Sandford Maine to Rochester New York

We were up and had cereal and a pastry before heading out the door at 7:30 AM. It was about 30 miles to Milton and we fueled up on the way for the princely sum of $3.38/gallon. I like New Hampshire gas prices.

We arrived at PROLine at 8:30 and had the trailer out of the storage building and connected in no time. I went through the paperwork with Tom, attached the towing mirrors and set the trailer brake controller and we were out of there. I did need to stop on the road to attach the E-Z Pass transponder since we would be hitting toll booths very soon.

The new rig ready to roll

We arrived at the first toll booth on the New Hampshire Turnpike and pulled into the attended lane. The light indicated that the system had read the transponder and said we were good to go. I asked the attendant if we needed to use the manned lanes with the trailer and she said it was our choice in NH.

We also stopped at one of the unique New Hampshire rest areas with the large liquor store included. I always thought that these probably send the wrong message about drinking and driving.

New Hampshire Liquor Store/Rest Area

Trailer view from the rear

Entering Massachusetts, we stayed on the big roads even though it added a few miles to the trip. The eight foot wide trailer was fairly easy to keep centered in the lane although it was knocking the fuel mileage down quite a bit.

In Worcester, Mass (Pronounced Wooster), we got off the highway to find a McDonald's as per the sign at the exit. It was a good thing we had a GPS or I never would have found it. But it was there and had an empty spot big enough for the rig. With hamburgers in hand, we found I-290 and continued west.

We connected with I-90, The Mass Pike, after a miscue that added a few miles. I went through the E-Z Pass Only lane and didn't have a problem. Just before the state line, I fueled at a service centre because I figured New York gas would be more expensive.

The final toll booth has memories for me. On our first trip with Ron, Laurie, Brad and Judy, we went through this booth. You will note in the photo below that the E-Z Pass Only lanes are on the right. Brad and Ron went through and then pulled off to the right to wait while I went through the cash lane. Then I turned right to join them on the shoulder and came within inches of being hit by a car barreling through the E-Z Pass lane.

Not sure what this was

Toll booth where we almost died

When I came to the first toll booth on the New York Thruway, I pulled into the manned booth. The light said I was good to go but I asked the attendant if I could use the E-Z Pass Only lanes in NY with the trailer. Unfortunately, unlike New Hampshire, the answer was no. Oh well, at least we still aren't fumbling with cash.

I missed one interchange and ended up getting off the Thruway but staying on I-90 through Albany. Luckily, it wasn't too busy and we reconnected with the toll road on the other side of the city. The rest of the way to Rochester was uneventful although I did find that the fuel mileage while hauling the trailer got significantly better if I ran about two seconds behind a big truck.  We pulled into the Henrietta Super 8 before 6:30. 

Albany by accident

I hope the mattress is tied down securely

Thruway style trucking

I had let an old friend know we might be in town tonight and called from the road to let him know when we would be arriving. I called him again to let him know we were here and we waited outside for him to get us. We first met Pat in the early 80's on the Ontario rally circuit. We had a few good rides together including an epic trek to Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1985. Pat married Shelley and they had twins, Michael and Christina, about twelve years ago. Since then we haven't seen them very much. Shelley's niece Mackenzie was also visiting from Ottawa so all five pulled up to get us.

Not looking for fancy, Pat took us to IHOP where Sandy ate reasonably and I downed way too much. We caught up on who's been where and rehashed some old times. After supper, they dropped us back at our hotel. Thanks for supper, Pat and Shelley, and we won't let it go so long next time.

Sandy waiting at the hotel

Pat, Christine, Shelley and Michael

Back in the room, I skipped any more chores and we went straight to bed.

Today's Route (500 truck miles):


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Massena New York to Sanford Maine

It was another sunny morning in Massena. We weren't in a hurry so I caught up a little on the blogging. It is difficult to stay current while on the road but I can't let myself fall too far behind. We decided to skip the meager continental breakfast offering and go down the road to see what we could find.

I decided to avoid the 37C route we took last time through Mennonite/Amish country and stayed on Highway 37. The downside was that it took us through the extended reduced speed zone of the Akwesasne Reserve. Except for the casino, where there is major new construction going on, I find this area to be quite depressing.

Approaching Chateauguay, we found even more wind turbines have been added south of the road. I tried to look up some details on this operation but everything I could find said the wind farm was complete back in 2009 and wasn't as efficient as had been hoped. For some reason, there seems to be a shroud of secrecy around what is going on these days. I also marked the location adjacent to the windmills where someone always has rebuilt VW Beetles in the yard.

