The Route



July 30
The Completion of Another Great Tour


Total miles: 438

We have been in Manhattan for 2 days now. Visited Ground Zero, Empire State Building, Central Park, John Lennon's former house "The Dakota", and took a boat tour around the island. Sean is leaving tomorrow and I will leave for Kentucky Tuesday. Thursday I will drive up to Cincinnati for Paul McCartney's Concert.

We woke up early and walked north toward Central Park. Near 72nd st. we passed by The Dakota where John Lennon used to live before he was killed walking back to his house.


I told Sean that it was sad that a great musician was killed by a lunatic. We turned back into the park and came upon "Strawberry Fields" a mosaic commemorating Lennon. There were a lot of people standing near this area. Next we starting walking back south and saw a group of guys in a sandy area doing an obstacle course. They were all covered in sweat.

As we left the park we could see the Empire State Building. I thought this was a good time to go up to the top since it was still early. We had to wait in a large line though. But it was worth it since we got great views up top.

View from on top of the Empire State Building


On top of the Empire State Building


On top of the Empire State Building



On top of the Empire State Buidling


Where John Lennon was gunned down passed the gate


Later we caught up with Cindy and John and they suggested we take a boat cruise around lower Manhattan. I really liked this tour as we got to see a lot. While on the tour we listened to Malachy Murray, the tour guide. He told us some very interesting things about NYC.

Boat tour



Lower Manhattan





Brooklyn Bridge



All of the members of the group are now gone from NYC. Some headed back home and about 9 others rode on toward Vermont.

Sean and I had a great time on the tour. I am glad that he saw "older" people who are inspiring; who want to stay active, explore and seek adventure. We both hope we can ride with them again some time.

On August 1 I took Sean to JFK. He flew to San Francisco that evening. I went back to the Hotel Pennsylvania at 10: p.m. but woke up early and flew from LaGuardia to Louisville, Ky.

Once in Louisville I rented a car and drove to Ed's house in Frankfort, KY. I stayed in Frankfort for two days. Ed worked each morning but took me out for drives in rural KY in the afternoon. On Wednesday we met Bill Fortune in Lexington and then Ed, his wife sue and I had dinner at a nice restaurant.

On Thursday morning I drove up to Cincinnati to see Paul McCartney in concert. It was a great treat to finally see him live and to be close to the stage. There were over 41,000 people at the concert.

Paul McCartney in Cincinnati, August 4