Scratch and Dent
Hoo boy! Thank goodness for the people in China that made our tent. It was only a little drizzly as we were getting ready for sleep but in the middle of the night it started to positively LASH down rain. The tent held fast and we stayed dry.
A big thanks to all the friendly folks at Cycle Works bike shop in Wrightsville. They have a portion of the shop devoted to a coffee bar and open bright and early at 7 AM. We stopped in for two chai teas and a chance to use the internet, charge electronics, and plan some of the days to come. The owner's two boys were there too getting ready for school and we talked about the trip. One of the boys: "That's crazy." Also a big thanks to Jason, one of the mechanics. His apartment is right next door and he was kind enough to offer use of his bathroom.
After suiting up we rode over the Susquehanna River in the morning mist to Columbia. The first portion of the day was toward Lancaster, suburban and then urban. On the way out of town I spotted three road beers. As we sped by it looked like they were still full, and sealed. I called out to Rach to stop and I doubled back. Sure enough, the universe offered us three bottles of Becks. From the specks of broken green glass nearby it looked like these were the survivors of cargo that was not well secured.
Next was Mennonite country. These people are generally farmers and similar to the Amish, but accept more modern conveniences. The ladies wear modest dresses and the men seem to like suspenders. Everyone dries their laundry on long lines with a pulley on one end to draw everything back in when it's dry. The terrain presented copious climbing and descending through wide open fields of wheat and corn. There were also plenty of dairy farms, strawberries, rhubarb, and more. Wildlife included goats, cows, horses, chickens, donkeys, tiny ponies, cardinals, and chipmunks.
For our final break of the day we stopped in a place called Morgantown at BB's Grocery Outlet. This shop was a bonanza of items slightly past their "best by" date and selling at rock bottom prices. We got some screaming deals. We also had a lovely chat with a couple who were curious about our trip. They had just gone hiking in the state park we were heading to.
Speaking of the French Creek State Park, what sadist put the campground at the very top of a succession of thigh-quaking hills?! Anyway, we did finally get there and regrouped with brownies, potato chips, and a mini pie. Accommodations for tomorrow are nebulous. We're riding through the outer suburbs of Philadelphia and campgrounds are non-existent.
Today's ride: ~ 51 miles
A big thanks to all the friendly folks at Cycle Works bike shop in Wrightsville. They have a portion of the shop devoted to a coffee bar and open bright and early at 7 AM. We stopped in for two chai teas and a chance to use the internet, charge electronics, and plan some of the days to come. The owner's two boys were there too getting ready for school and we talked about the trip. One of the boys: "That's crazy." Also a big thanks to Jason, one of the mechanics. His apartment is right next door and he was kind enough to offer use of his bathroom.
After suiting up we rode over the Susquehanna River in the morning mist to Columbia. The first portion of the day was toward Lancaster, suburban and then urban. On the way out of town I spotted three road beers. As we sped by it looked like they were still full, and sealed. I called out to Rach to stop and I doubled back. Sure enough, the universe offered us three bottles of Becks. From the specks of broken green glass nearby it looked like these were the survivors of cargo that was not well secured.
Next was Mennonite country. These people are generally farmers and similar to the Amish, but accept more modern conveniences. The ladies wear modest dresses and the men seem to like suspenders. Everyone dries their laundry on long lines with a pulley on one end to draw everything back in when it's dry. The terrain presented copious climbing and descending through wide open fields of wheat and corn. There were also plenty of dairy farms, strawberries, rhubarb, and more. Wildlife included goats, cows, horses, chickens, donkeys, tiny ponies, cardinals, and chipmunks.
For our final break of the day we stopped in a place called Morgantown at BB's Grocery Outlet. This shop was a bonanza of items slightly past their "best by" date and selling at rock bottom prices. We got some screaming deals. We also had a lovely chat with a couple who were curious about our trip. They had just gone hiking in the state park we were heading to.
Speaking of the French Creek State Park, what sadist put the campground at the very top of a succession of thigh-quaking hills?! Anyway, we did finally get there and regrouped with brownies, potato chips, and a mini pie. Accommodations for tomorrow are nebulous. We're riding through the outer suburbs of Philadelphia and campgrounds are non-existent.
Today's ride: ~ 51 miles
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| A community bike shop in Lancaster - would have loved to gone in, they were closed |
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| Farm land |
I am using your mom's machine, but this is The Old Guy (It's not just you Debbie and Pete, I can't figure this sign-in protocol either!) :
ReplyDeleteUp at Katie's (again) for Jack's graduation. Jack is supposed to be singing tonight which I wouldn't mind seeing but because it is at a religious ceremony, I dare not attend lest I be struck down by lightening as I walked through the door for my sinful, wicked ways. Speaking of religion, who needs manna from Heaven if god is sending beer? Are you sure it isn't the devil trying to tempt you? Now I could see god sending some Coors or Bud but Beck's? That is some serious temptation. More like the devil's work if you ask me. If the beer has a sulfur odor, it may be a temptation and not a divine gift.
Hmmm ... three beers? If was just two appearing Sunday thru Thursday and four on Friday (to see you thru the sabbath) then it it would be manna from heaven. But three? I think you might have just sold your souls (or soul depending on whether Mike shared his find).
ReplyDeleteGood to hear of hospitable folk along the way; as I said to a teenage Rich departing solo from Gatwick on an adventure. 'Most people are nice most of the time, if you get stuck you are going to have to depend on help from a stranger'. He did. (one of my better words of advice).
Have a great day. The Other Old Guy
Notwithstanding your Dad's comments above, we visited the Loyola chapel today before the graduation ceremony. Mike's grandpa would have attended services there when he was in high school. And for the record, Jack sang beautifully at last night's Baccalaureate Mass.
ReplyDeleteRide safely.
Cheri