Another Day in Paradise (May 30)

Another gorgeous day of riding.  We retraced our steps from Matamoras PA, across the Delaware River to Port Jervis NY and then north through rural landscape and a bunch of small towns.  Not as much shade as the last few days, so feeling the heat a bit more.  The homes and farms along today's ride seemed like they'd been there a lot longer than many we've seen on other days.  For a change we had longish stretches on a number of roads.  Nice to not always be looking for the next turn.  The countryside was pretty, but I didn't stop for many/any photos.  I often don't stop early in the day because I don't want to get in the middle of the masses behind me.  Forgettable little towns today - Huguenot, Cuddebackville, Otisville (where Jan and Leilani were going to leave us to go in search of their rental car to get them back to Delaware), Bloomingburg, Burlingham, Ulsterville and Lloyd.  We did go through New Paltz near the end, which is a cute little town with lots of shops on the main street and a college - SUNY New Paltz.  Apparently we were initially supposed to stay here but there is college graduation this weekend which has filled all of the accommodation.  While Bloomingburg is a sleepy community to look at, apparently there is a huge controversy going on with a Hasidic Jewish housing community which has led to federal racketeering, corruption, bribery and mail fraud charges.  Oh my!

Anyway - a beautiful day, a bit hilly to start, nice view of some rather large hills off to our west at times.

Here's the one time I stopped for a picture.  Lovely chain-saw art.

We stopped for a cold beverage in New Paltz.  The last 3 miles into Highland were on a rail trail - Hudson Valley Rail Trail (HVRT).

Traded my bike in.........

Took a detour to visit a park that we'll see again tomorrow.  Walkway Over the Hudson National Historic Site.  Very cool.  They've converted an 1880's railway bridge (damaged by fire in 1974) to a pedestrian and bike path bridge (and joined to rail trails on both sides of the river).  Bridge is 1.28 miles long and over 200 feet above the river.  It joins Highland NY and Poughkeepsie NY.  On the Poughkeepsie side there is an elevator to take you down to the waterfront pathway.  Saw a swimming race in progress and a rowing team out practicing.  Here are some pictures from the bridge visit.

Views from the elevator on the way down.....

You can see the elevator car coming down (little silver box).

View of the bridge from the Poughkeepsie waterfront

Stats for the day:
100 km from Matamoras PA to Highland NY.  Hmmmm - must be time for margaritas!  3400 feet of climbing.  Temps 18C to 33C.  Staying at America's Best Value Motel in Highland NY.  Apparently our last no-star hotel of the trip.