Delaware and Once Again Pennsylvania

I rode up the coast of Delaware;  on some very country roads.
The threat of rain upon me almost everyday.
I did get wet here and there, but it was not too bad.

The suburbs of Wilmington were my next destination.  It reminded me of back home in the suburbs of Boston.  Lots of trees and windy roads.

I then rode up to the suburbs of Philadelphia.  Again, very similar to where I live.
I camped for many nights in a row.

On Sunday, I stayed in a mansion in Fairmont Park in Philadelphia.  This is where one of the youth hostels are located.  What a great building.  I met many other travelers here;  including River Guide, who is hiking on the AT.

I spoke to a couple of school in southeast Philadelphia.  I then went to the Reading Terminal Market to have a pretzel.  It was very good!  I had heard about how good these pretzels where.  In 2004, on our ballpark tour, Courtney and I went to try them.  The market was not open the day we were touring the city.  Seven years later, I made sure to stop by to sample them.  It was worth the wait.

I enjoyed cycling in the city, with my tour guide Steve Taylor.  He is with the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia.  Thanks Steve!

The Atlantic Ocean was my final destination yesterday!

I did reach the Atlantic Ocean yesterday, after traveling three months and 18 days.
It was a rainy and windy day!
I arrived at Little Creek, DE in the afternoon.
While I was there, I met some birders from West Virginia.
I decided to hang out there for awhile and think about all the people that helped me to get across the country.
As afternoon turned into evening, the sun started to break through the clouds.
On the beach, I turned over many horseshoe crabs that were stranded on the beach. The high tides that were happening, due to the full moon, caused them to be higher on the shore.
I also enjoyed the birds migrating from Brazil, that gave me many flying shows.
I want to thank Ina and Ronnie Yoder from Greenwood, DE for being Trail Angels to me. It was so nice to meet you and talk about Holmes County, Ohio. Thanks for all that you did for me!!

I am in Annapolis, Maryland

Hi,
I know that I have not posted in quite awhile.

A lot has happened.

I made it to DC and now I am east of our Nation's Capital. Not too many miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Annapolis is a beautiful city right on the water.

It will be a joyous occasion to reach the Atlantic in a day or so and officially say I have gone Coast to Coast.

Meanwhile; my daughter, Courtney just graduated from UMass Amherst this past Friday. I am so proud of her!! Way to go Halfpint!!!! It was nice to be home for a few days among family and friends.

Since I last posted - I have met more wonderful people.

Cindy and Pearl - Thanks for everything!!!

I also had the opportunity to attend the Presidential Council on Physical Fitness, Sports and Nutrition last Tuesday on Capital Hill. I was among many dedicated professionals who are committed to making our nation a healthy nation again. I plan to attend many more meetings of this council.

Great Allegheny Passage

Yesterday was a 50 mile or so ride in the rain.
I was on the Great Allegheny Passage, a rail trail which goes from Pittsburgh,PA to Cumberland, MA.
Late in the afternoon, I crossed the Mason-Dixon Line into Maryland.
I was all wet and muddy. It was a great day!

West Virginia

Today I met my new friend Mason in the beautiful hills of West Virginia.

It was a nice sunny day to ride!