Mt. Pleasant.

It was a cold 28 degrees when I got up. Holding my coffee cup with both hands to help ward of the chill, I thought of my family and everything else I was missing this Thanksgiving. I knew my my Mom would be in the kitchen baking sticky buns that every one would munch on through out the day until the main meal was ready. This year everyone was going to my Aunt Lou’s house. (The Aunt that makes me snickerdoodle cookies) My brother and sister in law, Dan and Emily had even made the 4 hour drive to be there. I knew I was missing a great time and lots of delicious cooking! As the sun gained strength and chased away the morning chill the empty and open road chased away any feelings of loneliness. It was a beautiful day and this is exactly where I wanted to be.

Every morning I stop at the first gas station I see to get water and a cold coffee. I prefer to get a gallon or a 3 quart jug if there available. It’s cheaper then small bottles. My 2 insulated bottles hold 40 ounces each and I also have a collapseable hydration reservoir for when I buy a gallon. Once out side of the store, usually using the ice freezer for a table I pour the water into my bottles and recycle/dispose of the plastic bottles. As I was doing that a man walked out of the store,over to my bike and shoved a ten dollar bill in the outside pocket of my pannier. He waved and said have lunch on me! He just smiled and waved when I said thank you.

The day was perfect for riding and since traffic was so light I put in my ear buds to listen to an audio book. Just in one ear so I can still hear traffic. Bicycling With Butterflies. By Sara Dykman. It’s pretty good. It was recommended to me several months ago but I’m just now getting to it. The author follows the migration of monarch butterflies from Mexico to Canada and back on a bicycle. I took a break around 1. When I checked the map I was a bit dismayed with myself that in the last town I had got on the wrong road. That was an hour ago. Wrong turns and wrong roads are not uncommon for me but to go nearly 11 miles with out catching it is! Usually I notice the sun or wind is wrong or I see a road sign but I guess I was too engrossed in the plight of the butterflies. I decided to back track. I wanted to get a motel and have my own Thanksgiving meal. In Georgetown I had noticed an Econo lodge that was near a grocery store. So that’s where I went. It was such a perfect day I didn’t even mind the 22 bonus miles.

I checked into the motel and unloaded my gear. The Piggly Wiggly grocery store was a little over a mile away and I headed for it. As I was walking into the store a young man that looked around 16 asked, Little brother can you spare any change for food? I laughed and said large and old brother would be more fitting. I gave him the ten dollars the man had given me and wished there was a way he could know that his random act of kindness made two people very happy. While shopping I thought about all the kindness and generosity that I have been shown and how much I have to be thankful for on this Thanksgiving day. I left my cart and went back out and gave the kid $11 more dollars. That was all the cash I had.

I had a small feast. It was nearly 5pm and I had not eaten all day. I got a half gallon of milk, rotisserie chicken, garlic potatoes, French bread, brocoli and a cheese Danish. Back in my room I turned on the heat and enjoyed my meal. After eating I took a shower, two showers actually the first one I left my clothes on and washed them.

November 26

It rained during the night and it warmed up a bit. It was 60 when I headed out at 9 am. There was not a coffee pot in my room but there was a little coffee shop about two blocks away. When ordering my usual iced latte I asked how many ounces they were and explained I was only asking because I was in a caffeine deficit for the day. It was after 9 and this was my first coffee. The girl laughed and said I had came to the right place. I definitely had. It was delicious. With the latte in one hand I slowly rolled along tree lined streets through town.

I left town and rode on some great back roads.

I had forgotten to get water in town. I guess coffee was more of a concern. I didn’t think much of it because I knew I would be on route 17 before to long. It was sunny and very humid. By the time I had got to route 17 I was thirsty. It had been a couple hours and I kept thinking any minute I would see a gas station or resturant. 31 miles later I finally saw a conveinance store. I learned that just like how you shouldn’t shop hungry you shouldn’t shop thirsty. Haha. I bought 80 ounces of water, 20 ounce sport drink an iced coffee, a drinkable yogurt and an orange juice. I spent a day and half of my daily budget just on liquid! As I was filling my bottles I met Virginia and Alex. They had just gotten married and were on their honeymoon. When people ask me where I’m headed I usually just say Florida. If I tell them my whole plan they think I’m either crazy or lieing. Either way it usually kills the conversation. Florida was also part of thier trip. They were a very happy couple and I really enjoyed talking to them. Every now and then I will meet someone and wish that we could of had a bit more time talking. This was one of those times. As they were getting in their vehicle to leave I tried to think of something wise to say about how marriage was a lot like a road with ups and downs, head winds and rainy days. I settled on only saying congratulations when it occurred to me that my bike tires have lasted longer then most my relationships. Haha. Alex and Virginia, I wish you the very best! I hope you all have a great trip and a wonderful life together.