Volkswagen Beetles

New wind turbine

And another one

Construction in Ellensburg

Past Chateauguay, we reached Champlain and stopped at McDonald's. Unfortunately, we were right behind a busload of seniors who were on their way to Saratoga for a ballet and wanted their senior coffee and muffin right now. I will give the counter staff credit for dealing with the influx quickly and cheerfully. Although I will be sixty years old in two months, the ballet fans made me feel like a youngster and yet they were still out and enjoying the world. More power to them.

The McDonald's breakfast steak on a bagel (or whatever it is called) hasn't made it to Canada yet and I forgot how much I like it. Meanwhile, the posted gas prices at the I-87 exit were $3.83 per gallon compared to $3.53 near Ogdensburg. Same state, big difference. I am not sure why unless they are getting Quebec traffic coming down for fuel. Compared to Canuck prices, this is still a real deal.

We continued on to Rouse's Point and over the bridge (still one lane due to construction) into Vermont. At the Rouse's Point border crossing, we could see a backscatter radar truck examining two cars. Haven't seen one of these since we were part of a test a couple of years ago.

Boats at Rouse's Point and bridge to Vermont

Florida GL1800 waiting on bridge

In Vermont, we went straight over to I-89 and stopped in St. Albans for fuel. The pump stopped just short of $100.00 so I didn't need a second transaction. Calculation showed we averaged 19.0 MP(US)G.

As we cruised down I-89, I noted that we passed Milton and Swanton. These are the names of the towns in New Hampshire and Ohio where we are heading on this trip and it made me think again of how many place names get re-used throughout the USA. In Canada, with the exception of Aylmer and a couple of other places, each name is discrete. I guess we don't have as many places.

Near Burlington, we again saw a sculpture of two whale tails. This time, I looked it up and found out it is called Reverence but is know locally, of all things, as Whale Tails. It is meant to "symbolize the fragility of the planet".  Sounds pretty hippy to me but this is Vermont.

Whale Tails

A ways down the road, we saw a "Bear Crossing" sign. I have seen crossing signs for many things including ducks and turtles, but this was a first. Entering New Hampshire was a but hectic due to road construction but  it cleared up and the rest of the drive to Concord was peaceful. We stopped and picked up a Subway ham and cheese sandwich to go where I discovered, despite NH not having a general sales tax, they charge 9% on restaurant and hotel purchases. Satellite radio still sucks along here due to rock cliffs and trees.

Bear Crossing sign on I-89

New Hampshire border

At the end of I-89, we turned north on I-93 and then followed US 202 to Sanford, Maine. The Super 8 was on the far side of town across from the airport. We got checked in and then took a drive to Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, made famous by the Bush family. The coast was much warmer than when we were in York a few weeks ago.

The Kennebunkport property values have to be way up there because a number of real estate signs listed Sotheby's as the agent. Sandy was amused when one of the roads we took was named Cat Mousam Lane. That would look nice on a return address.

Sanford Maine

Haven't seen one of these in a while

Or these, either

Kennebunk Town Maine

Kennebunk Town Maine

Big houses in Kennebunk

Big and old

Yankee Toys - Mud, Sweat and Gears

Kennebunkport Maine

The Atlantic Ocean

These houses must be fun in a Nor' Easter

Can't imagine the price of this place

We returned to Sanford and headed for the Home Plate Restaurant which had excellent ratings on the web. Unfortunately, when we got to the location it had been replaced by a Thai place. A very nice Thai place from the look of it but Sandy and I are not into it. Instead, we went back to The Weathervane, home of some "wicked cheap" food. It wasn't really that cheap but we had clam chowdah and salads and they were pretty good.

The Weathervane Seafood Restaurant - Sanford Maine

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at Walmart and picked up some water and single flavoured coffee creamers. Sandy really likes these and they are nowhere to be found north of the border. We were back in the room by 7:30 where I worked on blogs and bills for a while and then read until I fell asleep.

Today's Route (378 truck miles):


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Sudbury Ontario to Massena New York

Today we set out on a road trip to pick up our new two-place enclosed motorcycle hauling trailer in Milton, New Hampshire. Then we will tow it to Swanton, Ohio (near Toledo) to enjoy a party thrown by Boomer. This has been an annual event for several years but we haven't made it to one yet.

