Jeff Lippincott sponsored a joint camping/cycling trip through the Princeton Freewheeler's and the Appalachian Mountain Club which I was lucky enough to attend. Most of you know that I don't camp....only at the Hyatt....so Al L found a small motel nearby the campsite and that took care of lodging....at least for us.
Al L and I headed up a day early to Chaumount, NY since my flight schedule dictated that I came in on Tuesday and the trip was scheduled to start on Thursday. Jeff was kind enough to allow me to stay at his house for a night until Al and Icould get ready to leave the next morning.
We stayed at a small....so small that we couldn't even fit a second bike in the room....motel, the Duck Away, about a half hour from Long Point State Park where the other 17 people were camping. They actually had the best campsites in the park with the best views and right next to the shore of Lake Ontario. I would highly recommend this state park if you ever decide to go camping in that area of the Thousand Islands.
http://nysparks.com/parks/54/details.aspx
On Thursday morning Al and I rode out bikes to check out the area and to do some sightseeing. Jeff had recommended that we head to Cape Vincent via Route 12E to visit Tibbett's Point Lighthouse. It was well worth the trip.
The original Tibbett's Point Lighthouse. Enlarge the photo and read the history. It is actually sitting in the parking lot of a general contractor's business on Rt 12E
These scenic by way signs are all over Rt 12 E
This is the new Tibbett's Point lighthouse
A view of Lake Ontario from the lighthouse. That's the ferry, in the distance, that takes people and cars to Wolfe Island in Canada
You know this Princeton Freewheeler......
We decided to add some miles so we did some of the points on the island. We did Point Salubrious and saw this relic. Where is Jimmy Hendrix when you need him??
We also cycled Three Mile Bay before heading back to the motel. We were meeting the group at the campground for more detailed information about the trip.
One of the tents. It was nicknamed "The Taj Mahal"
Andy and Heidi C had a large camper which was actually a motor home and provided breakfast for the group if they wanted each morning. Coffee, OJ and cereal.....what could be better.
The sunset over Lake Ontario from one of the campsites. Amazing!!!
On Friday the plan was to cycle to Cape Vincent to ride the ferry to Wolfe Island in Canada. The far was US $3.
The group waiting for the ferry
We had to go through customs on Wolfe Island in Canada before cycling 7 miles to the next ferry that would take us to Kingston, Ontario
Unfortunately we only had an hour in Kingston, Ontario so food was more important than photos so I didn't get a chance to take any photos while there. We cycled back to the campground for a total of 54 miles. We were all glad to get off the bike even though we had an awesome day getting to know the area better.
One of the sights we saw on Saturday when Al and I were cycling over to meet the group in Chaumount boat launch area.
An Osprey nest
We cycled on Saturday to three different points. The first was Three Mile Bay, the second was Point Salubrious and the last was Pillar Point. Jeff had friends who live in Adams Cove on Pillar Point and who graciously provided the place for a picnic.
An artist put this Object d' Art together on Pillar Point and I couldn't help but stop to take a photo.
Someone else had other ideas of what to do with this Object d' Art!!
Jeff's friends who provided their home and the grilling....and Bundy the dog.... to keep us fed and entertained
Bundy was begging for food from one of the riders. I think he convinced this rider to give up some food in the end
Their home in Adams Cove facing Lake Ontario. Great location
A bunch of well fed Freewheeler's / AMC folks relaxing on the porch. What a life!!
Jeff worked very hard to put together a dinner at the Chez Heron Restaurant on Saturday evening. The group met at the building next to the restaurant where group dinners are often catered by Chez Heron.
Al and I nicknamed the building "The Mausoleum."
I had to get back to NJ so that I could get my flight back to Florida so Al and I left Sunday morning. Sunday was a rest day off the bike for those who stayed and some did a boat tour of Boldt Castle and some brought their kayaks and paddled on Lake Ontario. Here is the link for more information about the castle
On Monday the group did a short ride and then headed to Clayton for lunch. I was in NJ by that time and met up with Nevada to ride NJ roads through the Sourlands before heading home to Florida on Tuesday.
It was a great trip and I hope that Jeff will organize another trip to this beautiful area. I highly recommend this trip if he decides to organize the trip again next year. If you don't camp there is always the Duck Away Motel. Just be prepared to keep one bike in the car if you are sharing the room!
