Showing posts with label updates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label updates. Show all posts
Friday, June 3, 2011
YouTube Update!
New videos posted to the WOCN Cycling YouTube channel feature Katherine's reflections of the 3,100-mile bicycle tour. She discusses the life lessons she learned and how she'll incorporate them into her daily life post-tour.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Resting, Recollecting, Reflecting
It's been 11 days since our jubilant arrival in St. Augustine. Not all of my stuff is put away. Not all the mail has been sorted and responded to. My to do list for the days and weeks ahead is growing longer as I try to get my head back home!
Until the WOCN Conference concludes on June 8, I will plan to post a few more recollections and reflections. In the meantime, my coach insists I rest! Thank you for continuing this amazing trip with me.
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| Katherine writes up a long to do list after she arrived home. |
My body is thrilled to be back in my own bed and close to dear Jack. I'm amazed by the interest of so many people, people I don't even know. They don't want to hear much, but they do want to express congratulations. So nice.
The question most often asked is, "Did you ever think you couldn't go on? Could not or would not finish?" The answer is, "NEVER, NOT ONCE!" The most salient memories are of WOCN members, friends, and family who turned out at the beginning in San Diego, all along the way, and at the end. You know who you are and where you were to provide encouragement, support, smiles, hugs, help cleaning the SAG Wagon, help with washing and drying the dinner dishes, wound dressings, cool drinks, fruits, coffee, sweet treats, and contributions to Cycling for Scholarships fund. I cherish each memory of your collective kindness. I do want to give a special thank you to the WOCN leadership, the staff in our National Office, and Robbie Sharp, BSN, CWOCN, who mobilized most of Florida!
I will be able to do anything I set my mind to in the future if I have God's blessing and dozens of people lined up to help me get the job done; this I know for sure. In the case of this wondrous journey, we relied on support provided by so many people, too numerous to count and in roles too diverse to delineate. I learned for certain that there is no such thing as self-sufficiency.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Find Out About Katherine's Time in St. Augustine!
Check out the WOCN Cycling YouTube channel and the WOCN Flickr page to see the new clips and pictures of Katherine's time in St. Augustine!
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| www.flickr.com/photos/wocncycling/ |
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| www.youtube.com/WOCNcycling |
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Bring Out The Bubbly!
We're so pleased to announce WOCN's Cycling for Scholarships initiative has surpassed its $200,000 goal, raising a total of $208,613. We truly appreciate everyone who participated in this 3,100-mile journey to share their enthusiasm for the amazing care WOC nurses provide, and to make this career pathway for future nursing professionals.
Donating does not have to stop! If you wish to donate to this great cause, please visit: http://www.wocnfoundation.com/.
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| Katherine and friends toast to the good news! |
Donating does not have to stop! If you wish to donate to this great cause, please visit: http://www.wocnfoundation.com/.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 51
I savored two helpings of scrambled eggs and hash browns before we left for the 48-mile ride to Crawfordville. The fog was very dense; the humidity was 93 per cent. The morning temperature was 65 degrees. Later in the day the temperature climbed to 89 degrees.
Marge cycled to the first SAG stop and we switched roles. While I was finishing my ride into Crawfordville she picked up tuna fish wraps from Subway. Robbie Sharpe, the indefatigable WOCN from Tallahassee, brought Harriett Loehme, a physical therapy expert in wound care, and they hosted a meet and greet at the Inn.
My long time friend and colleague Sharon Aronovitch came along with local WOC nurses, Farrah Hamilton and Lisa Hamilton. We had a marvelous visit. Robbie presented me with two generous donations. One was her own; the other was given by Louise Bruner. That will help us reach our goal. Before dinner our two guides served up Margaritas and toasted our great group of 16 cyclists and the riding we have done. Always love the encouragement.
We had sausage (ours were soy) and beans over polenta and salad for dinner. I was not even tempted to taste the Dutch oven Dump cake with whipped cream. I'm sure I was asleep by 8:30, excited about going to the Crawfordville United Methodist Church to worship on Easter Sunday.
2857 miles behind us. 243 to pedal. 5 days to go.
Marge cycled to the first SAG stop and we switched roles. While I was finishing my ride into Crawfordville she picked up tuna fish wraps from Subway. Robbie Sharpe, the indefatigable WOCN from Tallahassee, brought Harriett Loehme, a physical therapy expert in wound care, and they hosted a meet and greet at the Inn.
