July 6
Buckhorn, KY to Berea, KY
76 miles
Quiet country roads with stunning scenery helped calm our frayed nerves (except for the intermittent dog attacks). After a light “emergency” food dinner the previous night, our camp breakfast of instant oatmeal barely made a dent. A hilly 18 miles before the next café caused us to succumb to blueberry Poptarts and chocolate milk from the convenience store as a breakfast of champions starter. Little did we know that this would actually be significantly healthier and tastier than the frightful fare served at a café we stopped at for our third breakfast. We thought eggs and pancakes would be safe… Today’s other major challenge was finding water. The day’s route had a 40-mile stretch with no stores. No more available church spigots. In fact, no one seemed to have outside faucets. Luckily, the people we prevailed upon for water along the way were happy to help keep us hydrated. This was another long day on depleted legs and we resorted to pushing our bikes up some of the steeper grades. We finally reached Berea and were thrilled to be met by ML’s friend, Claudia, who rescued us from another night at a campground and another dry county. Claudia whisked us away to her comfortable home in Lexington for a huge dinner with her family. At last good food, some wine, and a bed (!). Tomorrow a rest day at last!
Well, them's some real adventures! Eating certainly sounds rather grim; glad you had the time at Claudia's.
ReplyDeleteOh, boy! Did you get a baby rabbit? Rascal has been talking a lot about wanting to adopt, and would probably be very pleased with the arrangement. The weather finally cooled a bit, but not much rain here. Eating lots of greens out of the garden, neighbs and Rascal both.
Pedal fast but enjoy every minute. We'll be here when you get home, many miles down the road.
Men's Team
I'm back and CAUGHT UP! Whew! I am just sweating along with you and of course wondering where the Buddha is in all this snapping, snarling, coal mining country (welcome to my West Virginia roots!!!). We are so removed aren't we????
ReplyDeleteBut I am glad to know that you are safe and still meeting people that are taking care.
I just checked messages when I got home from Port Townsend and heard ML's voice, answering my long ago voice message to you. Andy must have saved it and didn't tell me (grrrrrr!).
I am going to try and call you tomorrow to hear your voices in phone person!
I love you and hope that the coal dust is starting to subside.
Much love and kisses,
Carolyn (who is that other Carolyn anyway!)
Hi Happy Hikers,
ReplyDeleteSeveral people here in the old SY valley are now reading your blogs. Hope your free day was fun and relaxing. Maybe the rest will give the"bike rabbit" even more speed. Take care on the roads, you two.
Love from us.