Wild Hogs V Day 3

As I write this I am keeping an eye to the sky. There is a big storm just to our north and it remains to be seen if we will get any of it. Clear skies above, but a very impressive front above the mountains to the north. It's putting on an impressive light show.

Anyway, back to today. We started kind of slow just hanging out at camp enjoying the morning breeze and relaxing. We knew the prediction of high heat and humidity would kind of limit how long we would want to be out riding, so we decided to stay somewhat local.

We started by taking another run at the Mohawk Trail since we all agreed it is probably our favorite stretch of road in these parts. That took us to the town of North Adams, where we went to see the Natural Bridge State Park.

Upon our arrival we were met by a park ranger whose first words after hello were '' you're going to be sorry you stopped'', referring to the heat and humidity. It was rather hot, but it was an impressive place to see. 

There is a dam there constructed of white marble, according to information there it's the only white marble dam in North America. The dark spots on the face of the dam are accumulated algae. The stone is actually very white. It was used to create a holding pond to send water to a large turbine down towards the bottom of the mountain that provided power for a plant there. The plant operated from the 1800s to 1947 when it was destroyed by fire.

Not only was the dam impressive, but the formations made in the rock (mostly marble) were amazing. The water has carved it's way through the rocks leaving some very interesting formations, including a natural bridge over the chasm (the obvious source of the name). 

Once we saw the sights there we relaxed in the shade and discussed possible lunch venues. We actually went so far as to call a couple of places to inquire as to whether they had air conditioning.

It was decided that we would go to a place called Poppa Gino's. We had eaten there when we were in the area 4 years ago. It was indeed well air conditioned and the pizza was great. We milked our stay for a good while as no one was particularly enthused about going back out into the heat. We decided we should make another Walmart run for more food and some bottled water since we seemed to be going through it by the case.

By now it was 97* and very humid so we decided to make our way back to camp. We arrived back at camp around 3pm. The first order of business was a change of clothes. Some of the guys decided that a dip in the very crowded pool would be a good idea, while I opted for a short nap in front of my recently acquired fan. A few went to play some horseshoes, then it was time for dinner.

We had hot dogs on the grill and made smores around the fire. Then we just hung out around the fire and talked. I am the last one standing as I watch the last of the fire die out. I can now hear thunder in the distance though the sky above us remains clear. It is my hope that this front will take the humidity with it, but that remains to be seen.

The Lighting of the Bikes was a hit with the other campers

Campfire

I think we are going to make a run to New Hampshire tomorrow if the weather cooperates. Now that the fire has died the bugs have declared open season on me so I think I'll call it a day.