We had been looking forward to the quietness of this trail since riding with tractor trailers in Iowa; it did not disappoint.  The morning started off a cool 61° and with the partial overcast all morning, it did not go up more than ten degrees by the time we stopped for lunch.  The trail was not without it’s climbing, over railroad tracks and crossing of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny Rivers; not to mention the general uphill slant of the entire ride.  We passed more industry, a dam and twenty acres of steel pipe. A few miles down the road, we stopped in town for Gatorade and naturally got caught by a train.  The Allegheny Passage is a beautiful trail through back yards of neighborhoods and with places to grab refreshments along the way.  Everyone seemed to be enjoying the trail or on the river on this beautiful Sunday morning.  Stopped for lunch on the side of the trail, where lunch was served on the lawn of the nearby house.  Fresh tomatoes and a darling kitty, made for a perfect stop.  We slowly meandered up the trail, enjoying the sites and history. By 2:30, we reached the edge of town with a conveniently located Wendy’s and Frosty stop; half a mile further, we were checked in.

With the Duckies spending the night in the garage of our B & B, we walked the half mile to dinner.  It was a good thing for all that we ate and drank.  On the long walk back, found a happy hour we could not resist.  Not sure 53 miles warrants a milkshake, but it was up hill!