Day 6

What a great evening! Last night I was having a bit of difficulty finding a good camping spot outside of town ... too much shrubs and mosquito invested ground .... then it started to rain ... up ahead was a farmhouse with a big lawn and I approached the inhabitants to ask permission to pitch a small tent over in the corner. They took pity on me and insisted that I stay in the spare room ... had a shower, a few beers and listen to war stories about Vietnam. Earl Heubart is of Swiss extraction and served as a sniper with the navy seals. His stories were very interesting and we sat outside on the porch till very late ... after a few more beers we called it quits after midnight. Had a good home made breakfast and on the road by 07:30 ... not too bad considering the late night but ... I'm feeling tired now. Terrain is very hilly and I'm struggling on the long uphill stretches ... it takes me an hour or more to creep up some of the long inclines ... but I'm taking it as easy as I can. Completed 30 miles before midday and am ready for a spot of lunch. Met a local recreational cyclist, Kirk and am now sitting on his front porch having a chat, eating a simple salad and resting. I'll hang around here until 15:00 and then set off for part two of the day. Getting closer to the Ohio border but still plenty of Appalachian hills to contend with. Weather has been kind ... cooler with little head breeze ... with the threat of occasion (lovely) showers! Catch youse later!


Kirk Swartzlander at his magnificent home. It's a converted 18th century schoolhouse. He's doing some grass cutting while I rest up! That rest has done the trick ... completed the last 36 miles with ease .. aah! I forgot about the half dozen steep hills that slowede down greatly ... the cruelest was the ascent out of Brookville. Will finish off another day with 60+ miles on the clock shortly ... all that is left now is to find a nice spot before it gets too dark. Weather is cool, overcast with a slight westerly wind and the threat of rain ... but it's been another good day ... someone is looking after me!?

Location:Beyond Luthersburg