Riding the Adirondacks



On my way out I was surprised at how soon I came upon the welcome sign to the Adirondacks. I was low on gas but knew from the camp owner there was a station within my range. As I made my way up rt. 8 (does this road ever end?) I see some homes along the way. Some look decent but are empty, some look abandoned but have people living in them! One house was rather unusual but with gas low I didn’t stop for a pic. I’ll have more on that house later during my return trip. The road climbed slowly and the surroundings took on more of a state park look the further I went in.

As I went along I began getting a little nervous about the gas situation. I thought by now I’d see that station but each curve just revealed more seclusion. Am I going to run out of gas on my first full day? Finally I see something coming up on my left but as I get closer I’m thinking “no, just another abandoned gas station but wait! This place is open!” The gas pumps were actually from the 70’s. Not only did I think these weren’t legal anymore, I figured no pump could even last this long! I haven’t seen a non-digital gas pump since, well the ‘70s I guess. Attached to the gas station/general store is a liquor store which basically made this spot the “we have it all” place. Gas, food, camping gear, worms for fishing and booze, complete with gas pumps from when you first got your driver’s permit. I stepped inside the small place and asked the girl if I had to pay before filling and she said “no”. So, I go back outside to fill the bike and take a ride to the past as I watched the numerical dials spin. It was the ‘70s again!







The bike took 5.2 gallons which meant I had 0.6 of a gallon left. Glad this old station kept these antique pumps going! I walked back in to pay and see the girl squinting through the windows at the pump. She says, “Can you tell me how much that says?” I thought “wow, not only can you drive off without paying, you can name your own price if you decide to stick around and pay!” But, that’s how it was in the ‘70s so the trusting attitude fits this place and it is welcome.


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