Final shot from Camp Iroquoina before leaving this morning:
One of the logistics for a trip like this is, ahem, delicate, but I’m sure many of you have wondered about it. This morning I had three mugs of decaf coffee before leaving camp, hoping to initiate, well, you know, but it just wasn’t working. Diana dropped me off at yesterday’s pick-up spot:
and sure enough, just ten minutes later I was looking for a place to dive into the bush. I found a spot, across from a trailer that appeared abandoned and began to take care of business. Shortly thereafter I heard voices, and it was apparent that my cart, left by the road, was at least part of the conversation. The voices were approaching so I finished up quickly and emerged with a sheepish smile on my face and a roll of toilet paper in my hand. I was met by Gary and Teddy:
You can see Gary’s hunting and fishing trailer in the background. I didn’t know whether to expect a gun or a smile when I emerged, but as you can see, we were on good terms after I explained what I was up to (both this month, and just prior to that moment).
Gary was particularly intrigued as he had seen me on 171 yesterday and wondered what he was seeing. We talked a bit about my trip and I gave them one of my new cards with my web address on it (thanks a zillion, Paul!). I regretted not asking Gary more questions what he was thinking when he saw me on the highway. Perhaps he will leave a comment to let us know.
My goal today was to reach Binghamton. Some friends, Mark and Bethany, had noted early on that I would be passing near their house and had invited me to stay with them. I started out 25 miles from them this morning and knew I couldn’t make it all the way, but Mark had graciously offered to pick me up wherever I ended up and then drop me tomorrow at the same spot.
Here are a few photos from that last part of 1010, leading into Hallstead:
I saw a surprising number of BUDs (Big Ugly Dishes); these antennas are a thing of the past, I thought.
At the end of 1010 it passes under I-81:
Hallstead is a normal, small town with some dreary bits:
but once outside the town the road followed the Susquehanna, even though I was now going north rather than west. This is presumably the reason that the region is called Great Bend.
It wasn’t very long before I reached this significant milestone:
That’s the second of my three border crossings. The stretch of road just before turning off Highway 7 had this very wide shoulder — perfect for walking. What I like is a wide shoulder or no traffic (or both!)
I’ve seen lots and lots of Halloween decorations, but this one was actually creepy. That’s an open door you are being invited through, and it’s pitch black. I certainly felt no desire to go in there.
It was a relief to turn finally off this highway onto Conklin Forks Road, which had no shoulders and no traffic. There was a lot of uphill to do, but it was lovely up near the summit of this gentle hill. One resident had decorated their fence with birdhouses and antique tools:
Here are just two of the many lovely vistas looking out over what must be very expensive properties:
Around about this time a pickup truck pulled up in front of me, facing me. When I approached, an earnest young man showed some concern that I was taking pictures in the neighborhood. I was starting to get my wish to find out what people were thinking of me. He was only slightly mollified when I handed him one of my cards and he assured me that he would follow up.
I won’t mention his name, to protect his anonymity, as he didn’t want his picture taken. But I was impressed with his vigilance, whether it was in protecting his family or his neighborhood. I’m sure I would sleep more soundly in my own house if I knew he was a neighbor.
Soon I was descending into Binghamton. I saw this mailbox in need of support:
and this very delicate clump of grass — Lorette?
It had been increasingly cloudy during the day and today was the first time I kept my long-sleeved shirt on for the whole time. During the final descent into Binghamton the late afternoon sun did manage to peek out:
and I finally arrived at the city boundary:
My favorite encounter of the day was with Jack (on the right) and Eric:
I was one block from the endpoint of my day’s walk when they pulled up, rolled down the window and asked me what I was doing. They didn’t seem concerned at all (unlike the earlier, earnest young man); merely curious. Jack thought that maybe I worked for the government and was doing something in the neighborhood, based on the flashing light on the stroller handle. They were both funny fellows and we enjoyed a good laugh over that. Jack fixes up foreclosed houses for the bank and his brother-in-law Eric is a stonemason. Jack was just a block from his house. His best comment, while expressing incredulity in what I was doing, was that he never walked if he could help it; after all, God created gas and cars didn’t he?
A block later I called my friend Mark. He promptly drove the seven miles from his house to pick me up and I was soon ensconced in warmth and love:
Mark and his brother John are in the foreground with Mark on the left. Mark’s wife Bethany and their baby Sammy are behind him. John’s wife Meg is straddled by their children Ian and Abi. We had a perfect meal for the end of a long, chilly day — chunky, fresh chicken soup and fresh bread.
So I’ve had three long days now. I’m definitely pushing some sort of limit in walking around 18 miles — at the end of the day I’m quite stiff and limping. But a night’s sleep really resets me and I’m ready to go again in the morning.
