Tuesday, September 11
It was closer to noon than 10 a.m. when we left a week ago on 9/11. Try as we may it is impossible to leave on time, always one more thing to take care of or find or pack or do.
Almost as difficult as packing everything we will need to survive and enjoy four days on the road.
One last minute purchase kept us entertained over many miles, an audio book from Cracker Barrell which Mike downloaded to his MP3 player.
We also caught up on Daily Audio Bible readings. Coincidentally the first segment was from the Song of Solomon and started out, "Come away with me, my love."
The tiny player was in the right back pocket of Mike's jersey. Each of us used one ear bud and quickly got the hang of listening, pedaling, taking in the landscape, conversing at times, and thinking our own thoughts! Talk about multitasking!
The occasional "Stand!" was good for climbing any incline or hill, and also for rear-end relief.
Getting off the bike regularly helps too.
We rode past my wheel-chair-bound friend's house and I commented that I hadn't been able to visit her in a long time, so Mike turned around and we walked in and surprised her. She has been confined to her bed for a few weeks due to her machine malfunction. It used to be the Scooter Store would send out a repairman without delay. What's happened?
We stopped next at a trailhead and I read the history of the truck industry in Marion.
We continued on the Greenway all the way to Sweetzer where we ate at a Subway and sighted another Garfield statue.
Mike saw a path he wanted to explore so we took a detour from the marked route. I protested and explained that I am always looking at the cyclocomputer checking off the miles, anticipating the time of arrival when I can get off the bike.
First lesson: Enjoy the ride!
The payoff for the extra six miles was the beautiful view at the end.
After that I teased Michael about having to add on up to 10 miles to his estimated trip length.
We arrived at the campsite around 5:30 p.m. and rode around looking for the perfect spot among so many.
Near a CS (Comfort Station) was one requirement, and also a level spot for the tent.
We ate Ramen Noodles and crackers with strawberry cream cheese spread and a Recover drink.
An avid bicyclist stopped by and chatted for awhile. The only thing on his bucket list is to bike across the US. This little three or four day trek through the Indiana portion of the American Discovery Trail was a test toward that goal. Said he'd been married 44 years and they used to ride a tandem.
Later we met the campsite host and his daughter and family of five children including two adopted sisters from Ethiopia. By then it was too dark for photos. The air was becoming chilly and we lit a fire.
I was soon ready to call it a day. Mike wanted to stay up so he would not wake up in the night.
I did. He did.
I did. He did.
To be continued...
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