New York

"Oh, my sister vacations down there pretty often. North in Port Elizabeth?" John said, the owner of Carol's Hungry Mind. 

"I'm pretty sure. That's not far from us, maybe an hour or so," I lied with legendary geographical inertness. Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't.

"John actually named this little cafe after his wife," explained Mary Kay as John walked away. "It's actually a rather sad story. Days before the place was to be opened, she passed away from cancer. Originally, the place was supposed to be called Hungry Mind but instead made it Carol's Hungry Mind." 

A tragic story but the place appeared to be flourishing in her wake. Mary Kay seemed to be famous in the place, introducing us to numerous friends coming through. Her daughter had used to work at the place.

Mary told us many stories this morning as we chatted over coffee and some original Vermont chocolate milk. It was lovely to share with her. Eventually, it came time for us to go. What an extravagant day and morning it was with our second parents. 

As we left, Mary said, "I just want you to know, you're both my other sons now. Come visit any time you'd like."

We thanked her profusely, and embraced several times before we said goodbye. The invitation remains open to her as well. Come visit Cape May again!

Josh and I were off toward Ticonderoga; a strategic place for Americans during the Revolutionary War. May 9, 1776: Ethan Allen storms the British Fort Ticonderoga and takes it without a shot fired. The name of the historic site now comes with a slogan that says, America's Fort, which I found kinda funny.

The long ride there was a breeze for Josh and I. We got a short ferry ride over the lake to get to Ticonderoga. It's the only passage there. We waved goodbye to Vermont.

And mumbled hello again to New York.

As I wondered why my head was throbbing, I realized that all I'd had to eat for the 22 miles was a bagel. Not smart at all. Josh and I got a pie in Ticonderoga and planned out where to sleep for the night. I started feeling a little iffy and popped two Advil. We headed for Blue Lake Campground outside North Hudson.

"Well, I remember there's quite a steep incline out of Ticonderoga but it's fine after that," I remembered Mary saying this morning and last night. 

I had hoped we would avoid any big climbs. This was not the case. Josh and I pretty much dominated the climb but not without completely melting. I can't recall the last time I'd sweat so much. I had no shirt on at this point (workin on that Farmer's Tan) and all the sweat just collected in my shorts. I looked like I peed myself. Beads poured off me like rain. It was ridiculous. I turned back at one point to see how high I'd gotten.

The pale blue in the back was about where we started. I eagerly awaited the downhill that never came. There was a short-lived, maybe 3% or 5% grade but nothing special. A few miles down the road I stopped to wait up for Josh around Paradox Lake.

We laughed our way passed campgrounds, cars, motels, and an abandoned amusement park. I would've loved to check out the whole amusement park but it was getting dark. 

We finally made it to camp and met the owner, Tom, who is originally from Philadelphia. He's still got a bit of an accent but he's got tons of family that still resides there. 

The campground is fantastic. 

Josh and I just finished gorging ourselves silly with a feast. Pasta with tomato sauce, bread, rice with extra butter, and beans. I'm stuffed and sleepy.

Apologies in retro for any spelling or grammar errors. I'm not spell-checking this one. Tired and dizzy and gotta get up early to do it again.

We've got a hike into the Adirondacks Park planned.