7/30/15 Out the door; Up the road

We are on our way!

Leaving home at 5:00, we ate the turnpike for breakfast, and escaped the snarl of commuter New York by coasting up the Parkway. Soaring through the Palisades on Bear Mt. Parkway, a duet of relieved sighs sang from us as we flew free. Our trip had finally begun!

The Taconic Parkway escorted us to Connecticut where we cut the corner to Massachussets. Our first picnic of the trip took place by a lake (of course) in a camp. We realized how fortunate we had been all day, riding under the clouds, when a blast of sun jumped the heat index by double digits and we scrambled for shade.

With no clear direction, we wandered north after lunch and found what we are always seeking - a lonely road. Route 8A beautifully trundled us into Vermont, toward the  Green Mountains and famous ski slopes named Snow and Bromley. Cooled by a light rain, we rode through unsuited, delighted by the change in weather. By Londonderry, light rain became heavy and a gas stop with a friendly attendant brought us to our matress for the night.

We have met the beast of Metropolis and conquered it today. Riding unhindered through angst-driven commuters, we burst through into the serene and healing mountains of the Northeast. Revived by the breath of the Berkshires and the Green Mountains, we rest in anticipation of all that is to come.

Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike

First Picnic of the trip

Obviously, we are in Vermont.