Short day

We started the day mystified at our good fortune and the hospitality of the Mashburns. Had some oatmeal and pushed off after thanking Sarah and Ava. David had gone to work earlier that morning.

We did about ten miles and got into Berea, our original destination of the day before. We ended up going to two grocery stores. Wal-Mart and Sav-a-Lot. Not the wisest choice. It took forever and we didn't start doing any fresh miles until nearly one in the afternoon. We spoke to a woman outside the Sav-A-Lot who had lived in Miramar and gave birth to her daughter in Escondido. Small world. She warned us about the weather forecast for the day, and the rest of the week: rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon. The crew is about spent with this kind of weather. It is merciless.

We readjusted our plans and decided to do a shorter day, around 55 miles. Everybody is worse for wear after the Appalachians and the continuous riding has been taking its toll. Every day is a countdown till our first major rest at Jordan's uncle's house in Illinois. We met another pair of touring cyclists and discussed where to stay, and the climbs and such. More tales of bringing plenty of extra water for the dry states.

And then who knocked on the door? The rain? Ah yes, please come inside and soak all my belongings and ruin the carpet. We had learned our lesson from previous days and knew it was time to get out. We passed two gentleman on the side of the road who asked if we were looking for a campground. We replied in the affirmative and a half mile later we were waiting it out underneath an awning at an RV park. It's just a lot better that way. The weather is tougher than you are. We try to avoid it if we can. After a few bursts of thunder and some deluge we rode again.

The rain was light when we continued riding and we scoffed at it, unimpressed after our earlier soakings. We made it to a large county park where we've set up camp underneath another awning. Brought out the stoves – cooked soup and rice and bean burritos. We got in early this evening and will probably get to bed early which is something we've had some difficulty with. The group has resolved to leave earlier and pound out the miles so there's plenty of time later in the day for dinner and preparations. Everybody was a bit sluggish today but hopefully we'll find that groove tomorrow. Good night.

Bye Sarah and Ava.

Jeremy says thanks for the jersey. It's great.

The gentle rolls.

Shelter in the RV park awning.

The corn begins.

Another day, another awning.