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| Sharon Aronovitch, Harriett Loehne, Farrah Hamilton, and Lisa Hamilton, Robbie Sharpe and me at the Meet and Greet at the Inn at Wildwood. |
We had sausage (ours were soy) and beans over polenta and salad for dinner. I was not even tempted to taste the Dutch oven Dump cake with whipped cream. I'm sure I was asleep by 8:30, excited about going to the Crawfordville United Methodist Church to worship on Easter Sunday.
2857 miles behind us. 243 to pedal. 5 days to go.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 48 Recap
It was 74 degrees with very high humidity and a little fog when we started out for Crestview. I had choked down one hard boiled egg and some oatmeal before we left. I made a PB&J and packed some nuts for the 68-mile ride.
It was so much fun shifting gears that work and I am so grateful to Dave Naderman of Trek Bicycles of Raleigh, NC for helping someone he's never met and stepping in to deal with a bike he didn't sell. Eric of Bikes Plus in Pensacola, FL did the fixing and I was over the moon knowing that the last nine days would be smooth riding.
We enjoyed some nice rolling terrain, which I didn't realize Florida had. We were really good about hydrating, swigging on our energy drink, and eating on this hot, humid day with temperatures in the high 80s. Floridians tell us this isn't hot!
As we rode through Crestview a Sonic called our name. We had to have a Mocha Java Chiller to celebrate gears that shifted properly and 68 miles well done.
I was amazed and delighted to see ski friends Jack and Sharon Godwin from Niceville, FL waiting to welcome us in front of the Hampton Inn. We had a fun brief visit. We needed to get laundry done and shower before dinner. They promised to return later.
Dinner was a fabulous variation of Shepherd's Pie with vegetables and sweet potatoes, salad, and fruit. After the dinner dishes were done, I had another visit with the Godwins and welcomed sleep the minute my head hit the pillow.
2,661 miles behind us. 439 miles to pedal. 8 days to go.
It was so much fun shifting gears that work and I am so grateful to Dave Naderman of Trek Bicycles of Raleigh, NC for helping someone he's never met and stepping in to deal with a bike he didn't sell. Eric of Bikes Plus in Pensacola, FL did the fixing and I was over the moon knowing that the last nine days would be smooth riding.
We enjoyed some nice rolling terrain, which I didn't realize Florida had. We were really good about hydrating, swigging on our energy drink, and eating on this hot, humid day with temperatures in the high 80s. Floridians tell us this isn't hot!
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| Just one of the beautiful scenes during our ride to Crestview. We were still so close to the ocean. |
As we rode through Crestview a Sonic called our name. We had to have a Mocha Java Chiller to celebrate gears that shifted properly and 68 miles well done.
I was amazed and delighted to see ski friends Jack and Sharon Godwin from Niceville, FL waiting to welcome us in front of the Hampton Inn. We had a fun brief visit. We needed to get laundry done and shower before dinner. They promised to return later.
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| Jack and Sharon Godwin drove from Niceville, FL to celebrate our amazing adventure. Such a compliment. |
Dinner was a fabulous variation of Shepherd's Pie with vegetables and sweet potatoes, salad, and fruit. After the dinner dishes were done, I had another visit with the Godwins and welcomed sleep the minute my head hit the pillow.
2,661 miles behind us. 439 miles to pedal. 8 days to go.
Cheerin' for the Gearin'
I am powerless to resist Mocha Java Chillers from Sonic. They are the perfect tonic for frustration and the most exquisite elixir for celebration. I indulged in this Chiller because I'm cheerin' for the gearin'. Thanks to Dave Naderman at Trek Bicycles of Raleigh, NC and Eric at Bikes Plus in Pensacola, FL, my shifter is working better than ever.
I love these guys for getting the shifter shifting and giving me another excuse for slurping down a Mocha Java Chiller!
I love these guys for getting the shifter shifting and giving me another excuse for slurping down a Mocha Java Chiller!
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| Enjoying my Mocha Java Chiller! |
Friday, April 22, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 47 Recap
After a lovely rest, it was back on the bike again. Linda cooked us a full breakfast in the condo. I had scrambled eggs and oatmeal. I was to drive the SAG Wagon the first half of our 60-mile day to Pensacola. I left the condo at 7:15 to be first in line for the 8:00 ferry.
The temperature was 74 degrees and the humidity was 83 percent. The ferry ride across the mouth of the Mobile Bay was 45 minutes. The ticket taker gave us a break and charged $4.50 for bikers instead of $5.00 for pedestrians!
We passed fairly close to a couple of natural gas rigs. Pelicans were waiting to welcome us on the other side. I stopped for the cyclists at about 18 miles and then again at the "Welcome to Florida" sign. I knew we'd all want a picture of that momentous occasion. Marge and I switched there and I rode on to Pensacola.