One technical note for the geek squad — why can’t I get a scale on my google maps? This REALLY annoys me, because it would be very useful and because it is MUCH easier to implement than all the other sophisticated stuff that google is doing with their maps. If anyone knows how to get a scale on an iPhone, please tell me.
Another technical note — the SIGHTINGS tab stopped working today and I can’t figure out why. I was sending them all day but the last one that got through was when I reached I-81. I’ve tried everything I can think of but can’t seem to get them working again.
Allan, your pictures of the scenery are exquisite…and the others are humorous and so interesting…it is amazing that we usually go zooming by all these details on our travels thinking mostly of the destination and missing out on the journey!! This really is fun for everyone…I really had no idea you were going to entertain us and welcome us along on your trek!! Every one is enjoying it so much.
THANK YOU…WE LOVE YOU!!!!
I’m so glad you are enjoying it Alison. I agree so much about missing things in our zoomy lives. A similar thought I had yesterday is that sometimes we do see these things, but only for an instant. We take note, but it happens so fast that we forget about it right away. We might even think “I should get out of the car and take a picture of that”, but we never do. Anyway, I’m having the time of my life and I’m glad you can enjoy it vicariously.
Allan, great pictures! It wasn’t strange to see you walking on 171, just your companion the stroller, very ingenious! I should of explained; the trailer is my hunting and fishing camp not my home. If you pass through again you have a place to spend the night.
Good luck on your walk! I’ll be checking your progress. Gary
Gary!! Thanks so much for leaving a reply. Sorry for the confusion about your home. I doubt I will do this again, but I do appreciate your generosity in extending the offer. I wish I had asked you more about what you thought when you saw me. I hope I don’t cause a rubber-necking accident some day. And thanks for following along with my progress!
Question, have you found yourself drinking a lot of water? I think I saw a large plastic bottle in one of the pictures. Do you fill it up at the start of the day and have you easily been able to find water through out the day?
I was thinking today of doing an extra blog post on the equipment I have with me. That would answer a number of questions people have. I carry a water backpack that has about two liters of water in it and just sip from the tube that hangs over my shoulder from time to time. I rarely get through it in a day but in case I do, I have two water bottles to fill it from.
The bottle you did see may have been the one I use when I’m camping. I keep it in the tent in case nature calls in the middle of the night. Don’t worry — it gets thoroughly washed out in the morning!
I look forward to reading your post everyday! Thanks for all the pictures along the way!
It’s funny how I’m telling myself the story of the day as I go. Each time I take a picture I think of the caption I might write later.
Allan,
You had another great day yesterday, and I concur that there are very sweeter spots than to end a long autumn day with warm soup, bread and good friends! The Jack and Eric quote regarding carbon based fuels and theology was epic! I doubt they are reading up on global warming or carbon tax or climate change!
The weather seems to be holding up for you which is excellent.
Today I am MTL with Rebekah as she is preparing to leave and head off on another adventure. We are just starting off the day at the Plume Café. I hope you get to check out some similar cafés along your route.
Cheers!!!
Russell
Regarding the weather, it has been superb so far. 50% chance of rain tomorrow, so I may have to deploy rain protection measures.
Greetings Allan,
I was just looking ahead to your route after Niagara Falls.
Your map indicates you’ll be going through the Thorold Tunnel under the Welland Canal. This is a major highway along here, you might not be permitted to walk through the tunnel, it would be interesting though.
Also, shortly after that, you’re going sort of north on Burleigh Hill Drive. Are you _sure_ you want to go that way? That goes up the escarpment, so is really steep.
On the other hand, I know that safe walking routes in that region are quite limited. Safe travels.
I haven’t really looked at what google maps is saying for the border crossing. My intention is to cross over at the Rainbow Bridge, where it’s possible to walk across. Then I will move over to the shorline; from roughly Grimsby on there is a lovely path along the lake. Once I get to the end of the lake at Hamilton it is mostly urban all the way and I’m hoping there will be contacts for the three nights it will take me. Just talking about it gets me excited!
Greetings,
Crossing over the Rainbow Bridge should exciting,.. lots of photo ops.
Looking at Google Earth, there appears to be a foot path/sidewalk into/out of the Thorold Tunnel, so maybe that’s not an issue after all.
Keep at it.
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Yes, I would love to take photos of that milestone of my trip but I’m uncertain whether it will be allowed.
I like the way that the markers are changing colour like a rainbow does.
I know — Matthew is doing a great job of managing the website.
It was a pleasure having you and hearing some of these stories in person! Regarding the map scale, I just checked my phone (Galaxy S3) and the little scale was sitting there in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. Another win for Android (if my brother reads this) I think. 🙂 I love seeing the pictures that you’ve been taking — you really did choose an awesome time of year to take your journey. Glad we could be a part of it!
