Sunday, August 7, 2011 Old Forge, NY 76 miles

Buggies on the road

Such a grand day! Linda and I pulled out of Pulaski at 6:30 in a dense fog that didn’t completely lift until late morning. It was delightfully cool, and at times, misty. For 23 miles we rode along Osceola Rd. through a thick forest of pine and oak. I observed that the pine trees are suffering from the pine beetle blight that’s killing pine forests all across the country. Along one section of road we noticed rather large, purple boxes hanging from pine trees along the road and wondered if the boxes are part of a beetle eradication program. We also noticed a few Amish homes as evidenced by the black buggies. 

We got to Booneville at 11:30 and decided to stop for lunch. On 

Linda at lunch

Main Street we found Slim’s Restaurant that a local person recommended. It was a good choice, as I had the best veggie omelet I’ve ever had, and served with homemade whole wheat toast. We stayed almost an hour and enjoyed visiting with a local couple.
Following lunch, we got onto Moose River 

Moose River

Rd. and for about 17 miles climbed the steepest hills to date. The road was newly paved and meandered through beautiful woods. Somewhere on this road we passed an old red schoolhouse dated1876. Also today we saw many, many small, mostly empty, cabins that probably are recreational cabins for folks who come to the area in the winter to cross country ski or to hunt.  Some had 

Winter sports cabin

clever names such as one I remember:  "Cram It All Inn."  Because we were so much in the country, today was a beautiful ride. 

Red Schoolhouse 1976

Temporary clothesline

View from dinner

Tonight we’re staying at The Forge Motel which faces a huge lake called Old Forge Pond. Almost all of the rooms face the lake and outside each room there are Adirondack chairs and tables.  As I rode through town on the way to the motel, I was reminded of an upscale Gatlinburg, TN - sidewalks and streets were packed with tourists. They’re here to enjoy water sports on the lake.  There seem to be a number of motels, and around the lake I can see some lovely homes, boat houses, and docks. My Seattle friend, Peg, is my roommate tonight. . . . Before dinner some of  the gals put our chairs out on the lawn facing the lake. During our map meeting we were treated to the call of the loons -  a very special sound.  Menu: Lasagna w/sausage, Mixed green salad w/blanched green beans, cherry tomatoes, Hot buttered Fr. Bread, Fresh Peaches and pecan Sandies w/chocolate chips and almonds.