At the end

Well, I'm all done. I made it to the Yorktown Victory Monument on Saturday, July 17, at about 1:30. Sorry for the delay in making this post. I'm also sorry for the way the last series of posts was all jumbled up. That was confusing. When I arrived, I was greeted by a large crowd of family and friends. There were a lot of signs and many pictures were taken. It was great. I have never been so glad to see those people in my life. Mom had prepared a great picnic, which I felt was a fitting end to the trip.

Overall, I think biking across the country was a great experience. It was not always pleasant, but I'm glad I did it. I'm also glad I did it solo. It would have been a very different experience if I'd had a partner. I'm sure it still would have been good, but I am pleased with how things turned out. If someone told me they were thinking about doing this trip and asked if I would recommend it, I think I would say this: "If you really want to bike across the country, then it is a great experience. You get to see a lot of places, meet a lot of people, and push yourself a lot. however, if you are just looking for something fun to do, then do something else. This trip isn't as fun a you might think. It was often unpleasant."

I don't think I can thank my family and friends enough for all the support they've given me. I really appreciate all the thoughts and prayers and help and text messages. Who knew so many people cared about me? Thanks a lot.

Well, the batteries in the SPOT died. I'd hoped they would last til the end, but it was too much to ask. Tonight, I'm in Mineral.

? But, it's not so bad. At least it's cooler. My projected arrival ho Yorktown is Saturday. I'm am very much looking forward to it. Also, I had lunch with

? e and pulled out a switchblade and told me to take it. I politely declined, but she told me it was ok, she had three more. I didn't take it. Since gettin

? a friendly lady about my trip, when she asked if I had protection. She asked if I had a knife. I told her I had a pocketknife. Pie reached into her purs

? ulls. One bit my tire and almost knocked of down, but then I pulled my dog spray and they ran off. The second was outside a gas station. I was talking to

? Hello! Long time, no blog. I'm back in VA now, my favorite state. I had two memorable experiences coming out of KY. First, I was chased by a couple pit b

I'll be back in VA soon

Right now, I'm in the library in Boonville, KY. After finishing up an excellent family visit, I was dropped off in Bardstown on Tuesday. I had a short day, 45 miles, because the only other option was a 90 mile day. This gave me a more relaxed morning at Aunt Vicki and Uncle Bob's as well as giving me a chance to ease back into riding after sitting around eating for several days.

Yesterday, I passed through Berea. It seemed like a really nice little town. I had my lunch at the Boone Tavern, It was expensive, and I think my burger had been frozen, but the spoon bread was good. I stopped in McKee last night. I went by McKee Baptist Church and they offered to put me up in the hotel, but there were no vacancies. Instead, I stayed in the youth house. I had a shower and AC and the church didn't have to pay anything. A win for everybody.

I'm really looking forward to getting home. The sooner the better, in my opinion.

Some more relaxing

The past few days have been very good. I had a good visit with my Aunt Cheri and Uncle Tom, when I spent the night at their house. Aunt Cheri and I shot her bow for a little while, which was fun. On Sunday, I got to go to church, for the first time in a while. That was really nice, even more so because I met up with a bunch of my family there. After church, I partook in the French family tradition of going to Arby's for breakfast. I resettled at my Aunt Vicki and Uncle Bob's home and took a brief nap (which somehow stretched to about an hour and a half). Then, we went to my Aunt Bobbi and Uncle Mike's house for the 4th of July. There was a pool, even more family, and a lot of good food. After the sun went down, we got to watch as they set off fireworks in the driveway. After a really good night's sleep, I started to day with a big breakfast. Later, some family will be coming over to visit.

Once I leave here on Tuesday, I expect to be home in about two weeks. I think the trip has been a great experience, but I'm really looking forward to getting home.

From Mt. Washington

The past few days have been good. Yesterday, I met my Uncle Bud in Sebree, where he took me home. I had a nice visit with him and Aunt Dorothy, including the chance to eat well. Then, this morning, I was picked up by my Aunt Cheri and Uncle Tom and taken to their home in Mt. Washington. On the way, we dropped by the bike store and the grocery, which was fun.

The next few days will be a chance to relax and visit with family. And celebrate the 4th of July. I'm looking forward to it. At the end, I probably won't want to start riding again.