Oct 20, 2013

The day started cold and foggy and progressed to cold and frosty and then to just cold then beyond that and we progressed to a series of one great riding experience to another depending on the roads we were on. A bonus for me was that Norm showed me a tip this morning when despite the grip heaters the tips of our fingers felt as if they were ready to drop off, he demonstrated how we could hold our fingertips in our gloves to the exhaust outlet of the bike…bewdifull!

Each day of our trip we have been amazed at the experiences we have had and the things we have seen and think we cannot see anything else which we will consider incredible but we keep on being proved wrong and today was no exception. It was a GREAT day and I’ll let the pictures tell the story!



We did remember to go and see the Millionaires Row in Williamsport on our way out and here is one of the better preserved houses. There were a number of others well preserved, a number now apartments and some just derelict. A bit sad to see.



As we headed for what is known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon we found this entry to a walking track to the western Rim as we wound our way up to the overlook. It was a spectacularly beautiful ride.



A view from Colton Point State Park of the Western Rim of the Canyon. Imagine the curved river a bit straighter than shown here and that is it.



And on a short cut to the Eastern rim we came across some farmland and here are some Canadian Geese after just taking to flight.



A view from Leonard Harrison State park on the Eastern Rim of the PA Grand Canyon. Obviously colder on the western rim as fewer leaves left on trees. We went from gently falling autumn leaf confetti today on our travels to full on fallen leaf squalls from fallen leaves as the day progressed.



A glimpse of farmland as we moved along.



And a delightful interlude in the township of Wellsboro and this is the park across from the Tioga County Courthouse.



And a view along a street of the pretty little town.



A great example of a substantial barn we came across in our travels toady.



Next call was at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum which interested us given both our family histories as well as our own involvement. These are on the road as symbols of different eras in lumber history. !. The axeman, 2 chainsaws arrive and 3 conservation and replanting.



We were at the museum about 1 year too early as a massive building program is underway but this is the Sawmill which housed some great machinery which was both practical as well as reminding me of the machinery my Dad used in his youth.



We moved on to Coudersport and checked in then headed for the Austin Dam Wall and this is the description of what happened many years ago.



And the remainders of the wall from the road above.



And Norm’s bike on the down water side of the wall.. Check it out on the internet. Very disturbing but interesting.



Main street Austin today. When it was wiped out after the dam collapse the paper mill down river from the dam was also washed away as well as the store of logs there which added to the destruction of the towns below. Incredible to think about.



And an impressive building in Coudersport across from where we had a late bowl of soup for lunch then later on dinner.

Last night’s Accommodation:



Residence Inn by Marriott Williamsport
150 West Church Street
Williamsport, PA 17701

A beautiful and comfortable place to be. Great welcome with gas log fire in the foyer. Self-contained space (generous) with a shower (not over a bath) oh what bliss for these two Aussies. Bed superb. Walking distance to anything we want and staff terrifically helpfully. Good value. What more can I say.

Last nights Dinner:

Barrel 135 – Bar restaurant literally behind our hotel in a lovely old building and also outside if it is warm enough and it definitely wasn’t. The atmosphere was great, service friendly and helpful and extensive menu. The food was delicious and we would definitely recommend it.