The Hudson River At Last

Amsterdam, NY to Albany, NY
53 miles
787 feet ascent
1,227 feet descent
1,928 calories

Leaving Amsterdam this morning I passed another one of these stone mileage markers that were once used by the railroads.   I am pretty sure they mark the distance to New York City as the numbers have been declining, and they seem awfully close to the numbers on my maps and those I can see on the road signs.

Old Railroad Mileage Marker

It's neat that they decided to leave them there as a reminder of the railroad that is underneath much of the current bike/hike trail.

Once again today, I passed another "European" named town.  This time it was Rotterdam---"a nice place to live".

Rotterdam, NY

The further downstream the Mohawk River I get, the wider and larger the flow becomes, which makes for bigger bridges, dams, and locks.

Mohawk River Bridge/Dam

Mohawk River Upstream From Schenectady, NY

Mohawk River Lock

Several times in the past few days I had noticed the "Enlarged Erie Canal" referenced on maps and listed on some signs.  Well, today I learned what that was about per the sign below.  It was really more about increasing the capacity and flow of boats/barges that could be handled than a bigger canal.

Enlarged Erie Canal Lock 23 Historical Marker

Lock 23 Showing Remnants Of "Dual" Paths 

When I reached Schenectady today, I realized it was probably the end of "rural" America for this journey as the sounds of freeway traffic, factories, and the first sounds of jets in a long time echoed in the air.  While there may be some small towns down the Hudson River, I expect they won't be so rural. 

Such was the case when I rode through Albany.  I spotted this iconic figure blocks away, and at first couldn't make out what it was.  But once I got close, there was no mistaking it, especially when I could read his name on the collar.  Remember "Nipper"?  And, can you remember where you saw him?

"Nipper" The Dog

I took a little while to explore a bit of Albany, New York's capitol.  Lots and lots of very old buildings with character are all around the city.  Sadly, many of them are abandoned or in disrepair, however, many are still in use or have been revitalized.

State University New York (SUNY), Albany

New York State Capitol Building

After the mini tour of Albany, I finally reached the Hudson River and began the final, southward leg to NYC.

Hudson Riverfront In Albany

No sooner did I reach the Hudson, I came across the USS Slater, the last surviving WWII destroyer that now serves as a museum.

Destroyer USS Slater