Albany to Lock 9, 56 miles

   I left the comfort of the Holiday Inn Express, snagged a quick breakfast at a nearby cafe and was rolling on a trail by 9:10.  A combination of roads and trails with scenic vistas over three and half hours brought me to Schuylerville.  My legs were hurting the last hour probably because I hadn’t drunk enough water, a fault of many us bikers.  Being Memorial Day everything but local grocery store was closed.  With lunch in hand I parked myself at closed Restaurant where the tables and chairs were left outside. After an hour of R&R I gently continued my ride being careful not to stress the legs.  Upon arriving Fort Charles I stopped to ask a gentleman working on his yard if I could set up camp at one of the Champlain canal locks.  I had done so on the Erie Canal.   Good fortune had it that he worked at lock seven as head of maintenance.  He loaded me up with a large bottle of ice cold water and called his boss to see if I could camp  at Lock nine. Six miles ahead on tow paths and dirt roads I arrived with a feeling of relief. Boiling hot water from the bubbler mixed with tap water allowed me a water bottle shower out of sight down a dirt path off to the side of the canal. There is nothing like being buck naked in the woods scrubbing off a days ride of dirt and swear.  After the fisher men and their families left for the day I set up camp while fighting off the numerous bugs. Dinner consisted of Limberger cheese, canned devil ham, french bread and an apple, actually quite good.  With ninety-six miles to Port Kent and hilly terrain ahead I need to do at least fifty miles tomorrow.  Plenty of water, slow  and steady will get me there. Now for a good nights sleep under the stars.