Thursday Night, June 18th

Got a good start this morning. Left Gate City, Virginia at 7am and two hours later I was in Pikeville, Kentucky. It was super foggy when I left this morning, but no rain. Rode through the Cumberland Gap. Very gorgeous scenery, what I could see after the fog lifted. Fairly mountainous with lots of hardwood forests. Lots of up and down riding.

Rode 430 miles today and didn't get rained on once! Most of the day there were thunderheads in front of me, behind me, to my left, and to my right but over me were clear skies. The last 150 miles that I did were in the Allegheny Mountains, and it took me five hours. Averaged 30 mph, 90 degree climbs with constant 20-30 mph curves. There were at least 40 of those kinds of hills. Wild!! Very pretty scenery, lots of trees, little valleys with farms, even saw one dairy. Rode 12 hours but I feel good making up the time that I lost yesterday. I am looking forward to some flat and relatively straight roads tomorrow, but I am not looking forward to the traffic as I go through Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. I am camped at Davis, West Virginia. It is near Elkins.

Was looking for this campground that was in my camping book and I couldn't find it. I pulled into this driveway where a lady was standing to ask directions (I have gotten pretty good at that!). I asked her where it was and she told me and then I noticed a tent set up not too far from where we were. I asked her if this was a campsite and she said it was a small one she and her husband had set up on their 5 acres of land to make a little extra money. She said I could stay for $10. Has water, electricity, showers, and a great view. No mosquitoes in the camp, either!

She invited me down to their campfire to visit later, so I went up and met my neighbors. The six couples who are camped here all came. All older, retired people in motor homes. They were way more interested in talking about my grandkids than the motorcycle trip, which suited me fine. The grandkids are one of my most favorite subjects. One couple had 13 and I came in second with our 11. (I think I have that right.) I got a cup of decaf tea and a cookie out of the deal.

Well, now I am going to load up with Ibuprofen and get into my sleeping bag. Thanks to all of you who are praying so faithfully for me. It was a really good day. I'm praying for you! I love you. Dee