Just discovered that Neil Armstrong was born and reared just a few miles back down the road. I didn't pass his place but wasn't too far off track.
Entering Indiana ... no passport required! Surprised to find there's a big Amish community around the town of Monroe.
Got talking to a group of them outside a service station ... the women are very shy and dress in 19th century clothes and wouldn't let me photograph them (I asked permission first) and the boys had to be coaxed ... I learned that all the married men have beards! A couple of the younger boys were running around quite happily with no shoes on ... the soles of their feet are like leather. It's getting very hot now and I've gotten myself indoors, at McDonald's ... all the outlets are nearly identical and I know where the best charging sockets are! I'll stay here for an hour or so before pushing on the never ending route 214. (I've been trying to talk to folks back in Cushendall ... Vivi's not in ... Moira's not in ... Kirsty's not available ... where is everyone? I'll have to leave McDonald's soon as the air conditioning is freezing!) Ooh! it's hot ... temperature outside 96F and it really saps my energy ... even the locals are complaining. At one point there was a tree giving some shade beside the road and I stopped for a break but must have fallen asleep ... "Are you OK buddy? .. We saw the bike lying there and thought you were in some trouble. Want an ice drink?" ... "Oh yes! Thank you" says I and they threw me a couple of ice cold drinks ... now wasn't that lovely? It's quite obvious I'm not going to make the town of Peru this evening ... I'll call it quits around 19:00 It's getting a bit cooler now and the sky is beginning to cloud over. Looks like some liquid sunshine is on it's way ... and not before time. I stop at a little service station on the far side of Mt Etna ... it's looking a bit stormy ahead and there are one or two very violent squalls ... one blew the bike over but there was no damage. Talked to Mark Nelson for a few moments and he was able to look in on this blog ... sent a nice message of encouragement to me this morning ... thanks, much appreciated. Noticed an entry into a forest park and darted in . Set up my tent on short level grass among the conifer trees ... a sign read "No Camping" ... but what the hell?! Didn't really enjoy today ... it was a difficult 43 miles and I'm disappointed with myself.
Location:Indiana 116,Bluffton,United States
3 comments:
Joseph, My name is Mark Nelson and I wish and kick myself for not having more time to have spent with you today. We meet at a little place beside highway 9 where a strong storm blew up knocking things over as we sat at a gas station/eatery. You told me about your travels but the couple I was with on Harleys had to go. I am more than interested in your travels and will be watching via blog and hope sometime to see you again. Be careful and God bless!
So sorry I missed your call yesterday ... I was in the garden weeding but Joe was cooking tea and had the radio so loud I didn't hear the phone till the last minute ... too late . I got most of your message but it wasn't clear .. got the jist of it . Today weather has improved .. sunshine . We sang at Cemetery Sunday ( you were missed )Everything good at home .Jim and Anne arrived for a few weeks on Wed. VV gave me a lift in her NEW new car (The Polo )She's getting the hang of the gears after the auto.See any indians yet ? God Bless . Take care .
Hi Joseph, We are the couple you met at the mountain spring in PA. Meeting you was a wonderful, unexpected, surprise on a routine trip for water. I am so glad we asked for this web address and are absolutely enjoying following along as you travel across our great country. We find it interesting to "see" things through your eyes. Best wishes for safe travels and fair skies. Thanks, Arris & Jeff Moser
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