D&R Canal Trekkers First Day on the Trail

After meeting outside Penn Station, the D&R Canal Trekkers enjoyed some NYC bagels and orange juice. We scurried off at 8:30am to find an elevator to get down to NJ Transit. After rushing onto the train we enjoyed a relaxing hour ride to New Brunswick.  Sitting in the beautiful Rutgers University campus, we did some ice breakers to get to know each other better and talked about bicycle safety.  Practicing our new skills while riding around campus, we proceeded to find a supermarket to buy lunch supplies. We found a supermarket with the help of Trekker Sheyla communicating in Spanish!

We headed to the D&R Canal where we found a lovely spot with a waterfall to enjoy sandwiches near the tow path trail . Proceeding down the trail, we rode on a dirt path surrounded by trees and water on both sides.  After a very sweaty ride, we made it to the Doubletree Hotel where we played water polo in the pool and other games. A late arriving Trekker, Jamie showed up and we spent time getting to know him.

For dinner we walked for Thai food which was DELICIOUS (a little spicy). Back at the hotel, Zosia and Sheyla found us free cookies!!  We all ate them while reviewing the day together.  Looking forward to a good nights rest and a full day of biking tomorrow! -- Trip Leader Jamie

Last Biking Days for the New York Montreal Trekkers

7/19 In the morning after tenting in Trip Leader Andy's back yard, the trekkers encountered a severe thunderstorm.  After trying to brave it for a few minutes, we quickly turned back to Andy's apartment and waited it out for a few hours.  We threw our clothes in the dryer and played some Carcasonne - a strategy game based around building a feudal landscape.  Carter was the winner! After departing,  we braved some intense heat, and some more on and off rain, some rain that trekker Jonathon was quite thankful for.

After staying at "Camping des Arpents Verts" and having some hilarious difficulty communicating with the locals, The trekkers were finally off to see Montreal!