This monthly contribution is kind of morphing into a journal with some pictures. One might call it a small slice of life of a guy who likes bikes, a lot. It’s a long read and I’m hoping it’s not too boring.
April 1st
I’m a gatherer, a collector of sorts. That being said, I’m very fascinated by toy Hess Trucks. I believe that they’ve been around from 1964 through present. One of the more interesting trucks in the collection, for me anyway, is the Training Van from 1980. I know that the earlier Hess toy Trucks were modeled after actual vehicles that had been in use by Hess but I had never actually seen any oil company’s Training Van in real life, that is until this morning on my ride home from work. Imagine the awe that I felt as I gazed at this colorful monster. The pic is blurry as I didn’t have a tripod or suitable surface to set the camera on, but it’s certainly discernable.
April 9th
It’s my day off, the sun is shining, it’s 48* outside….pinch me, I must be dreaming!!!
I started today off by taking my dear bride out to breakfast and I made it a point to get myself well fueled up. After devouring a Ham & Cheese omelet that covered half a platter and an order of home fries that covered the rest of the platter I was ready to face the day. As I scurried about the house preparing to go out for a ride I thought I could hear a little voice calling out….take me too…take me too. Then I glanced over and spied Fred perched on our file cabinet, his winter home. I grabbed him up and we headed out back to the garage. For those who don’t remember Fred from last season, here’s a pic of my riding mascot / buddy. His riding season perch is up in the handlebar bag on the Tour Easy.
So yes, the bike of choice today is the Tour Easy. Before I even got out of the garage I decided I might just as well air out Roger too. So Fred’s perched up on the bow, Roger’s hanging out near the stern and I’ll be stuck in the engine room!!
As usual, I headed north along the Genesee River trail to the mouth of the Genesee. I didn’t have to ride very far before I remembered why I rode so much last year. I just can’t put into words the childlike exhilaration that the T.E. provides me.
Here’s a nice view of the Charlotte Light at the harbor. It’s been around for quite awhile. It has been lovingly restored and is open to the public for tours. There’s also an interesting museum in the Keeper’s House.
Around the corner from the lighthouse, here’s the old Bathhouse at Charlotte Beach. This view from the East shows what was the Men’s Restroom. Behind the restroom was an enclosed courtyard with rows of lockers for changing from street clothes to bathing suits. Entrance to the beach was then down underneath the main building and out onto the sand through some showers.
Here’s another view showing some of the portion of the building that faces the lake.
Looking from Beach Ave., here’s the main building with what remains of the Ladies locker area and restroom to the left of the two-story bathhouse.
Built in 1931, I think this is a great looking building….
The middle portion of the building is used as a control center or base station by many organizations during several public events in the park. The upstairs can also be rented for receptions, parties and meetings. The old locker open-air courtyards have been converted to basketball courts. The old access tunnel from the basement to the sand has been long ago closed and no sign of it is visible from the outside.