The falls
We crossed the border back into the US at Niagara Falls on Labor Day weekend. Being a holiday on both sides of the border, the falls were inundated with people. Crossing the border, customs officials wouldn't let us use the pedestrian bridge, so were were forced to wait in the traffic jam of vehicles on the bridge. It was a bit daunting waiting in line for customs with several hundered vehicles.
After crossing back into the US, we rode over to the Erie Canal Trail along the Erie Canal. The canal was once a major transportation route to upstate New York, which helped in fostering the economic development of New York City. Now the canal is no longer used for commercial purposes. The canal trail was 80 miles of perfectly flat, crushed gravel, with NO CARS. This was a nice break from the shoulder-less roads of Canada. The canal passes through small, sleepy towns. After reluctantly getting off the canal trail, we headed north along the coast of Lake Ontario. We've also gotten back into some rolling hills, which we haven't experienced in at least a thousand miles or so. The roads of NY state are fantastic. The shoulders are so wide that it's almost as if they're bike lanes.
Harvest season is in full swing. We pedal through apple and peach orchards, vineyards, and corn fields. Further west it was fields of wheat, sugar beets, and soy beans. There are farm stands at almost every turn and the eatin' is good. We've been feasting on fresh fruit, apple cider, and of course.... pies!
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After a few weeks on the road, the life of cross country cyclist becomes pretty routine. We wake up shortly after sunrise and pack up camp. We either eat an appetizing breakfast of granola bars and fruit or head to a nearby cafe/diner. After breakfast we pedal throughout the morning breaking for water, snacks or to consult the map. Lunch is usually another diner or a quick trip into a grocery store. Back on the bikes, we pedal into the afternoon, usually stopping for diner at yet another restaurant. We find a place to camp for the evening and set up camp, relax, and read. Then repeat.