The first thing this morning, I called and reserved a room at our usual Super 8 in Massena, New York. Then I checked and made sure my E-Z Pass account was still valid and added the truck. I called their Customer Service Center and talked to an Asian man named "Rudy" who assured me I could just tow the trailer through the E-Z Pass lanes on the Thruway. Then I checked all the available on line information which says I can't. I'll need more than Rudy's word on this because I hate Violation Notices.

As I was loading the back of the truck, I pondered just how much junk we carry these days and wonder where the super efficient motorcycle packers have gotten to? Chairs and clothes and shoes and tools and all manner of things. Oh well, if you have the space, use it.

As we hit the road, it was again evident that blueberry season was in full swing based on the number of cars parked along the side of the highway as the occupants were picking in the bush. Then there were the cars parked on the side and selling the berries. This is a traditional northern summer pastime.

We stopped at Tim's in Sturgeon Falls so I could get a breakfast wrap. I skipped the zesty sauce because it was hot enough to be uncomfortable when I accidentally tried it last time. Construction east of Mattawa was less intense and centred around a stretch near the old Breton's truck stop. There were also some stretches between Petawawa and Arnprior. For rant purposes, gas was $1.22 per liter in Sudbury, $1.17 in North Bay and $1.15 in Renfrew. Nothing new here.

Leaving Arnprior on the four-lane, we were passed by and then passed a cruiser motorcycle with a couple on it. The passenger was a tall young lady with blond hair and a white T-shirt that accentuated her curves. She looked comfortable with her bare arms in the breeze but all I could think of was skin grafts. I guess I'm becoming an old fuddy duddy. Not ATGATT, but reasonable protection is my goal.

We crossed again at Prescott/Ogdensburg. There has never been a traffic back up here so I like it despite the 1.5 kilometer steel grate bridge. That doesn't affect the truck much, anyway. This border agent was a hoot. His first question was "What have you been doing in Canada?". "Living there." was our reply. Then he asked about our US visit so we  told him we were getting a new trailer in New Hampshire. He wondered where the old one was. Then he asked how long we would be visiting and I said a week. A week to get a trailer? No, we were going on to Toledo for a party. He thanked us for having interesting answers and sent us on our way. This is much more fun than the old days even if I do know he was watching our responses to atypical questions.

We arrived at the Super 8 in Massena just after 4:00 PM. Based on a talk with the desk clerk, we drove into the village for supper at Spanky's. We both tried their new prime rib melt on Texas toast with home made fries. Based on questions, we found some people prefer frozen fries. Go figure. It was excellent and, after bringing our, our server got one for herself.

Spanky's Restaurant - Massena New York

After supper, we returned to the room where I worked on blogs and posted receipts to Quickbooks. Then I checked on line and found Sanford, Maine was about as close to Milton, New Hampshire as we were  going to get so I called and reserved a room at the Super 8 there. Just after I hung up, Sherm called from the Arizona desert where he was waiting for Wrong Turn and KT to arrive from the Hoover Dam. It was good to talk to him.

We turned in fairly early.

Today's Route (373 truck miles):


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Freedom Riders First Picnic Ride

After a recent club ride, someone pointed out that there are a number of roadside picnic areas around the province and suggested that, instead of riding to restaurants, the club members bring a picnic lunch and we head for one of these areas to eat. Thus was born the first Yogi Bear Picnic Basket run.

We started the day off with our regular monthly membership meeting at the Falcon Hotel in Garson. Before the meeting started, President Rob presented a cheque for $1,100 to Marianne of the Canadian Diabetes Association to send a local diabetic child to Camp Huronda. This money was raised through our Freedom Rallies.

President Rob and Marianne of the Canadian Diabetes Association

After the meeting, those going on the ride agreed to meet at Tim Horton's on Levesque Street, allowing people a chance to pick up their sandwiches. We had taken the truck to the meeting because my Treasurer's briefcase won't fit in the bike, and had gotten our sandwich on the way. We went home, swapped vehicles and hurried on over to Tim's on the bike.

Tim Horton's - Levesque Street

When the clan had gathered, President Rob led us southbound towards Parry Sound. Terry rode second and we were third, holding a moderately tight formation. Four other bikes followed with Nepper and Yollande, in last spot, carrying water and sandwiches in coolers in their trailer.

Southbound on Highway 69

We stopped for a break forty miles south at the French River Trading Post. If this looks familiar, it is because we were already here last Monday with Doug, Carol and Leo. Imagine our surprise when we met club member Sandy who was in a cage due to kids and canoes.

French River Trading Post

We continued south to Parry Sound, exiting at Bowes Street and using my outdated memories to find the park on Tower Hill.  I hadn't been there in almost ten years but the memory was still good and we found the lot next to the museum and tower on the first try.

