April 13, 2014

Here's the photo I took of Steve on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath, just below Lock 13 and Interstate 495, on his first day.  Lock 13 is at mile 9.4 on the towpath.

Mile zero is in the District of Columbia near where Rock Creek flows into the Potomac River.  This spot is the "tidewater lock", where canal boats entered the river - the northernmost navigable part of the Potomac.  Another name was the "watergate."  Just across Virginia Avenue from this spot is the apartment/office complex by the same name, unfortunately a name that now has a different historical meaning.

Best wishes for Steve's adventure!

Dixie Sommers
Alexandria, VA

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!