D13 NE Wedded Vows

Most women would be thrilled to be taken on any of the following trips: Beach time in Rehoboth, lunch in Manhattan (ok, sort of the Bronx), or seeing the autumn leaves in upstate New York. Maybe most would prefer doing it by car and likely my wife would too, but she has endured by my side staying true to her vows. She might admit that the last few days haven’t been too bad. Regardless, she is amazing and I’m grateful for every minute, and mile, she stays with me.

The weather warmed and the day was a short one ~50 miles as we rode from Weedsport to Palmyra. Weedsport has nothing to do with sport or weed – unlike every town in Colorado. Elihu and Edward Weed helped found the town and it was a port on the canal.

We’ve found some other interesting names along the way like the town of Fishkill we stayed in last weekend. We were a little nervous at first as we rode into the area and everything was called “kill”. Was this a town with a penchant for killing? No, it is from the original settlers which were Dutch: the name Fishkill is derived from two Dutch words: Vis (fish) and Kill (creek or stream).

We went a little off route (again) yesterday – ok, I was lost. But as we wandered down some of the quiet backroads, rather than along the canal, we passed through some beautiful farms with huge fields of corn. Many were Amish and appeared to be doing quite well.

We arrived in Palmyra early in the afternoon since it was a short day. A trip to Palmyra is like a Haj for Mormons – members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is the birthplace of our religion and a really beautiful area. Our trip went historically backwards as we arrived in Palmyra where the Book of Mormon was first printed. Then we pedaled south to the Smith cabin and nearby Sacred Grove where Joseph first prayed and saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Unfortunately, with rain a certainty for Sunday, our short ride day lengthened. The Smith home was close to our motel so we figured we’d come back on Sunday and rushed off a few miles south to the hill Cumorah where Joseph was led to the gold plates. We hiked to the top and on the Moroni monument I read the testimony of the three witnesses. It again struck me as profoundly true but also bold and brave. I have great admiration for Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris.

A few miles more and we were back at our motel but I wasn’t done riding. Dinner was only available with some more pedalling back and forth from Palmyra just barely completing the trip before dark. I have to admit, it felt a little weird – sacrilegious? – to be ordering Chinese Food directly across the street from where the Book of Mormon was first printed:). But it was amazing food that I would recommend if you are in the area.

Sunday is a rest day and we are looking forward to it and conference.