group on Facebook. This is the start of their journey to Daryl's House and Music Pub in Pawling NY. I chose to not ride but volunteered at official photographer on this day. Daryl's a real talented muscian with a wide repertoire. 

Visited near by Field of Horrors and Capital Combat Zone paintball facility for a photo shoot. The workmen let me in to do drone coverage. Very large facility.

After installing the larger hand grips and throttle lock for cruising was wondering how much more comfortable a jouney would be. Had a few goals in mind but proceeded mile by mile willing to abandon and return home if uncomfortable. Kept enjoying the ride and endeid up about 200 miles and 7 hours later. Answer: wish I had this bike my whole life. Doubled the distance riding home from purchase in Keene NH and equaled the one way journeys to Laconia, NH years ago.

Began this serendipitous excursion on the desolate mountain road past Lake Desolation on the way to the Great Sacandaga Lake. When I hit Northville I passed by this historical marker. It called to me so I made a U-turn for photo. I'd recalled the Olmstead connection from prior research. Sam Olmstead paddled up the Sacandaga River in 1788 to be the first settler of Northville.

Passing thru Wells, North Creek  had a hankering to visit Sportys Iron Duke Saloon in Minerva after watching this excellent Adirondack motorcycle trip video.

Then proceeded thru Olmstedville to beautiful Schroon Lake.

Along the journey home I passed by the sign for the Adirondack General Store in Town of Adirondack so stopped in for an Eggplant Rolatina lunch. Had seen this cute video on it a few years ago but never had the chance to stop by. Met the owner, now under new management since May. Very charming you could say. Took the back road from there to Bolton Landing on Lake George. Never had been on it. Probably the best segment of the trip. No traffic - quiet winding country road.

The secret of life is enjoying the ride. By setting the journey as the focus the ride is so much more enjoyable than merely picking a destination and hurrying to get there. 45mph on back roads is the way to go for me. So true for motorcycling and maybe for living life?