Day 1 – Lake Erie State Park to Orchard Park

After a hefty storm during the night that shook our 8 ton RV, we woke to cloudy skies with cool temps and 18-19 mph winds from the NNE (nor-easter which has been known to sink many a ship) but the Smitanic weathered the storm! Since the car was waiting for us in Orchard Park we only had to get what we needed for the 51 mile ride and ourselves ready to go. Kevin was a bit nervous about leaving the RV sliders out while we were gone with the strong winds so we brought those in just for comfort. With breakfast and doggy pottied we were ready to roll. The course would take us pretty much straight down SR5 with very few turns. The road was pitted and the shoulder full of loose gravel. Traffic was moderate and kind. Theresa pulled Zin with the Surley for the first 16 miles. The shore was lined with houses and retreats of every religion. We felt surrounded by our friends as we road seeing roads and establishments with names like Don's Hotel, Beaver St, Jim White motors, Rob Discount tire, Pepper's Cafe, the towns of Evans and Blasdell, Holt Realty, Lotus Point Rd … which triggered a Beatle's song that stuck in Theresa's head for the day http://youtu.be/T4C7nzceL8Q.

Kevin and Zin were well hydrated and had to stop several times to get some relief. We had one navigational challenge when we turned about 1 mile too soon on Erie St vs Erie Rd. Theresa pulled out her iPhone to get us back on the right route. We continued heading NNE pushing the wind until we crested hill with a wonderful view of Buffalo and then turned away from the lake on Pleasant St which lived up to it's name as it had little traffic and provided a little tailwind. That took us right into Hamburg, then once again we had to make our last turn into the wind. Just as we were heading up the last hill, Kevin's phone rings and he takes the call trying not to puff or pant into the phone. We arrived back at Jack Devines pub famished and thirsty. Zin did great and was happy to lay in the grass for a bit while we grabbed a bite to eat before we headed back to the RV.

All in all this was a great start to our adventure. Our plans for tomorrow are a bit of a late start after Theresa does some work stuff, then we drive the Jeep to Theresa's niece's house in Erie which will be the start of a 47 mile day back to the RV which we will leave at Lake Erie State park until we get back. Here is the route for Tomorrow http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/106646779