Waterloo, NY

The day started off great. Emily, Christie, Sally and I climbed into the Maxwell and drove through the rolling hills of upstate New York. The scenery was spectacular. Though super loud and windy, I really enjoyed being in the backseat and waved at everyone we passed. The group stopped in Bouckville for a lovely catered lunch and met several members of the Model T Club.

Do you know why Henry Ford offered car paint color options at the beginning and end of the production of the Model T, but stuck to black for the middle years?

Why was it not uncommon to see an early Model T driving backwards up a hill?

With older cars, things happen. We've made it as far as Waterloo, but the Maxwell is 70ish miles south. It seems to be the same problem we ran into before: the front bearings are not getting oil. Therefore, the bearings (which are special Babbitt bearings) are being pulverized/ mutilated -- especially the front bearing as we drive up the hills. A good group of mechanics is working on the Maxwell tonight and will continue in the morning. I hear Ziggy from Albany will be casting another bearing for the car.

Secret Caverns

Margaret (Emily's mom, lodging coordinator, and much more) gave four of us a ride to the caverns. We had originally set off to find Howe's Caverns, but were persuaded by a great Trip Advisor review and absolutely tacky signage (see photo) to continue down the road to the Secret Caverns. Plus, we wanted to know the secret. Todd was painting when we arrived, but convinced us to wander outside and participate in some public humiliation (see photo in next posting) while he cleaned up and prepared for the tour. We descended a steep, wet staircase into the cave (130 ft down!) Tour guide Todd, also a member of a death metal band, told us the story behind the founding of the caves -- a farmer lost a couple cows to its depths -- and led us to the spectacular 100 ft waterfall at the end of our 1/8th mile walk. Supposedly, Todd used to drink the water and encourage his guests to do the same until one day a patron told him how filthy cave water is! Interestingly, the temperature in the cave remains a steady 52 degrees F year-round.

Todd ended up giving us a ride back to the Super 8 -- well halfway, anyway. Christie and I ran the rest. Best tour guide ever!