New York - New York

Well, today was all about New York and the Adirondack Mountains. We started in Lake Placid and ended in Buffalo. In between, it was the perfect example of why I love riding a Harley. As I was driving today I had to stop to write down what was on my mind. I felt like I wanted to share with you what it is like to ride on a Harley, at least what it was like for me today riding through the Adirondack mountains. So here's by attempt at describing that:

It's really an explosion of senses. As I'm driving, the most obvious thing that comes to mind first is the wind vibrating against my skin, to the point that it's almost numbing. My cloths flapping in the wind in a rhythmic motion. The chill of the morning air and then the warm sun on my shoulders, face and arms.

The smell's are amazingly strong. The smell of pine, mountain air, wood burning fires, honeysuckle, fresh baked bread and doughnuts (as we travel through the small villages). Yellow, white and purple wild flowers growing among the tall grass on the side of the road. The different colors of green and umber in the trees, grass, ferns and undergrowth of the forest. The tall grass grows everywhere, even in the lakes and ponds. The deep blue mountain lakes with tree covered islands rising from the water. Some of the lakes are so calm that it's hard to tell the reflection on the lake from the tree's and mountains being reflected. Blue and purple mountains with a light blue sky behind them that turns progressively white as the day goes on. The occasional wispy white cloud that dots the sky.

We pass boys on rocks fishing their hearts out and old men in the shallow clear rivers fly fishing. The variance of temperature as you wind in and out of the shadows of the mountains catches you by suprise. The flashes of light as the sun filters through the trees almost makes you dizzy. The feel of gravity as I lean and accelerate into a turn in the road. The low growel of my Harley beneath me, with what seems to be an unending supply of power. Driving through the sleepy hamlets that are slowly awakening. People taking walks and riding bikes along the lakes and streams in the small mountain villages. The ballads, love songs and hymns of praise to the one who created all this playing in my ears give me a peaceful melancholy. And then the wonder of what's around the next turn or over the next hill.

In all, it's an indescribably relaxing and yet exhilarating experience. If you've never taken a trip on a Harley, I highly recommend that you make it a priority. I hope my ramblings of what it was like this morning have been descriptive and enjoyable for you.

We did finish out our day with a pretty exciting site. We made it to the Canadian boarder and went to Niagra Falls. I can not even begin to describe the power of that volume of water cascading over the rocks. We went on the Maiden of the Mist and went right up to Horseshoe Falls. It was definitely one of the highlights of the trip so far.

Thanks for visiting my blog and I hope to hear from you soon.


The mountain road leading down from Lake Placid.


Lake 7. Strange name, but a beautiful spot. I got inspired here.


These pictures all speak for themselves. Unspeakable power and beauty!