A Lovely Sunday

One of the things I think Joe and I were looking forward to most about this trip was all the interesting and terrific folks we would meet. Well today, I'm confident, will go down as one of the overwhelming highlights of the trip in that regard. After leaving our nice little campsite fairly early, we slogged through 45ish miles on tired legs, stopping off and on to rest. Big miles the last two days must have tired us out. When we finally came to a halt in front of the only open lunch spot in the tiny town of Wenden, we didn't expect much more from the rest of the day-just more riding tired, then searching for a spot to camp at dusk. What we got was better than we ever could have imagined. As we were enjoying one of the best meals we've had on the trip, we were approached by a woman with short salt and pepper hair and a mischievously friendly smile. The usual questions ensued, but she was also particularly interested in Joe's Team In Training shirt. We learned she is a Lymphoma survivor, and we talked for awhile about the Leukemia Lymphoma Society and such. Then she inquired about our plan for the night, where we were getting to, camping, etc. As you probably already know we pretty much make it up as we go along, so we asked if she had any suggestions. "I'll be right back," she said. A minute later she flew through the door and said "You're staying with us. You can use the shower, stay in the guest room--we're on our way back to play horseshoes with some friends, get your bikes and let's go." To make a long story short we spent the evening with just about the nicest people you could hope to meet. Betty and Jim and their friends and relatives made us feel like one of their own. They schooled us at pitching shoes. They shared a wonderful meal (Loretta's cornbread is the best I've ever had). Even as I write this I'm warming my sandaled feet by the last smokey orange enbers of their campfire. And shortly I'll fall asleep on their couch and enjoy a night almost as peaceful as I'd find in my own parents' house. Yes, readers, there are good people in the world--and fortunately for me and Joe, we seem to find the best of 'em. Actually they usually find us. G'night friends, have a wonderful week.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry