At any rate, made it to the still gorgeous Utica Union station! The station survives, and even thrives, as a Utica and Oneida county government building, serving as home for the Utica DMV, Oneida Sheriff's office, and several other government offices... in addition to its role as an Amtrak station.

The restaurant here with the ridiculous Cobb salad closed down. Fortunately, the area is hipster central here, so I got my hands on some trout Benedict.

Good times.

The traditional hike to castle rock, with its excellent views, and commiseration and venting about AI and its impact on academia, as well as the obligatory excellent views.

#Minnowbrook2026

Shorter ride today down the so-called Fulton Chain of Lakes, creatively named First Lake... Second Lake, Third Lake... My route took me along the scenic Route 28, from Old Forge to Blue Mountain lake. I made good time, in no small part due to the blackflies that were doing their hardest to make sure that I did not take too many, or too long breaks.

#Minnowbrook2026 begins!