002: Day 3: April 11:Blackbird State Forest to North East, Maryland.

Today was a tougher day although we still managed about 40 miles in total. The day started off with consistent and sometimes hard rain at Blackbird State Forest where we camped. A word here, we always think of the National Parks as the go-to places. Let us never forget the State Park Systems. We stayed in two jewels in Delaware and the State Park official at Killens Pond, Mercer, was so friendly and helpful. So much to do and such peaceful places to be. 

We started late after trying to dry the tent as much as possible. We had coffee and a breakfast sandwich at a Valero gas station where we met up with Chester Gove. 

 He owns a piece of land close by and walked over to the gas station to meet a friend. We had such a good conversation about so many wide-ranging subjects. He told us that Blackbird Creek was originally Blackbeard Creek named after the famous pirate. Blackbeard hid in the cove and his ship got stuck when the tides went out. This was the last time that Balckbeard set foot on land. When he refloated his ship again, the British Navy was waiting for him in the Delaware Bay. So he never reached his base in the Outer Banks again. And so we went on to his bike ride to Key West where he donated his bike to a homeless NGO and to Africa with its many countries. We enjoyed it so much and the conversation was such a contrast to the one I had with two younger people that did not even know where Seattle is - "north of here" and north of California" was the closest they came. 

When we rode on I started thinking of Ernst Hemingway's book, Travels with Charlie. I now know we are going to meet a lot people and we shall have to reset our perceptions again and again. I also recall the conversation I had when I walked up to a young man working on his vehicle. I asked him for water to refill our water bottles and our conversation also went to our trip. He was very worried about Seattle and the unrest there. God made all of us in His image, but we are so different as well.  

We also went past our "100-mile marker" today.  We have done a number of extra miles to reach camp sites, etc. 

We had a scary time crossing the bridge over the Chesapeake-Delaware Canal. The shoulder narrowed to fit a bicycle only and the vehicles rarely slowed down or moved over. Wow - We had to stop to calm the nerves. We found a wonderful rail trail along the canal and enjoyed the time away from traffic. 

 We also found this interesting crossing of a State Line. We are so used to the large signs along the Interstates.

 On the way  between Chesapeake City and Elkton we had to stop for a bit of "calcium." 

 From here we had to cycle to get to a camp site in North East MD, only to find that it closed several years ago. This town changed into a touristy town and we should visit it again. We ended up at the Holiday Inn Express instead and we immediately tested the bed. 

 Good night guys and we shall meet up again tomorrow. We hear the thunder outside and are happy with our warm bed.