I stopped at Bikes Plus where Eric was waiting to try his hand at getting all my gears shifting. I left the bike with him and Marge and I joined several other cyclists at a fun restaurant on the water. We each had crawfish etouffee and thought it was delicious. I was glad to leave that PB&J in the bag for tomorrow!
When we got to the motel we were surprised and delighted to see that Carol Breamer, a WOC nurse and Sean McMillen from Hollister, Inc. had welcome signs and a tub of iced cold drinks. They came back after dinner and brought delicious Whoopee Pies and coffee from Panera Bread. We were all thrilled.
Like all versatile WOC nurses, Joan pitched in to dry the dishes. We had quite a party with members of the UOAA chapter, WOC nurses, the KCI rep, Amanda Brignac from Convatec. We even had Brittany, who hopes to get a scholarship to attend Emory. The UOAA Chapter of Pensacola honored its WOC nurses with a $225.00 contribution to the Scholarship Fund.
It was a marvelous day, and my bike was pronounced fixed and delivered back to me at the motel by our guide, Carol. Dear friends of mine, Bernie and Anita Wall from Brewton, AL, drove in to welcome me shortly after we got to the motel. Our friendship goes all the way back to West Point in the 70s.
2,592 miles behind us. 508 miles to pedal. 9 days to go.
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| American flag and the Alabama state flag waving as we prepared to leave for Florida. |
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| Patiently waiting for the ferry! |
The temperature was 74 degrees and the humidity was 83 percent. The ferry ride across the mouth of the Mobile Bay was 45 minutes. The ticket taker gave us a break and charged $4.50 for bikers instead of $5.00 for pedestrians!
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| We crossed over the intercoastal highway. |
We passed fairly close to a couple of natural gas rigs. Pelicans were waiting to welcome us on the other side. I stopped for the cyclists at about 18 miles and then again at the "Welcome to Florida" sign. I knew we'd all want a picture of that momentous occasion. Marge and I switched there and I rode on to Pensacola.
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| This was an exciting and emotional moment for all of the riders. |
I stopped at Bikes Plus where Eric was waiting to try his hand at getting all my gears shifting. I left the bike with him and Marge and I joined several other cyclists at a fun restaurant on the water. We each had crawfish etouffee and thought it was delicious. I was glad to leave that PB&J in the bag for tomorrow!
When we got to the motel we were surprised and delighted to see that Carol Breamer, a WOC nurse and Sean McMillen from Hollister, Inc. had welcome signs and a tub of iced cold drinks. They came back after dinner and brought delicious Whoopee Pies and coffee from Panera Bread. We were all thrilled.
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| A refreshing welcome when we arrived in Pensacola! |
Like all versatile WOC nurses, Joan pitched in to dry the dishes. We had quite a party with members of the UOAA chapter, WOC nurses, the KCI rep, Amanda Brignac from Convatec. We even had Brittany, who hopes to get a scholarship to attend Emory. The UOAA Chapter of Pensacola honored its WOC nurses with a $225.00 contribution to the Scholarship Fund.
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| Amanda Brignac representing Convatec, one of our corporate sponsors. |
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| Carol Breamer, a Pensacola WOC nurse, and Sean McMillen from Hollister, Inc. sure do know how to host a celebration! |
It was a marvelous day, and my bike was pronounced fixed and delivered back to me at the motel by our guide, Carol. Dear friends of mine, Bernie and Anita Wall from Brewton, AL, drove in to welcome me shortly after we got to the motel. Our friendship goes all the way back to West Point in the 70s.
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| My dear friends, Bernie and Anita Wall from Brewton, AL drove in to welcome me shortly after we got to the motel. |
2,592 miles behind us. 508 miles to pedal. 9 days to go.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 46 Recap
It was a picture perfect rest day! We woke up at 6:15 and had coffee in bed until 8:00. Marge walked on the beach while I showered and dressed.
Four of us walked about a mile down the island to a restaurant at the golf club for breakfast. I had an omelet and grits. They were Alabama good!
We walked back and cleaned our bikes. I almost enjoyed it, but I used more rubber gloves than most nurses use doing a sterile dressing change! I spent some time on the bed writing cards and then put on my helmet and shoes and cycled to the post office to mail them. Does everyone know on April 18 the day the post card rate went up 1 cent?
When I returned, we visited for awhile with some of the other cyclists and then strolled down the road at 5:00 for a salad and a cup of really good gumbo. When we got back, some of our friends were gathered in the condo. They thought ice cream from last night's birthday celebration sounded good. We each had a small bowl of some kind of tasty brickle with a cup of coffee.
