Irie Lake Erie

"Irie"

We have been so blessed with tail winds and (mostly) good roads the past two days. We exited Ohio, entered Pennsylvania, and entered New York today along Lake Erie. "Irie" is a Rasta word for "good", and I marked the occasion by wearing my Rasta hat for a helmet cover. I found it back in Florida along the road, cleaned it up, and just brought it for fun. Today was fun.

"Mostly good roads. We're stopped for
construction. Wicked surface!

This is a beautiful area when it isn't covered with snow. I suppose it's beautiful when it is covered with snow, but I don't think we'd make the 76 miles we did today. We are approaching the area of my wife's family, where she grew up, and some still live. Things have changed much since she left 40 years ago, and from my first visit probably close to 50 years past. This used to be a heavily industrialized area, and from it's beginnings until the 1970's it was pretty much a dumping ground for those industries. That environmental disaster resounds in Leslie's and my lives to this day; I'm thankful Industry is so much more responsible now. I wonder what gave them the change of heart?  It couldn't have been governmental regulation, for I hear that is a really bad thing.

Lauryn: bananas
over corn!

So this is grape country. Miles of grapes, and then entering town we got wind of Welch's. Of course there is plenty of other agriculture as well, and with it the roadside stands selling today's pick. We stopped to sample some of it. Northern fruit, grown in milder climate, just seems a bit better. Perhaps I'm drawing from my Yankee roots.

Thanks for your support.