Sept 27 day 16

 Sept 27

Day 16

Ilion NY (note just south of Herkimer NY which is east of Utica) 

Miles 95

The morning was misty with a slight chill with the promise of sunshine in a little bit.  So I decided to ride in my new long sleeve tee shirt that was a mistake as it was really chilly, so i stopped put on my jacket.  

We are staying in an overpriced Motel 6 that does not have any vacancies.  Not sure why all the hotels in the area booked but we were forced to pay more than $130 dollars for this room.  I had realized how fast would be moving today, I have booked something in Utica.

The ride was though mainly woods with what looked like well maintained country homes or summer homes.  There was some farms when we came followed the Erie cannel system and passed though a lot of old canal towns.  We also crossed the Hudson river today.  

The area here had upwards of 31 forts and military encampments during the French Indian wars and war of Independence.  In fact the church here in Herkimer was burnt down 3 times, once during the French Indian war, once during the War of Independence and once by a fire from the jail across the street.  

We toured a home build in 1890 and she indicated during the war of Independence the area was in civil war with lots of back and forth fighting.  

Went for a walk along the canal and meet two motorcycles who did not believe where we came from and where we were going.  They became believers when I gave them Ride card.  

Had mexican for dinner.

Counts

28 hay fields, 22 corn, 6 soya 2 fields of pumpkins

5 horses

2 herds of cow

29 horse dropping on the road (yes Amish in the area)

1 horse sign 1` tractor sign, 6 snowmobile signs

15 churches

Build in 1767

3 schools

4 school buses

37 trucks mostly due to construction 

6 trump signs 4 Harris signs

1 motorcycle sign

1 guy passed fast and turned right in front of me

1 giant