Slackpacking Trip - Day 15

It was raining all over the North Country, so the time seemed right to wrap things up... I started the day early at my hotel in Masena. First, I drove back to the Eisenhower Locks to see if I could catch a ship transiting - no luck again. Then, I drove south (via NY-131, NY-37 and NY-56) to Potsdam and met up with Eileen at the Village Diner (0900). I'll admit that my stomach was in knots all the way there. Both before and after the meeting, I heard Phil Collins' "Against All Odds" on the radio - surprised at the coincidence. Spent a little more two hours with her - it was so great to talk and catch up. Still feeling unsettled by the end of the visit - I couldn't even finish the meal... Said goodbye and then departed Potsdam (1115) using US-11. Passed by St. Lawrence University (where she works) on the way out of the area. Took I-781 to get around Watertown and made good time to I-81 (despite the rain) and then headed south. Stopped at a rest area for a break (1300) and for gas & snack in Preble, New York (1415). Stoipped again at a rest area near I-81/I-78 merge (1545). Then used I-83, US-15, I-270 and I-495 to get to the house. Home around 2000 - pretty good time (around nine hours). It was strange to get back into town and at my apartment. This trip allowed me to complete over 132 miles of hiking and nearly 23 miles of biking. I climbed several peaks and saw many spectacular views. Spent time with family and started/rekindled friendships. Clothes loose - the belt doesn't even help! This trip was definitely enough to recharge the batteries and I definitely didn't want it to end...