I awoke refreshed bright and early this morning to the song a wood thrush singing joyfully of the imminent sunrise. The words of Robert Lewis Stevenson going through my exited mind. I quote…
For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move; to feel the needs and hitches of our life more nearly; to come down off this feather-bed of civilization, and find the globe granite underfoot and strewn with cutting flints.
Ok not really. I will always be truthful with my blog so the morning was more like this. I awoke after hitting snooze three times on my alarm clock. I slept poorly, maybe 3 hours I kept trying to think if I remembered to pack this or pack that. And do I really need 3 pairs of socks maybe two is enough.. It was already later then I wanted it to be when I got up (5:30). But I was able to catch Dad before he left for work shake hands and tell him goodbye. I needed coffee. I wondered if my budget should start right away in the morning or not till I was dropped off and on my way. If ran to Dunkin for coffee would that be cheating? I cant afford gourmet/expensive coffees on my trip. I decided my budget wouldn’t start until I got dropped off so I went and got my much needed iced vanilla latte. I savored every drop knowing it was my last for a while.
Mom took the day off so she was able to drive me to Williamsport MD. We had a real good morning and she bought me breakfast at Hardee’s.
I got on the C&O canal towpath around 11am it was already getting pretty warm out.
I’m at white rocks camp site right now in the shade laying in my hammock. I hope to ride in a while for a few more hours when the sun starts to go down.I’ve only been 27 miles or so but I’m tired and it’s pretty warm.
The canal was pretty busy today. I saw 7 or 8 other cyclist going the opposite direction. When there’s a loaded bike coming towards you a common greeting is to shout D.C.? Or if heading in the direction im going they holler Pittsburgh? If there not going to D.C. or Pittsburgh they just say where there getting off the trail at. So I might yell DC. they holler back no Harper’s Ferry. By this time they are beside you or already passed and in a normal voice you can say have a safe trip or good luck or whatever. When they hollered Pittsburgh? And I replied no Prudhoe Bay Alaska it was met with dead silence and a look so bewildered I was forced to check my mirror to see if i suddenly had 3 heads. After several of those incidents I now say Cleveland. That’s usually gets some hollers and cheers. At least the people who know about the Ohio to Erie canal trail get exited.
