Riding into and out of Washington D.C. was quite easy as there were bike paths most of the distance. The quiet winding paths were so pleasant I was unable to tell that around me was a huge metropolitan area. Camp the first night was in a state game area beside an old stone wall. Into Maryland the next day I found the hills began well before Pennsylvania, but I survived. The next day was once again in pleasant weather and I stopped at a campground where they were having "prom night". I didn't have a tuxedo, but they still gave me a fine meal of beef and potatoes; with dessert! Moving right along into Pennsylvania I did spot a few Mennonites (rollerblading, cycling, and horse and buggy). I was surprised not to see more considering how close I was to Lancaster.
I cycled thru Valley Forge National Historic Site, where the Continental Army passed a cold diseased ridden winter. There was not much left standing of the encampment, but the rolling hills were a thing of beauty. Although I was very close to Philadelphia I decided not to stop, because I don't like riding thru big cities. As it was I spent the rest of the afternoon among busy traffic that had me rushing for the outskirts. Thankfully I escaped without harm and that night camped in New Jersey.
This state was quite a surprise as the roads were quiet and the scenery was beautiful. I especially liked Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, although that is when the sunny skies finally abandoned me. Fortunately this also kept the cars at bay and I had the roads mostly to myself (some were even 'closed' due to the past natural events). Now I am in New York State, in the town of New Paltz. Tomorrow I plan to visit the Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site at Hyde Park.
So the ride goes well...although I look forward to the sun's return :-)
No comments:
Post a Comment