(if reading via email, click on tiny type at top or bottom of blog--BLOG-DEBORAH BUROW ART-- to get easy read version)
Chris was the man of the hour today.
We left the farm via Marc's truck hauling our gear and us 20 miles past the toughest hills going into Frederick, MD. Half way there I remembered my bike helmet was still at the house. Back we went. Marc was very gracious about my forgetfulness. He returned home, 20 miles, we got the helmet and he dropped us in Frederick. As we unloaded the bikes I realized I also forgot 2 of my panniers back at the barn. By now I'm wondering if I have totally lost my mind! For a few minutes I contemplated finishing the trip without clothes, sleeping bag and mat. As we crossed the street I spotted a taxi and Chis. I left everything with Dave, hopped into the cab and returned to pick up the forgotten panniers. I had the most awesome 40 mile conversation with Chris. We discussed our faith and how God orchestrates our steps even when we forget camping gear. A delightful man. He has been working in USA for 15 years and wants to return to Nigeria to be a full time minister. Of course he is already doing that.
Finally, all things remembered, Dave and I pedaled to historic Frederick. We took a walking tour. Great town!
River runs through town and it has been designed as a main attraction.
this was painted on a flat cement wall.
Not sure what this store was selling but I was buying into their business plan.
A Tarkay print. One of my favorite artists. It was too big for the back of my bike but would have added a splash of color in my tent.
Frederick, MD, a great little town.
To avoid the extreme hills today, we opted for a flat tow path, previously used by mules pulling boats up the river.
The trade off was mud. Of course, these pics do not even come close to showing the thick, bike swallowing mud.
I got a messy lesson in how to navigate thick mud trails. After a couple spills I started to get the hang of it. We are returning to this trail tomorrow so we will see if I learned my lesson.
I can now check rain forest off my bucket list. (Actually it was NEVER on my bucket list.)
Tonight we are in a campground next to the Potomac River with mud everywhere. "Crime Caution tape" is marking off a thick, deep mud area next to our camp tent space. A long line to get a shower. Ahhh camping. But now I'm snug in my tent. That's the payoff!