The Potomac Green

The Potomac Green was magically fun.

Virginia Time

As we headed into Virginia we had many opportunities to see the early makings of America. A visit to Jamestown had us thinking of the struggles that people encountered has they came to a new land. The houses and landscape were very distinctive and we could tell of the colonial influences.

We were graciously hosted by Rotarian Doug and Grace Boyce and also hosted by a Warm Shower member Bill Cummins. I was also able to present at the Franklin VA Rotary club.

Our goal in Virginia was to stop in Washington D.C., but on a more important note I wanted to see my sister Greta and her partner Susan. Greta and Susan made us feel like we were home. We were busied with house chores and projects. I just loved it. We were invited over to many of their neighbors for coffee or dinner or a late afternoon cocktail.

Susan and Greta had us at the pool and going to Leesburg for the flower expo. I was line dancing with Greta and just enjoying our time together. Some of the neighbors also had little projects to do. Ceiling fans were installed, bikes were fixed, and closet and screen doors were installed. I was in heaven.

Washington DC

It was quite scary biking on Hwy 1 into Washington DC. The road didn't have a shoulder which forced us to bike out in the lane. It can be a little harry when you're traveling at 13mph and cars buzz by you at 65mph. Once we entered the city we were able to bike on the city bike path which brought us right to Union Station.

We biked around the Memorials and Monuments. Its so breath taking. We were even able to have lunch on the Capitol's lawn.

Ward was thrilled to be able to speak at the Capitol Hill's Rotary Club.

Welcome to North Carolina

On April 2 we entered North Carolina. The terrain continued to provide us with some ups and downs. We were using google to map our route. The new bicycle option that it offers left us at the end of dead end roads, and guided us through pastures, dirt roads and even streams. We opted to go back to the standard maps.

We found liver and gizzards to be a cultural food in North Carolina. Not a delicacy in our eyes.

We had some really fun home stays. We stayed with Jerome and Cheryl Smith. They are friends of ours and have done Ragbrai with us in the past. Ward was in heaven with Jerome's home brew. (Keep your eye out for "Wardweiser" beer.) Ken and Marsha are a couple that we met cycling while we were in Florida. What fun it was to meet up at their homes again.

bike ride video

South Carolina photo with Kathy

More photos of bike ride.

Heading to Anderson South Carolina

We left Georgia and headed to Anderson S.C.. Kathy Friedl Krob,(Sara Putnam's sister) showed a great time in the Anderson. We rode bikes with her bike club. A real highlight was to give a presentation to some of her students. She works with children that are from broken homes and need alot of extra TLC. We were invited to have mac and cheese at one students Grandma's.

Kathy even let me have some mental therapy. I cleaned gutters, mowed lawn and fixed her bikes and did some plumbing in her spare bathroom.

We were really treated to landmark event. I had gizzards a plenty at the Beacon Restaurant in Spartanburg.

We were also able to meet Kathy's close friend John.