Syracuse bound.
Wed Aug 17th
My first attempt to depart was a bust. I had lunch with Mom, and after fueling, I discovered the hot engine stalls when starting. Possibly vapor lock in the fuel line, abnormal for fuel-injected engines. TBD.
With the extra day, I started designing, and building an interior x-country ski rack, then made pizza for dinner with the folks.
thursday aug 18th
I finished building the x-country ski rack, changed the van’s air filter, then had tacos for lunch with my cousin Nathan and my old man.
I then successfully departed Vermont at 2 pm. I arrived at The Hub Bike Shop, Brant Lake, with time to ride their trails constructed during Covid. With trail directions from an impressive fellow biker in her 60s, I made it to the top, revealing a beautiful lake overlook. Coming across multiple deer along the accent.
Just before closing, I arrived back for a sour gin and tonic beer at the Hub, which included a conversation with the bartender about her daughter’s education struggles. Dinner was an egg, tomato, pesto, cheddar, and Sriracha in an english muffin.
Friday aug 19th
I arrived in Lake Pleasant late in the morning and turned off the van. When departing, the van hadn't cooled enough and proceeded to stall in front of the fire station! I cleaned up the negative battery connection hopping to create a better ground connection, then successfully made the few miles to Oak Mountain.
I explored the extensive bike trails and followed up with a swim in the warm algae of Lake Pleasant. Leaving the van running to reassure a longer pause wouldn't be required.
My arrival in Marcellus required waiting on friends to wrap up their Friday, which allowed me to enjoy cooking van ramen while waiting in the park.