6/14/13 Adirondacks Trip (3 day weekend)

6/14/13 9:30am Port Jeff, NY leaving for Connecticut

Google Map of Trip

Last time I went to the Adirondacks, it poured rain the entire time...  So this trip I hope to make up for my lost rainy days.  This time Whiteface Mountains Memorial Highway WILL be open, finally driving up this illusive road that has dodged all my previous rides.

So I set off, 8am from Hampton Bays, NY to catch the 9:30am Port Jeff Ferry.  Which is business as usual for any of my trips, only this time it was different for two big reasons.  

One: There was a car show on its way to Connecticut, meaning the Ferry was 75% show cars.  Lot's of great looking Detroit metal of yesteryear, when cars had a much more artistic flair than the boring, computer designed, cookie cutter slabs we get today.

Two:  It was extremely windy, worst since I started riding the Ferry 5 years ago.  I new something was up when I first parked my bike on the deck...  the attendant immediately approached me, stating I must stay by my bike during the trip from (Port Jeff, NY to Bridgeport CT).  This was new to me, but didn't question him before running upstairs to purchase my ticket, an egg sandwich and head back down to watch my bike rock with the boat for the next hour.  This worked in my favor as I get sea sick easily, allowing me to watch the (not so rocking) horizon while eating my breakfast.  I would try and admire the cars for a few minutes, then go right back to watching the horizon.

Mustang 350GT signed by carroll shelby himself

             6/14/13 6pm Keene, NY (Dinner at the ADK Cafe)

 www.TheADKcafe.com

I came across this restaurant by accident last time this trip was attempted.  It's an awesome little cafe, great food, one of the best in the Adirondacks.  You can taste how much work goes into the food, no shortcutts... everything is from scratch.

10 hours straight on a motorcycle, the Food didn't stand a chance.

6/14/13 7:30pm Lake Placid, NY (Cheap cottage, in case it rains) Moreno's Cottages

Cheap cabin for a sort-of cheap price ($75)...   and it has some interesting, um quirks.   The shower was made of the thinnest plastic known to man, and was was attached to the walls, exposing all the pvc piping.  The outside door (did not shut properly or lock), so any person (or Bear) could of just pushed the door open in the middle of the night.  There was a heater, but it turned itself off after an hour..  So you were guaranteed to wake up cold, no matter what.  Also, the entire cottage was tilted slightly, when walking inside the cottage, you feel like your on a hill?  This meant when showering, the water would pool on one side of the tiny shower floor.  Oh, and the TV was broken...  plus the owners would only take Cash???  Very odd place.

             6/15/13 9am Lake Placid, NY (Breakfast at "Chair 6")         

                                                                http://www.chair6.com/

Great little breakfast spot (Built into the owners house), quiet and away from the stresses of broken/malfunctioning computers.

A customers dog, that required he wear these butterfly wings at all times.  If they fell off, he would wine until his owner put them back on  ??!!  

6/15/13 11am A drive up (Whiteface Veteran's Memorial Highway)

                                         http://www.whiteface.com/activities/memorial-highway

Memorial highway is only open a few months out of the year due to extreme weather... Last time I was here, it was pouring rain.  So finally I get to ride to the top...  

Big swooping switchbacks, always fun on the bike

Now a short hike to the top of Whiteface Mountain

A long way down on either side

Guard rails are a must

100 Mile views in all directions..  can see Canada from this point.

Proof I was here

6/15/13 4pm Ausable Chasm, NY  ( The Disney Land of Chasm's )

Wow, just wow...  is this not the biggest tourist trap ever.  This should be a nice little hike by the side of the road...  not some $28 a person tourist trap.  So I just took some pictures from the parking lot and kept riding, this kind of thing makes me sad...  this should be free for the public (as stated on the Memorial, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Adirondack Park).

Old powerstation of the early 1900's

Memorials commemorating the 50th and 100th anniversary of the Adirondack Park

On the first memorial, it states the park is free for all individuals to use... the revised memorial next too it leaves out that part...   everything costs money now.

Why would somebody "Shoot" the memorial???   now that's redneck.

6/15/13 7pm Tail O' The Pup restaurant (very large Barb'Q place next to the cabins, live music and such)

http://www.tailofthepupbbq.com/photogallery.html

Half a rack of ribs, chicken with two sides, not bad for $8

6/16/13 4pm Bridgeport, CT (waiting for the Ferry to Long Island)

After a long ride, I finally reach Bridgeport, ready for the last leg of my journey home.  

Officially hit 10,000 plus miles after 1 year with the Sportster Iron...  My next trip will hopefully be to Nova Scotia, Canada (3,200 miles round trip, maybe this summer or next depending on my side work).