April 13, 2014

I had my bike alarm on last night which the raccoons triggered. Scared them and they ran off so it looks like that is a good mechanism for keeping my food safe. I woke up to turkeys gobbling from across one side of the valley to the other.  The trees are just starting to bud, the red buds are coming out and look marvelous. It looks like it's going to be a hot, wonderful day.  I plan to ride to Williamsport, have a good meal there, and then proceed on if my legs allow.  I feel good, well rested, and very happy to be on this trip.  There's a wonderful life out here and all one has to do is get off the couch and seek it. My best to all back in Decatur and to the new friends that I've made along the trail. The general comment when meeting on the trail: "May the wind be at your back." That is  ever so true. That makes for a wonderful day.

Rose, the proprietor of the Desert Rose Café in Williamsport, is a sweetheart. She filled all my water bottles, making certain that I had good icewater, and served me not one but two breakfasts.  They are a bike friendly establishment and a joy to be around. I highly recommend this café if you are riding through.  Yahoo, the Desert Rose Café!!!  I loved it and you will too.

1/44th of the way

April 12-13, 2014

Good progress

Nice section-but not very long!

Laundry Day

Shared a camp along the river last night.  So nice to hear someone speak so well of her parents.  Mom and Dad - you did a great job raising this fine young lady... I bet she's an incredible nurse!

April 12, 2014

Up the trail from Harpers Ferry

The scenery is a bouquet for the eyes. It is so peaceful, so pleasant, so quiet. Truly this is a time for reflection.

Shepherdstown, home of Shepherdstown University, is a lovely quaint little town. Spent time here having a wonderful lunch. Will continue on the C-O later on this afternoon. Having a great time.

Near Antietam, MD

April 10, 2014

 

Washington, DC, on Day One.

Cherry Blossom Festival.

Steve and  bike at the Wall

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 10, 2014

Good day today! Arrived at the Vietnam War Memorial early so no one else was there and took imprints/pictures. So many lives lost, so sad. I rode 30 miles on the Chesapeake Ohio Canal. Beautiful day and interesting history.  The canal is preserved for about the first 20 miles but beyond that it is overgrown but the trail has been good. I am camping at Chisel Branch which is at about mile 30 on the canal route. Hope to make it to Brunswick or even Harpers Ferry by tomorrow if my knees hold out. Going to bed early, campsite is very rustic, but I have it all to myself.

Pittsburgh to DC

This is the view out my window looking from the train across the river to the Great Allegheny Passage.  This will be part of my bicycle route on about day eight.  Traveling by sleeper car has been a great experience.  Fell asleep as I observed our great American countryside pass by the window.  The Youghhiogheny River  below seems to have sections that would offer great kayaking.  Beautiful country and I am thoroughly enjoying the experience.

March 15 Decatur and Vicinity

First ride on my bike carrying all of my gear. The bike was nice and steady, felt comfortable on the bike, but quite sore after the ride. Will need to get into better shape before starting the real thing. Felt it in my shoulders more than anything. Have a lot of conditioning to do before I tackle this ride.  My knees have been bothering me lately. Has nothing to do with the bike riding as this seems to have started with the weather change.  Getting old is simply not for sissies!