We were up early Sunday morning riding our bikes around Old Forge. We spun through the town center and around the lake before going over to the Blue Line Coffee House to meet our friend Meaghan for a morning cup of Joe. We sat at an outside table catching up and sharing stories. After an hour or so, we followed her to one of their rentals to check out the house. The one in front of Pied Piper where the deer were munching on the lawn the night before. It was getting close to check out time at the campground, so we said our farewells and prepared for another day of driving.

Another long day in the saddle. Some country driving then lots of city driving on an interstate with toll cameras every few miles. Lots of warnings about paying your tolls or else, but we’ll see what comes of it. If you want my cash, pay some kid to man the booth. In the late afternoon, we rolled up to Four Mile Creek State Park on Lake Ontario. The gals at the desk said we were in the middle a group of campers from Indiana, three or four sites. We balked a bit and she pointed us to some primitive sites on the north end.

All good. We parked up in the trees and set up camp then had a swim in the cool waters of the massive lake. Lots of algae. Kind of smells like when you’re cleaning your aquarium. Fishy and a bit poopy. But refreshing nonetheless. Ate salads at the picnic bench and had an early night.

Next morning, we were up early trying to beat the wind and get in a paddle on our fourth Great Lake. We launched at the rocky beach and headed towards the fort and the mouth of the Niagara River. Big, beautiful houses line the shore and there was just a ripple of wind on the surface of the lake. Didn’t quite make it to the fort, but got in a nice paddle and swim at the beach upon our return.

After doing some chores at camp, we unhooked the bikes and went off to explore the neighborhood. Rode down to Fort Niagara at the mouth of the Niagara River. Nice views of the lake and of Canada across the river. We didn’t want to tarry too long, so we passed on the $20 entry fee to see the fort and rode off along the lake towards Lewiston.

We grabbed some mini burritos at the Spicy Pickle and took a break in the air conditioned cafe. There was an ice cream parlor adjacent to the restaurant, but when PJ went in, they were closed. A nice local kid who was relaxing at a table out front heard PJ’s lament and pointed us towards Hibbard’s a few blocks further inland where they serve up home made confections and treats. We rode on up and satisfied the ice cream urge before pointing our bikes back towards Four Mile Creek. Nothing more than lots of lounging after that.