Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Into PA

Day 2
Well faithful readers, you will be happy to know that we made it safely to PA yesterday. It was a great first day-we left Armin's just a little after scheduled, and meandered our way through Jersey, managing to get lost within the first 15 miles, but a friendly police officer put us quickly back on track, so that we could attempt to bike through a military base without success, requiring a military police escort out. Luckily, a friendly biker, and military personel himself,Click Shrek, stopped to chat with us outside the base and led us to route 15 North, so we could get back on track. As Click led us along, chatitng amicably with Ross, he kept pointing to different spots in the road, and as I got closer I realized that he was pointing out hazards-potholes, drainage grates, etc.- for those behind him to watch out for. What a nice guy!

Route 15 was fairly uneventful, aside from Armin's police escort. 15 was a two lane highwayish road, with a decently sized shoulder that seemed to dissapear here and there. So, when the police saw Armin climbing up at 2mph, they told him it looked a bit unsafe, and that they would follow him to the top-what nice guys!

The rest of the day was pretty steady riding, with a break at a farm stand, where i got some fruit and we were able to fill water, and a break at a 50s car hop, where Ross and I sat in the shade as Armin caught up. We also had an awesome mint chip milkshake. After the car hop, with about 40 miles or so under our belt, we were pretty tired, and it was really warm. So, the afternoon went slowly, with lots of breaks. We crossed the Delaware River to PA, and the 3 of us made it to Milford around 5 or 5:30, and went to a Presbyterian church to ask if we could set up on the lawn for the night. The minister and his wife were very kind, and even showed us where a water spigot was outside so that we could fill our water and cook.

After getting out of my sweaty, itchy riding clothes, the night was great. Armin and Ross made Mac and cheese and green peppers, and I walked to the grocery store for some PA maps. After dinner we read, and sang around the Ukelale. We clearly blended into the small town as we sat in front of the church stretching, eating, singing and journaling. We went to bed early, and woke up early to get on the road again. Today has been a bit rougher than yesterday. Our first 10 miles was essentially all climbing, but after that the hills broke a bit, and I remembered Robbie's advice to just take it one pedal at a time, and I slowed it down a bit. Surprisingly, that really helps. I also started singing. This also really helps, but I can never seem to remember all the words, which is frustrating, so then I go back to the songs I remember my dad singing when I was little-I've Been Working on the Railroad, Oh Give me a Home, etc-yet still I can't remember all the words. Regardless, life is better when you're singing.

Taking a bit of a longer stop in Hawley, PA right now, but back on the road soon, to be just north of Scranton tonight. But of course, before I head back out there, a quick recap of the food I've been eating:

-Trail Mix (Raw almonds, cashews, raisins, and sundrops)
-Apples
-Nectarines
-Luna Bars
-Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake
-Nut Bar
-Cheese Crackers
-Mac and Cheese, with Green Pepper
-Oatmeal
-Peanut Butter Tortilla Wraps
-Bunny Grahams

4 comments:

Suzanne Lowell said...

armin was behind you? what's up wit him?

Marta said...

he probably wasn't wearing his bubble up... he'll be fine

Emily said...

Jules! I'm so happy to read about your first and second day. Thanks for keeping us updated, I love you lots, keep the good work up.

Alli Sribarra said...

Jules,

I have this wonderful picture of you pedaling along and singing "Home on the range." It makes me smile and I can't wait to see you in august