We did one final load of wash, wrote some more cards, went out on the beach at 7:10 to see a breathtaking sunset, strolled on the beach, repacked our suitcases after laying out our clothes, said goodnight to the full moon from our porch, and crawled into bed, rested and rejuvenated. Tomorrow we're off to Pensacola, FL. That means we're coming ever closer to the end of this magnificent adventure.
10 days to go.
Four of us walked about a mile down the island to a restaurant at the golf club for breakfast. I had an omelet and grits. They were Alabama good!
We walked back and cleaned our bikes. I almost enjoyed it, but I used more rubber gloves than most nurses use doing a sterile dressing change! I spent some time on the bed writing cards and then put on my helmet and shoes and cycled to the post office to mail them. Does everyone know on April 18 the day the post card rate went up 1 cent?
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| Wading in the Gulf of Mexico. We started out in the Pacific Ocean. We've ridden along the Rio Grande, taken a ferry across the Mississippi, cycled to the Gulf of Mexico, and will soon be putting our feet and the front wheel of our bikes in the Atlantic Ocean. I can scarcely take in the wonder of it all. |
When I returned, we visited for awhile with some of the other cyclists and then strolled down the road at 5:00 for a salad and a cup of really good gumbo. When we got back, some of our friends were gathered in the condo. They thought ice cream from last night's birthday celebration sounded good. We each had a small bowl of some kind of tasty brickle with a cup of coffee.
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| The sun set on our perfect rest day in Alabama. Tomorrow we enter Florida. |
We did one final load of wash, wrote some more cards, went out on the beach at 7:10 to see a breathtaking sunset, strolled on the beach, repacked our suitcases after laying out our clothes, said goodnight to the full moon from our porch, and crawled into bed, rested and rejuvenated. Tomorrow we're off to Pensacola, FL. That means we're coming ever closer to the end of this magnificent adventure.
10 days to go.
Monday, April 11, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 38 Recap
It was a breezy 75 degrees when we started today's ride. I began the morning driving the SAG Wagon, and couldn't figure out how to eat breakfast, prepare the snacks and get the cyclists checked out all at the same time, so I scarfed down a banana, tangerine and an all fruit and nut energy bar while I packed two PB&J sandwiches and a baggie of nuts, and waved each cyclist off with a "Ride strong!"
I passed all the riders and went ahead to park the SAG Wagon to give the riders water and snacks as they arrived. I got my bike down, and was ready to ride when Marge arrived. The head and cross winds were so strong that sometimes I was only going 6 miles per hour -- I was glad we had planned to split the day! It took me forever to ride the 40 miles.
The temperature was in the high 80s in the afternoon, but the thermometer on my bike computer said 93 degrees! I kept energized by consuming both sandwiches, and drinking plenty of water and energy drinks.
We talked to a man at a convenience store, who said the winds blow like this for about a month this time of year. We had a seven-mile stretch of really rough roads to slow me down even more! Everything about Louisiana is so different from what we've seen before.
Bayous with birds of all types. I could only recognize the herons and red-winged black birds. There were so many others that would have delighted avid bird watchers! At dinner we saw a flock of pink flamingos flying over. There were snakes, smushed and slithering on the road and lots of little lizards, alive and dead, cat tails growing in marshy areas, rice paddies and crawfish farms.
2,126 miles behind us. 980 miles to pedal. 20 days to go.
I passed all the riders and went ahead to park the SAG Wagon to give the riders water and snacks as they arrived. I got my bike down, and was ready to ride when Marge arrived. The head and cross winds were so strong that sometimes I was only going 6 miles per hour -- I was glad we had planned to split the day! It took me forever to ride the 40 miles.
The temperature was in the high 80s in the afternoon, but the thermometer on my bike computer said 93 degrees! I kept energized by consuming both sandwiches, and drinking plenty of water and energy drinks.
We talked to a man at a convenience store, who said the winds blow like this for about a month this time of year. We had a seven-mile stretch of really rough roads to slow me down even more! Everything about Louisiana is so different from what we've seen before.
Bayous with birds of all types. I could only recognize the herons and red-winged black birds. There were so many others that would have delighted avid bird watchers! At dinner we saw a flock of pink flamingos flying over. There were snakes, smushed and slithering on the road and lots of little lizards, alive and dead, cat tails growing in marshy areas, rice paddies and crawfish farms.
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| One of Louisiana's rice paddies. |
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| A crawfish farm in Louisiana. |
There were wonderful high bridges to cross over, and there was relentless wind. These last two days, I have ridden 121 of the hardest miles of the trip!
