MA

The final day of the 2025 Eastbound OBC excursion dawned in a beautiful section of New York State known as the Southern Tier. This region shares a long border with northern Pennsylvania, as well as three sparkling rivers: the Susquehanna, Chemung, and Allegheny.

I woke on this Day 7 of seven in Olean, NY to the sound of geese. When I followed them outside, the full moon was setting over Saint Bonaventure University, auspiciously situated right across the street from our hotel.

I say auspicious because A) Bonaventure literally means good fortune, and B) it also is the name of a second mast, found on older ships, which enhances a vessel’s maneuverability.

Surely flexibility/maneuverability and good fortune make for a successful journey, and this one has been blessed by both.

The caravan hit the road around 9 o’clock and clouds moved in after that. Hence for the first time during this trip, we encountered rain. But it was only a passing shower. The car got a much needed scrubbing, and then out came the sun.

Entering Massachusetts mid-afternoon, we hit another patch of light rain. It continued to sprinkle all the way to Northampton, where I picked up some groceries at the co-op, and it still was drizzling when we got to the house, but nobody minded because we were home.

I’d like to express my gratitude to any and all who visited this blog, and especially to my core group of loyal readers who provided support with your likes and comments. Knowing you were there really helped motivate me to stay creative and positive during all those long hours on the road, not to mention all those long hours in between, for the entire past week. Thank you!!

I’m not sure when I’ll be back, but I will. Until then, sending you so much love…

OBC 🙏🏼💜🌵🦉💫