Day 4 - Orrtanna, PA to Buffalo, NY

Sunday, 10 October

Start - 18366
End - 18785

3G miles today - 419
Total 3G miles - 1244

Left Brian and Lori's right at 6am as planned, go figure.  Rode non-stop Orrtanna to Benezette, PA, elk watching capitol of the East, 3.5 hrs.  Was chilled to the bone though so before I went elk spotting, it was time for some breakfast and some, make that lots of hot coffee.  Slow service, high school girl who obviously wanted to be elsewhere, but I was in no hurry.

Cool one lane bridge.

Saw one bull elk on my ride into town, but didn't stop as I was soooo coooold.  Upon leaving I stopped at one of the "viewing areas" and caught a glimpse of another bull foraging near the tree line.  Pretty cool.

The Elk

Pressed on through more beautiful country side.  Passing the NY State Line, I took a small break, stretched and had some water.  As I continued on, I noted how different each state seems, the houses, landscapes, even the feel...Interesting.
Got to the Millennium Buffalo Airport Hotel (same one we stay in with AirTran) right at 3pm.  They offer a great discount for AirTran employees, so score!!!  Took off right away and headed for Niagara Falls.  Did the Tourist thing till about 6pm then headed back to the Millennium.  One side note...As I got in line to get a ticket for the "Cave of the Winds" exhibit, a guy walked up and handed me a ticket.  Said he wasn't going to use it and just handed it to me... Again, score!!!  Took lots of photos, but the sun was at a bad angle.

Example of the scenery
I rode through, beautiful.

On my way back to the hotel, noticed a lot of noise coming from my chain.  Thought it just needed to be cleaned, so I got a wash clothes from the the desk clerk and while I was wiping it down, I notice it was very loose.  Though I've never tightened a chain, I was thankful that my dad had instilled, for lack of better words, that can do attitude, and got out the tools and figured out, in the dark, how to tighten the chain and align the back wheel.  Then test rode the bike, heated up the chain a bit and waxed it.

Horseshoe Falls

Headed to the room, washed up, then hit the bar downstairs for a much earned beer and some dinner.  Realized I hadn't eaten since 9am in Benezette.  Got to the room, set the alarm for 4am, ugh, but want to get through Toronto before rush hour.  In bed at 1030pm, a long but great day!