Like a Red Rubber Ball

From the Green Mountains, it was a quick drive to Guilderland, a small town between Albany and Schenectady, to visit with a friend and his family who I'd not seen in more than 20 years.  In reality, they rescued this homeless gal who couldn't find an affordable spot in the area near Labor Day.  

​On the way, I enjoyed my first ride along the Mohawk River Trail, discovering not only the beauty of it but its proximity to where I'd be staying for nearly a week. The first night was a reunion with familiar faces, new family members, and a grand feast including my first pie of the year (Very Berry Crumble).  The visit was a great get together of incredible morning coffee, numerous conversations, and a daily food feast. Thankfully, the Bike Trail is just 7 miles away, and the neighborhood has trails to the Albany Pine Bush, one of the largest of 20 inland pine barrens in the world. There is always something to discover. 

On Labor Day, it was time to return to Vermont for a camping reunion with sister, Anne and niece, Karen.  A mere hour-and-a-half drive brought me back over the border to Arlington, along the Battenkill River.  We enjoyed three days of walking and talking, eating well, another birthday celebration (!), and enjoying the great outdoors. Mother Nature reared her stormy head on the final night, but gave us blue sky to hit the road again. The compilation of our photos will bring you along! 

I'm now nearing a week in Saratoga Springs touring this infamous spot and preparing to edge south.