Rome to Plattsburgh

Sunday, 6 October

What was meant to be about a half hour visit to Fort Stanwix in Rome, turned out to be most of the morning, as we joined a very interesting tour. The tour guide had a name to remember - Val Morgan. She was delighted when we told her we’d think of her every time we go to the movies. Fort Stanwix’s claim to fame is that it’s the only fort that never surrendered. It was also a key point in the portage of goods between two waterways.

Once we were finally on our way the rain started, but fortunately it didn’t last too long although the whole day was overcast. As we climbed into the Adirondack Mountains the trees began to really colour up and the scenery was absolutely beautiful. The further into the mountains, the better the autumn colours. We stopped numerous times for photos but could only do so where it was safe to pull over so we missed a few good spots. They need a lot more viewing points for people with cameras. There are lakes large and small everywhere and we caught a couple of good reflections as evening was setting in.

We’ve noticed that a lot of towns and houses are very down-at-heel, with closed down businesses, unpainted houses and so on, but also some lovely ones in picturesque spots too. It must be tough around here in the middle of winter. We’ve seen people working on their wood piles. Today there were lots of cars going in the opposite direction from us. We think they were on their way home from their weekenders, where they’ve been getting things ready for winter or having last days on the water before the winter comes. Many businesses have signs saying they’re closed for the winter.

Lunch was in Old Forge, a very touristy town right in the middle of the Adirondacks, and this evening we are staying in Plattsburgh, which so far doesn’t seem to have any claim to fame apart from being a point on the map where we reckoned it would be time to stop for the night.