May 12, 2003
The first order of business today was getting the car for our journey to Monticello and the Delaware coast. We were really excited when we learned that we would have a Land Rover. However, a quick look told us that the tandem would never fit in it. So, we ended up with a Dodge Durango. It is a new one, so we will be in good shape - just not tooling around in such great style.
We are both a little rum dumb today, as the sleep was short and we are tired from the trip. We will be fine when we settle down a bit, and particularly when we get on the road. So far none of the strange bugs from the airplane have caught us. Of course, it is too early to be bragging, but we can be hopeful.
We went to the College Park Bicycle Shop this morning, and delivered the disc brake rotor. They sent us out to eat while they finished the bike. This shop is amazing. They have more bikes than NorCal and The Peddler combined in less space than NorCal occupies. But, they do it well, and the shop is a delight to wander. They are good people, and were very helpful. After lunch, we loaded the bike in the SUV, and were off on our journey. The bike looks great. New tires, new chains, new cassette, new wash job and a great coat of sun screen all work to make it look like a new bike.
On our way to the bike shop this morning, we decided to scout our route for next Friday. Our plan was to cross the Potomac on Whiteís Ferry. When we got to the ferry dock, we found that the recent rains here had raised the level of the river to the point that the ferry dock was flooded. So, off to plan B for us - our first audible, and we havenít even started the ride.
After getting the bike, we scouted another route to see if we could get farther than Bethesda on Friday, so that we could get to Harper's Ferry on Saturday early enough to have a nice day of sight seeing. We drove 20 or so miles, and couldn't find a single motel or bed-and-breakfast. We stopped to ask some people, and all they could say was, "Well, if you want to stay around here, it is either Gaithersburg or Rockville if you want a place to stay." Neither is near our route, so we called audible number two - we spend Friday night in Bethesda.
Later in the afternoon we headed for Charlottesville, VA. Monticello (Jefferson's home and plantation) is located near here, and tomorrow we will be visiting there to steep ourselves in the history of the beginning of the plans for the Louis and Clark Expedition. We hope there will be ample quantities of excitement, fortitude, perseverance and endurance on tap for us.
Ron
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