*** Resending note of 06/11/96 17:24
On 11 Jun 1996, grant buss <buss3@sympatico.ca>wrote:
> I am going to Albany for the V.T.R. Comming from Oshawa Ontario
>Canada, by way of Kingston, thru Watertown. Can anyone please tell me what
>the state highway number 12 is like between Watertown and Utica? Also
>highway number 5 that more or less goes from Utica to Albany?
Grant,
Are you taking the ferry across Wolfe Island to Cape Vincent or the
bridge crossing from Rockport to Fisher's Landing? Not that it really
matters all that much in reference to your question, just curious.
Rt 12 is a paved undivided highway (red road on the map) that goes through
a bunch, make that A BIG BUNCH, of small towns on its way to Utica. It
Shouldn't be a problem other than being slow. OTOH if you want to see rural
NY, you'll get your fill on Rt12. And you may be ready for a short burst
of interstate by the time you get to Utica. It's 90 miles (What's that
in km? 144?) from Utica to Albany so figure 1.5 - 1.75 hours on the
NYS Thruway, a pretty but boring toll interstate.
If you're set on keeping off the interstates, I would recommend
against Rt 5 from Utica to Albany. It goes through some highly industrial-
ized areas. Lots of semis and local traffic, especially between Amsterdam
and Schenectady/Albany. It's not a pretty road there. A better choice
might be to pick up Rt. 28 south of the Hinkley/Barneveld (Trenton)
area, take Rt 28 south east thru Poland and Newport then east on Rt 29
thru some really beautiful farm country then thru Johnstown. You then
have the option of going south on Rt 30A to Fonda or stay on Rt 29 to
Rt 30 south to Amsterdam. From either it really is best to take the
Thruway into Albany. Amsterdam is Exit 27, you could go to Exit 24
Albany, then onto I87 north to Exit 7. The Century Inn is right off
Exit 7 of the Northway (I87). Or you could stay on Rt 29 east past
Amsterdam into Saratoga Springs then south on Rt 9 or I87, but that's
WAY out of your way. Nice drive tho. The Century Inn is on Rt 9.
Just a few suggestions.
> My CAA has me going to Syracuse on the Interstate but I would like
>to see some country and enjoy the drive.
Definitely take *some* of the back roads in NY. There are some fabulous
sports car roads along your route. Are you travelling alone? Or are there
others coming with you?
Looking forward to seeing you. Have a safe and enjoyable trip (and watch
for the small town sheriffs.)
Rik Schlierer
Chairman, VTR96
(All convention questions answered cheerfully, donations of Amstel,
Sam Adams, Becks or Killians accepted, also cheerfully.)
|