Day 44

We started the morning off in the high 70s, cycling our way to Utica, NY. The sun was shining, and we endured mid-80s with no breeze. Despite the heat, it was a beautiful day for our 59-mile journey.

Along the way, we passed a touching memorial dedicated to all branches of the military, as well as a specific memorial for the US Army in Chittenango, NY. We also encountered the smallest church in the US, the Cross Island Chapel, in Oneida. This tiny 30-square-foot chapel sits in the middle of a marsh, and you can arrange for the head of the church to take you across by boat to see its interior.

As I arrived at the hotel, I was warmly greeted by Becky, Ross, and Rebecca Brent from the Syracuse Department of Veterans Affairs, along with Diane Miller and Lynda Alerding from the DAR.

We also saw a heartwarming example of community trust with firewood being sold on an honor system. And in Oneida, fresh strawberries were for sale, showcasing the simple joys and honesty that make this country great.