July 16

July 16, 2013

Packed up today and took the ferry to the Bluegrass State.  A good feeling.  But it’s weird because we are in our home state, but it seems like a foreign land.  None of us have ever been in this part of the state.  Lots of farms and lots of green.  People we have met that went east to west talked about how beautiful Kentucky was.  We were scratching our heads saying Kentucky?  Now I know what they meant.   After seeing the rest of the country, Kentucky is really a beautiful state compared to much of the US where many parts look like the moon.  I don’t think we appreciate it sometimes.

Hills are again part of our day.  Lots of them.  Not huge ones yet like we saw in Missouri.  Went through a city called Marion.  Had pancakes and coffee in Clay.  A place called Jeri’s.  Good food and service but not as friendly people as we have experienced other places.   Stopped for lunch in Sebree.  Then it was onto Utica, our destination.  We are in a volunteer fire department.  Since 1976, when the trail originated, they have been providing space for bicyclists.  It is a room about 20 X 60.  We have AC, washer and drier, showers, stove, fridge, but no Internet.  It is a godsend.  No tents again tonight.  Two other guys are staying here also.  This is their second night here.  One is a 19 year old from Pennsylvania.  The other is a 65 year old retired teacher from Hawaii.  They are both going east like us.  And two more guys just walked in.  Going to be a full house.

Few dogs today.  Only one seemed vicious.  Actually Jerry got chased once also.  Jack is feeling better and rode about 60 miles today.

Tomorrow is unknown currently.  We have to find somewhere to stay.  Not much available.

Saw a logging truck today.  Saw one two days ago also.  Brought back memories of Idaho.  Thought we had made a wrong turn.

Jeff, Jerry, Jack, and Sue