Train Wreck

I was supposed to be heading to the American Southwest, but got waylaid by Dave in Bath, NY, my hometown.  I then visited with his 90+ yr old parents, his sister and brother-in-law, and friends from Bath.  Overall, a great reunion, unexpected, and thoroughly entertaining.  The highlight of this diversion to my hometown was the chance, timed just right, to buy concord grapes.  These purple delectables aren’t available in stores (shelf life is too short), and are THE BEST eating grapes.  This region of NY is the oldest wine region in the country, it is also home to the grapes used in Welch’s and Seneca grape jellies, juices, etc.  I ate a quart, and there was a bonus, the roadside grape stand was attached to a small, mom & pop ice cream shack.  So, I handed Dave his medium, foot-high cone, and I jump in the truck juggling a bag of grapes in one hand and a huge ice cream cone in the other.

I bought a new water proof camera, but I think I might need some new pants, all the rain seems to be shrinking my trouser’s waist line.

Leaving Bath, I rode again through the back country on narrow single lane roads.  I got diverted in the Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania.  I stumbled onto a city called Warren that looked economically prosperous.  I parked for lunch in front of some umbrella’d cafe tables, and looked up….Nice Ash Cigar Shop.  I was shocked to see this upscale cigar store in such a small town (pop +/- 10,000) with a gigantic walk-in humidor, about 1,000 sq ft.  The owner, Rob, sat with me, as I enjoyed a Pisstoff Kristoff.  What a treat to find this oasis.  As I was finishing my toro, a woman walked in and asked about the Triumph, she rode a Bonneville and was planning on riding it, along with here boyfriend, to Argentina.  Molly recommended an alternate route for me, so after lunch and cigar, I climbed aboard Trafalgar as the sky started teasing me with a light sprinkle, I rode off in search of it.

Back on the country roads, taking the alternate route, the skies really opened-up, thank goodness I had the waterproof camera.  It was so thick that I began to worry about hydroplaning, like an alligator walking through a boot factory, I proceeded with caution.  I had to use the ABS twice today, primarily stopping for red-lights turning yellow to red.

Finally, I made it to Brad and Debbie’s house.  These were dear friends, mentors, and my college period family.  I found a buddy to play with, someone who could appreciate my intellect (Brad and Debbie’s 3 yr old grandson, Tanner).  We had fun building the RR village and then trying to crash his train.  Josh and Jocelyn (the parents to young Tanner) came later with pizza and wings.  It was great to see everyone, I used to play with Josh exactly the same way I was playing with his son Tanner.  I guess everyone grew up except me?

Experiencing an enjoyable evening and opportunity to share the Whites company for another day, I have decided to remain here—the free lodging, food, and beautiful homestead have nothing to do with my decision.  I might go bass fishing today in the Whites private lake.