Day 4: The Rumors are True: Ithaca is Gorges!

After a peaceful rest at Sarah Hann’s lovely abode, we found ourselves walking the dog and running through Six-Mile Creek. It was a great way to spend the 70 degree afternoon as we explored the first, second, and third dams. On our walk, we saw young college girls, Asian fisherman, and, of course, naked men. One fine gentleman was wearing sunglasses, a baseball hat, a gym bag, and not another single article of clothing. Just an average day in the woods of Ithaca!

Sarah, Brett, and Scout walking through the woods.

Asian fisherman in business casual enjoy the waterfalls and sunfish.

After enjoying the gorges and natural beauty, we ventured into downtown Ithaca and spent some time exploring The Commons. The Commons is the quintessential college town cobblestone avenue (similar to Church Street in Burlington, VT). It is a quaint commercial shopping district with picturesque stores selling everything from Tibetan artifacts and crystal gemstones to state-of-the-art electronics and overpriced house wares. Not to mention, the most intriguing part of The Commons was the eclectic mix of people enjoying their Saturday afternoon. There were old men, long-haired hippies, soccer moms, college students, little children, Goth skateboarders, street walkers, and journeymen on an epic cross country voyage in search of the American Dream!

Too much excitement for this little one.

This gentlemen is not only clothed, but also brought his own awning.

On the way back, we took a quick drive through the Cornell campus to give our regards to academia. We were actually only there for the college girls, but don’t tell, it’s our secret. And with a little spare time before dinner, we decided it was time for Brett to learn to drive a stick shift. It was quite an experience, which brought me to moments of uncontrollable laughter. To be fair, Brett started the car on multiple occasions with minimal stalling, but the car did not think it was very fair. I think that the neighbors enjoyed the loud screeching tires, dangerous lurching vehicle and excessive engine revving.

Page and Sarah are hard at work while we play with their dogs, Serious and Scout.

Then, we went to the Hilary and Page’s house for a home-cooked meal of mushroom risotto with spinach, vegetarian sausage, and organic salad. We also spent more time discussing the possible routes for the trip. After a discussion with the map, we decided on the following route:

Dates and Locations

• 9/2 – 9/3 Pittsburgh, PA
• 9/4 Ann Arbor, MI
• 9/5 – 9/8 Chicago, IL
• 9/9 Green Bay, WI
• 9/10 – 9/11 Minneapolis, MN
• 9/12 North Dakota
• 9/13 South Dakota
• 9/14 – 9/15 Denver, CO
• 9/16 Jackson, WY
• 9/17 – 9/18 Yellowstone /Grand Teton
• 9/19 Butte, MT
• 9/20 – 9/21 Seattle, WA
• 9/22 Portland, OR
• 9/23 Eugene, OR
• 9/24 Sonoma, CA
• 9/25 – 9/28 San Francisco, CA

Team Gabon: Tom and Nelly

After dinner, we went to the Chapter House by campus for some foosball and drinks with Tom and Nelly Archibald who also live in Ithaca. I had not been to Ithaca since their wedding and I was glad to have the chance to enjoy them in their element. They were probably also excited to get away from home as Tom’s parents were visiting town. It is always a blessing and curse to have your parents around as far as I am concerned. Don’t worry, Mom and Dad, it’s mostly a blessing! Let’s say it is difficult to truly enjoy the local music scene, eighty beers on tap, and Cornell co-eds knowing that your parents are going to be protectively watching over your shoulder! Ironically, our next stop is the childhood home of Brett Richey in Mount Lebanon, PA just outside Pittsburgh.