Matthew also looked into this and found a thread that is several years old of people complaining about the same thing, especially in light of Android having it. Shame on google.
I’m also very glad you were part of my walk; it was a lovely time for me last night in your home. Thanks so much for offering, and then for picking me up and dropping me off.
That is typical of Google to employ a useful feature only in the Android version of their app. I could go on about other similar things they have done, but I’d hate to clutter up this lovely blog that I’ve been enjoying =)
It was great to see you Allan and to hear about your inspiring trek, and also to get to play a tiny part in it by just being around. I am looking forward to seeing how your skillful camera will frame the many facets of Ithaca!
I’m looking forward to Ithaca — in all the years I’ve been traveling back and forth between NJ and Toronto, we have never gone through there.
So Ben was asked to put in his two cents about this adventure. He looked at the picture of you toward the beginning of Day 12 and thought you were taking out your garbage. He also wanted to know why you had a construction vest on, as he called it. I’ve answered his questions to the best of my ability, but perhaps the man making the trip can shed more light for a curious 5 yr old! Enjoy NY!
Ben — the bin in the stroller is indeed strange looking. One person asked me if I was collecting cans. Another asked me what I as selling. Another thought I was some sort of government person with all those wire and lights. And now you say it looks like I’m taking out the garbage! I am surprised more people don’t ask me about it.
The vest is bright orange so that cars can see me. Sometimes I walk on busy highways, along the edge, and it’s important that passing cars notice me. I have the vest, a flashing white light pointing forward and a flashing read light pointing backward. Today I added some bright reflective tape to the bin. I just want to be seen!!
Love the play by play so to speak.. we both prayed for you just now. I shared with Fiona last night that i am a bit concerned for you. But as she reminded me you are in the Lords hands.. press on my dear friend and brother.. press on!
Virtually everyone I’ve met has been super nice, Jim. There are dangers, of course, but I’m in good Hands.
I am enjoying following your journey from the West Coast. You are doing a great job finding time to post terrific photos with nice commentary. When, and where, are you able to do that each day? The reason I ask is that on a bicycle tour last year I found it difficult to fit the journal maintenance into our daily routine. I am impressed that you are able to do it. Journey mercies to you!
That’s a great question, Mark. I find that I do almost nothing but walk, blog and sleep. I had envisaged more time for reading and contemplation, but the walking takes longer than I thought and the blogging takes MUCH longer. I start the evening by reading and responding to comments; next to walking, this is my favorite part of the trip. Then I write the blog. It’s easier when I’m not staying in a tent, but it works there too. I use an iPad for the task and I have various means of making sure that I have enough power.
Hmm,.. If you had an app or something that converted voice to text, you could dictate your blog as you walked along.
I’ll think about that, John. I confess to composing sentences in my head every time I take a picture.
Hey…so glad to hear the details!!! Happy that you’re feeling like a “feather in the breeze!!!! All your pics are great and thanks for keeping all of us up to date. Luv ya
Maybe in the morning; by the end of the day it’s more like a lump of lead slogging through mud. But it’s amazing how a good night’s sleep rejuvinates by feet and legs and I’m ready to go again in the morning.
Allan! You’re awesome! What a cool trip. Reading through your blog is super inspiring!
Glad you are following, Stu. Perhaps you will do a long walk someday — it’s a wonderful experience.
Lorette’s grass report:
it is a native grass, probably a muhlenbergia. i cant tell the specifics from this photo.
OK, thanks. As I say, I hadn’t seen anything like it before that. I’ll continue to keep my eyes peeled for interesting species.
Trudy and I hiked for 6 miles today near my brother’s vacation rental in New Hampshire. No packs, no stroller, not much in the way of hills. It makes me appreciate how far 15 miles is. And we’ll probably take the day off tomorrow, if it rains. You are one tough mug, Allan.
As you can well imagine, I too have gained a deep appreciation for what 15 miles is. I love being called a tough mug!
I found your blog via Alison’s last post. Thank you. I love the concept of what you are doing, and am enjoying it vicariously. I check your blog regularly and enjoy seeing a new bit of the country and all the beautiful and interesting sights along the way. It’s also neat to see how much the serendipitous meetings with people make your trip all the more interesting – and it’s also nice when they point you to a better route!
… and best of all when they offer a place to stay! Thanks for following along Julie; I hope you enjoy the rest of the ride.
Allan, You’re almost halfway there! Amazing!!! Thanks for all the beautiful pictures and notes on your progress, you’re collecting some great stories! I hope we can get together upon your return for a full evening of “welcome back” festivities.
Christine
Yes, I should reach the halfway mark tomorrow. I would love to get together!