Parked on Tower Hill - Parry Sound

We found some picnic tables and ate lunch. Then a few of us decided to climb the tower. With my fear of heights, I wouldn't have been able to do this a while ago but managed to climb without feeling any butterflies today. I credit a self administered course in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.Oh yes, and also to solid screening on the tower stairs and platform.

The tower

Parry Sound from the tower

The specks are Rob and Roger

Nepper, Leo, Terry and I at the top

On the way back to Sudbury, we stopped at the same Visitor Centre at the French River that visited a few days ago and walked out on the same snowmobile bridge. Then we continued on to town, using the new stretch of road near Burwash where we went under the very expensive overpass they built to try to keep the wildlife off the road.

Wildlife overpass on Highway 69

Almost back to town

We continued on to town where the group split at the south end with Rob, Terry and I going through the center. Downtown, Sandy and I peeled off and headed for home. As we turned on Brady Street, we found ourselves behind this immaculate classic, probably on its way to Cruise Night.

Seen on Brady Street in Sudbury

The first Yogi Bear Picnic Basket ride appears to have been a success so I expect we will be seeing more in the future.

Nepper's Ride Report

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Brother Bear and Laurie

Those of you who follow this blog will be familiar with Brother Bear (Ron) and Laurie from New Hampshire. We have taken a number of trips with them along with Ron's sister Judy and her husband Brad. Our last encounter with Ron and Laurie was a couple of weeks ago at the Laconia gathering.

The four of them were on a tour of Nova Scotia. I got a note from Judy this morning saying Ron and Laurie had gone off the Cabot Trail yesterday and been airlifted to hospital in Halifax. Both apparently have fractured pelvises while Ron also has a broken arm and internal injuries, but reports are that they are stable.

They are some of our favourite folks and our thoughts are with them for a complete and speedy recovery.

French River and Noelville Ride

Doug called last night and asked if we wanted to join him and Carol for a ride down to the French River today. We said sure. He tried calling Leo as well had to leave a message. Leo got the message and showed up well ahead of our 10:00 AM meeting time. Doug was almost on time, too.

Passenger on Leo's GoldWing

The ride to the French River, the boundary dividing Northern from southern Ontario based on who pays what for licence plates, was pleasant with a couple of notable moments. Leaving town on the new restricted access highway, we encountered a car coming down the first exit ramp directly at us. Luckily he turned to go the proper way but it was still disconcerting. Then, near Ink Lake, we were following two semi trailers with a van in between them. The first blew one tire, leaving debris all over the road and then, less than a mile later, blew a second skin. I worry about the metal wires when I get into this kind of mess on the road. Still,better behind than beside him, which we would have been in the passing lane a mile later.

Unscathed, we arrived at the French River Trading Post, a popular tourist stop on Highway 69. Since I had skipped breakfast, I grabbed a quick bite in the restaurant. Then we moved on.

A dog keeps an eye on Carol

Our little group at the Trading Post

Leaving the Trading Post, we continued south over the bridge and stopped at the Visitor Centre. After checking out the exhibits, we took a walk across the Bill Small snowmobile bridge. I was on the OFSC Provincial Trails Committee when Bill brought the proposal to bridge the French and Pickerel Rivers. We thought he was nuts but he was just very determined.

My contribution to engineered snowmobile bridges in Ontario was the "5 Tons Maximum Load" limit. The bridges are engineered for much more than this but we were trying to discourage larger trucks from using our early Sudbury Trail Plan crossings. This then became a provincial standard.

Unlawful to jump from the bridge? Stupid, too.

Three cheers for Bill

Sandy and Carol

The highway bridge

The French River, a major route for the early fur trappers

We love our rattlesnakes

Really, we do

From the French, we headed north to Highway 64 and followed it through Alban to Noelville. There, we took Highway 535 north through St. Charles to intersect Highway 17 at Hager. It looks like 535 is marked for some much needed major rebuilding, so we will avoid it for a while. It should, however, be nice when it is done.  In Hager, we turned left towards Sudbury and stopped at a picnic area along the Veuve River for a break.

Mixed clouds near St. Charles

Taking a break along the Veuve River

Can you see the chipmunk?

Ready to go again

We rode the  last stretch back into town via the Garson Coniston Road. This has a few nice curves on it but they have been patching it with tar snakes, making it challenging on a warm day. Still, we survived and made it home in one piece.

Today's Route (122 motorcycle miles):



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