The only things absent from this otherwise terrific solo ride were the fiery autumn foliage that appears to be conspicuously absent this year and of course Joey, who's still unwilling to ride after months of supposed angina. Initially undecided as to where this ride would start, I went with the old familiar, parking at the bottom of Scudder Hill. I boldly, for me at least, took a chance on the unpaved sections in Halcottsville in an attempt to avoid the crappy pavement on Route 30. It really wasn’t so bad, and I felt a bit foolish not having tried it earlier in the season. Once clear of Halcottsville, I was unsure as to whether I should go up Vega Valley on Route 36 or head down to Margaretville. I opted for the latter, and once there, realized that that Dry Brook would be nice. It was every bit as wonderful as each ride in the past. The deep blue sky, low humidity, and temps in the low sixties made for some satisfying cycling. Once again, though, the winds proves to be chaotic with a seemingly perpetual headwind. I must remember to mark the eight-mile point of this ride. That is the spot on Dry Brook Road where the uphill gradients ease and there are some suitable parking areas. With Gina and Kaylee planning to come up in two weeks, I want to make sure that Kaylee has a good time and avoids struggling too much. It is indeed fortunate that Gina talked me into coming up to the condo. I was seriously thinking of canceling. I've been having some serious anxiety and a general reluctance to leave Bayside. The anticipation of even more social isolation than that which I've already been enduring for the past three years of retirement, made worse by Joey's increasing absence, makes the trek upstate less and less appealing. Also, bringing Blaze along, as was the case this trip, increases the overall level of stress as he requires so much attention and care. Ultimately, things worked out wonderfully. The ride was great, Blaze loves upstate and seems to really be engaged when there, and I enjoyed Joey's and Pat's company.