Last day of a wonderful trip... I was up by 0630 and spent some time reading in my room - After finalizing some plans with Eileen (for later in the day), I went to the hotel lobby to eat breakfast (0715). Once finished, I did some more reading, blogging, etc. Checking out of the hotel (1015), I headed north on I-81 until I reached I-481 (listened to audiobooks on the way). Next, I headed east and stopped at Tops Express Fuel (on NY-5 in Dewitt) for a gas fillup (1130). Got back on I-481 and continued north until I reached NY-298. At Bridgeport, I turned east on NY-31. On that road, I stopped a few times to get views of the southern edge of Oneida Lake. Google Maps suggested I next use NY-46 and, once I arrived at the intersection, I noticed the Eire Canalway Trail. Since the weather was good and I had time, I stopped for a walk (1210). The temps were was cold but it was clear and sunny. There were some good historic markers along the quiet stretch of trail (part of the Empire State Trail between Route 46 and Route 31) along the Canal and I logged almost two miles outside. At 1255, I got back back in my car and continued on NY-46 until I reached NY-49. Upon reaching Rome (my intended target), I found parking for the (closed) Fort Stanwyx and spent some time (1320 to 1330) walking around the earthworks. Fortunately, there were some good informational signs. Before I was done, I also checked out the old (beautiful) Catholic Church of St. Peter's. I was back in the car by 1345 and departed Rome on NY-49. Avoiding tolls on I-90, I continued to Utica. I next used NY-5S to continue through the pretty Mohawk Valley (listening to audiobooks and music). Eileen kept me updated (via text) as she drove south from her home. I had almost no traffic at all and enjoyed the easy ride at about 60 mph. Along the way, I passed several more signs for the Empire State Trail (bike route trailheads). I used NY-162 to reach US-20 at Sloansville and then stopped for a break at a Stewart's Shop in Esperance (1445). Continued into Albany from the west on US-20 - the traffic slowed down but I arrived at the Crossgates Mall soon after 1530. Eileen had asked me to buy her an Air Tag (to track her older dog) and I was finished with my shopping at Best Buy by 1545. After that, I drove (via I-87) to NY-7 and reached Troy at 1600. I drove up to the top of the hill in Prospect Park and, from there, I got a great view of the valley below. Eileen had suggested we meet for a walk but, when I tried to coordinate a meet up, it didn't work out (she had to help Scott with his stuff). Instead, I watched the sunset before meeting her for dinner at "A Bite of Xian in Troy" (1635). The restaurant was actually only for take-out but the owner let us sit inside to eat (I guess they used to have a full service restaurant but no longer). We got some delicious food and had a nice conversation. The visit was short because we both had long drives to make before our day was over. Finished at 1735, we said goodbye and I departed (via NY-7) Troy. On my way towards Vermont, I talked on the phone with Eileen and Erin. After reaching the border, I used VT-279 to reach the Vermont Welcome Center (at the intersection of US-7). As I continued north, I talked some more with Erin. I switched to VT-30 at Manchester and started over the mountains. Just at that crucial moment, it started to snow heavily! I had trouble seeing where I was going at times but just kept the speed low while I carefully navigated the climes, turns and descents. Eventually (whew!), I switched to VT-11 and used it to reach I-91. At this point in the drive, I got a call from my dad but kept losing cell signal. After getting close to the Connecticut River, the weather got a bit better. Mollie called and I talked to her for a little while. Just before I reached I-89, Eileen called again to update me on her progress. I crossed the River and made it to my condo by 2020. Spent some time unpacking and thinking about what an amazing week of traveling I've had. Glad I could see so many people along the way and celebrate Thanksgiving with my loved ones!
