Left late today (8:30ish) to hopefully avoid any ice issues up on the “passes” (if you can call 2900 feet a “pass”)
Since this was a fairly short jaunt (~300ish miles) I planned a route of all backroads, no interstates.
I needed a palate cleanser after 2 rough days.
The route wound its way through the White Mountains and Green Mountains/Finger Lakes.
In fact there were a ton of rivers, streams and lakes the whole way. It was very pretty and a relief to be off the highway for a while. This route took 6.5 hours vs. 4 hours if I had taken the highway.
The passes still had quite a bit of snow and it was breezy making for a rather brisk ride, but with the new base layers and all my electrics going it was fairly comfortable. And NOT raining.
The typical low new england speed limits were a problem, I tried to behave as much as possible. Amusingly this route took me right through Dartmouth college.. like.. right around the central square. It looks expensive.
Not really riding related but somewhat amusing: When I looked for a hotel in Saratoga Springs near downtown (where all the food is) – there were none in my 2 loyalty programs (Choice & Wyndham) – so I used one of those sketchy “discount” booking sites to get a deal on a Hampton Inn.
Now EVERY travel place says “never use those sketchy sites!” – but I figured $50 is $50.. so I called the hotel before I left to verify my reservation was good – and the hotel confirmed it was.
So I arrive today and…. “There are no rooms available of the type you reserved, and no other rooms available.”
ooooops.
Luckily the manager hopped in and ended up upgrading me to a huge suite for no additional cost.
So amusingly this is likely the fanciest hotel room I will stay in during this trip.
Tomorrow I will head to the Allegany national forest in Pennsylvania. Looks like another chilly (but dry) day.
Audio book: NONE! I didn’t need any today. Although I did wrap up the last of Twin Towers in the hotel room and will start Return of the King next.
Dennis Rides - Motorcycles & Bicycles 
Man, it sounds like you have experienced a lot of different things so far. Glad you are taking time here and there and that you are working through the trials and tribulations of a long trip like a champ. Have a safe and exciting trip working your way back to the west. I hope the rest of your trip is filled with safe and wonderful experiences.
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