Dismal Swamp

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We rode away from our inferior campground early this morning. We've been waking up earlier and earlier. The summer solstice is coming up plus we've moved north through 12 degrees of latitude since starting the trip; both factors make for longer days.

Today's ride took us past many wheat fields and silos, and past familiar-looking swampland in an area appropriately named "Dismal Swamp". At one point a baby turtle scurried off the road as we approached. Unfortunately he fell down a grating in the road just as we rode past. I'm telling myself that whatever pipe is down there connects back to his home. Definitely. He's fine. Right?

Thunder rolled around the clouds a few miles from us as we ate lunch at the side of the road. We decided we would outrun the weather but the rain had other ideas. The bad weather caught up with us in the mid-afternoon, though it wasn't too bad. A moderate amount of rain coupled with cool temperatures.

We had a nice break in the afternoon at Sqeeza's Country Kitchen. Kim, the proprietor, was keen to show us photos of other touring cyclists that had passed through. She's allowed cyclists to camp behind the restaurant in the past. It was a little too early in our day to stop so we said goodbye and pedaled on through the rain.

By the time we reached our campground for tonight, we were soaked. A welcome sign bade us go to the visitor's center to pay up for the night. We called them and begged off the 2-mile ride, promising to settle up with them in the morning when (hopefully) the rain has died down. We had showers while we waited for the rain to die down. It was great. Mike described his shower as "phenomenal". Copious amounts of very hot water at high pressure. Two hours later we're still talking about the showers. Barry's Walnut Island (where we stayed last night) could learn a thing or two from this place.

Today we rode 68 miles. We'll probably do a similar amount tomorrow as we head into Virginia. Until then!

Two nuts

Dismal Swamp

View of the kitchen from the tent

Comments

  1. the Old GuyMay 21, 2018 at 10:40 PM

    If it was in my power, I'd clear the skies for you. A big part of our day is looking forward to hearing from you and living through your travels and travails. Sorry for the troubles, but that's the price or really living.

    I hope that turtle is ok. Maybe that's how he gets his kicks? In the late afternoon, jump into the grate and race down to the seashore. Then all day tomorrow, work your way back to the grate for the next sluice. Beats the hell out of dragging along all the time and he'd never move as fast in his whole life without the power assist.

    I will check the old handlebar bag to see if it's compatible with the threadless headset. I have the feeling that it's not.

    So much for the trip being nothing but sunshine and blue skies. In the end, I suspect the adversity will make the journey much more meaningful and memorable. Remember the sage advice of those who have also faced great adversity: Stay calm and carry on.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Debbi StevensonMay 21, 2018 at 10:57 PM

    Memorable, it’s all about it being memorable. The turtle had a secret escape route and it’s where he just loves to play.

    I have ordered warm sunny weather for you today and some lovely snacks. You two are great writing a blog everyday, we didn’t manage it on our walking holiday, well not everyday (far from it). Love hearing the news, it’s our breakfast talking point.

    Xxx

    ReplyDelete

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