The morning sky was fresh and blue when I got up in the morning, and, even before packing, I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood.

The view from the Omni hotel in Albany

I was fascinated by the magnificent State Capitol, just across the street, most especially by it's wonderful series of steps. I probably took too many photographs of it :)

State Capitol Building in Albany

On the steps of the Capitol

After a good lunch at the Ginger Man, a place recommended to me by an email I'd received from one of my website pals, I set off West across the state, aiming for a small town South of Binghamton and the border, in Pennsylvania. By four or so, I pulled up in front of John and Alan's ranch up a dirt track road a couple of miles from the nearest town.

I'd met John through my website, and he and his partner had invited me to stay a couple of days on their ranch, Table Rock. When I got there, Bob and John had also shown up - two other East Coast friends, who will be returning tomorrow for a barbecue John is hosting.

First task was to return my rental car to Scranton airport. John was both kind and patient enough to drive to the airport behind me, and pick me up after I'd parted with the rental car. It was a beautiful afternoon, and returning with John, I felt relaxed, and privileged to be just where I was right now.

Okay it's hokey, but it's the sky as photographed through John's sunroof in his car

John and Al turned out to be a wonderful couple. They've been together twenty years. They made me feel completely welcome, and we had a great meal outside. All you could hear, when we stopped munching, was the birds singing as the sun hid itself behind the trees.

John, Alan and Keith at dinner