Heading out from Niskayuna to go to Grafton Lake SP is a bit on the folly side of enterprising, so I drove to the Cohoes power station on the Mohawk, just off Route 9 a couple of miles south of the bridge.

http://www.mapmyride.com/route/us/ny/cohoes/911124614943660492

At first I thought I'd be in the sun, just coming out from a rather dreary start to the morning, but nope--the clouds from the east rolled in and started to dim the light. Just as well; I didn't want the ride to be hot. I went south on the river road following the Mohawk into Cohoes.

I took the standard Route 32 across the 787 to 7 feed route to follow the Mohawk Hudson bikeway signs into the town of GreenIsland. I went to the Green Island bridge, a bit too far, actually, crossed the river, and started up the hill. I managed to lock onto Federal. Up to 15th Street, Peoples, too. On to Route 7, Hoosick Street. I'll take the other route next time.

Once out of town, I searched for the turn off to Grafton Lake SP and gratified when I found it. I saw the Route 142 entering from the north. That was the way we took, last time, with David Mika and Jonathan.

Soon I'm truly enjoying the country ride, but uphill all the way. There are places along the climb that feel like a permanent rain is taking place. Very odd.

A wall of water is advancing toward me as I top the hill to just see the park entrance so I turn and head back down. Route 2 is really rough. Take care. Watch for larger potholes. Mostly it is simply bumpy.

Instead of taking 287 back over to 7 then on into town, I follow Route 2 west into Troy. I pass more than a few Victorian places on the hill to the right or north side of the road. A huge cemetary with impressive monuments.

Back in Troy I cross on the lift bridge, turn north on 32, go on into Waterford, and cross the Champlain canal to get onto Rte 97 going north, then 96 then onto the road that will take me into Halfmoon, Crescent at Rte 9. I'm only 2 miles from the car and pass Saratoga Winners on the left, the ashes of Saratoga Winners. The 'owner' who is suspected of setting the fire, is being judged or is waiting for the court date.

Suspicious circumstances.