Okay, so I didn't swim this lake from Brockport, New York to Easton, Maryland! I actually made a week-long stop on the way at Frances Slocum State Park near Wyoming, PA to pitch my tent in the woods. When I arrived, the rain was falling, but the sun appeared just in time to set that day. Why is this significant? Because it's the only sun that I would see in 7 days! 

The rain fell and fell some more. I did sneak in two very short bike rides, a ranger program, long walks (but not on flooded trails), read three books, and dried up a few tent puddles. Taking down the muddy, saturated tent was no joy either, but I rolled a day earlier than planned as I headed south into the possibility of Hurricane Florence effects. Weather, yes it does affect my life!  
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I'm now comfortably back to my "state of residence" for at least a week, taking care of life's tasks, and socializing like crazy. From here, I point north again! Yes, I am seemingly confused.  

With Pittsburgh and New York as destinations from Indiana, I made a suggested stop in Yellow Springs, Ohio. While the recommendation was based on the great cycling here, I loved this little "hippie town" through-and-through. With just four days to play, I did indeed pedal the Little Miami Bike Trail, but also enjoyed cruising about town and hiking Clifton Gorge. Yes, yet another surprise find along the way! 

Next up, Sewickley, a suburb of Pittsburgh, where I visited my "Maryland family" after nearly three years! It was a 12th year reunion and a birthday celebration that lasted four days, from a BBQ to Pedal PGH, to enjoying the now, teens to eating local Greek food and massive pie! It was a great way to start a new year! 

Is one birthday celebration enough? I guess not! I arrived in Brockport to good food & cake & song with a friend (from high school!) and her family. It was a week of long chats, game playing, Moscow Mules, Rochester touring, riding the Erie Canal, and toe-dipping in Lake Ontario. 

I'd say the photos speak louder than words! In the morning, I return to the woods in Eastern Pennsylvania for a week of a little work and a bit of detoxification before my annual visit to Easton, Maryland.