Tonight, Linda prepared a cold supper. Asian pasta salad with tofu in it and raisin salad, grapes and bread (which I didn't eat). There were store-bought pies that were easy to leave for others! Marge and I each enjoyed a cup of decaf and two little Dove dark chocolates after dinner.
2,126 miles behind us. 980 miles to pedal. 20 days to go.
According to Katherine: Day 37 Recap
There was heavy dew on the car this morning. That's a big change from the dry desert mornings in our past. And our clothes aren't drying like they used to!
I fueled up for the 77-mile ride with a big bowl of oatmeal and packed my PB&J and some nuts for the long day. It was 68 degrees, with a light breeze, as we pedaled east toward Louisiana.
Three miles before leaving Texas, we popped into a store that sold postcards, which we hadn't been able to find anywhere for days. They were also well-stocked with a full complement of Texas-style bling. The dazzling purses and belts would knock your eyes out!
I found out at about 3:00 p.m., as the temperature hovered near 90, I didn't have enough food, water or energy drink. We stopped at a convenience store that was deliciously cool inside. I bought the biggest bottle of Gatorade they sold. Marge bought a turkey and cheese sandwich and gave me her PB&J. Julia and Mary, who worked there, were happy to give us lots of crushed ice and water.
It took us until 4:30 to finish, but we were thrilled to have achieved another personal best -- our longest ride ever.
Dinner was gorgeous grilled salmon, couscous, bean salad, spinach salad and Eli's cheesecake from Chicago, sent by one of last year's riders. I resisted.
2,037 miles behind us. 1,063 to pedal. 21 days to go.
I fueled up for the 77-mile ride with a big bowl of oatmeal and packed my PB&J and some nuts for the long day. It was 68 degrees, with a light breeze, as we pedaled east toward Louisiana.
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| This shrine was in front of a home. The plaque says it is Jesus of East Texas. |
Three miles before leaving Texas, we popped into a store that sold postcards, which we hadn't been able to find anywhere for days. They were also well-stocked with a full complement of Texas-style bling. The dazzling purses and belts would knock your eyes out!
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| Texas women love their bling. Look at these handbags. |
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| Look at these glitzy belts! |
I found out at about 3:00 p.m., as the temperature hovered near 90, I didn't have enough food, water or energy drink. We stopped at a convenience store that was deliciously cool inside. I bought the biggest bottle of Gatorade they sold. Marge bought a turkey and cheese sandwich and gave me her PB&J. Julia and Mary, who worked there, were happy to give us lots of crushed ice and water.
It took us until 4:30 to finish, but we were thrilled to have achieved another personal best -- our longest ride ever.
Dinner was gorgeous grilled salmon, couscous, bean salad, spinach salad and Eli's cheesecake from Chicago, sent by one of last year's riders. I resisted.
2,037 miles behind us. 1,063 to pedal. 21 days to go.
According to Katherine: Day 36 Recap
It was 67 degrees, and getting revved up to be hot and muggy, when we began our 64-mile ride to Silsbee -- our last stop in Texas. I had oatmeal and a hard boiled egg for breakfast, and packed a PB&J (and some nuts, too!) for lunch.
Marge and I were up to SAG, so we planned to split the day in half so we'd each get a decent ride. As I was checking my tires, the little end of the stem blew out of the tube, which required a tire change. Better a flat in the parking lot than out on the road!
Since I got a late start, I decided our original plan wasn't going to work. I would be late to the first SAG stop, and then fall further behind to the midpoint where we were going to switch places. I called Marge to say it seemed best to switch roles at the 23-mile stop, and I would hurry so as not to delay her start. I only did one-third of today's ride, but it was a personal best for me at an average of 13 miles per hour!
The beauties were the butterflies of several varieties fluttering from one new spring blossom to another.
The beasts were the lumber trucks passing in both directions spewing bits and pieces of the tree bark in their wake.
The roads today had no shoulders so we had to share with these behemoths.
It was in the mid-80s and oh-so humid when we arrived in Silsbee. Once we checked into the motel, we went to the Sonic next door for lunch. I drank mine! I had a mocha flavored Java Chiller. It was divine.
Tomorrow's ride is 67 miles to Lake Charles, LA. I hope I can pedal off all those scrumptious calories! I've saved today's PB&J for tomorrow.
We did our laundry, caught up on emails, and rallied around for a wonderful dinner of pork roast, scalloped potatoes, tossed salad and fresh cubed watermelon. Linda even served rosemary focaccia, which I resisted.
1,960 miles and four states behind us. 1,140 miles to pedal. 22 days to go.
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| You know you're still in Texas when a "Share the Road" sign depicts a motorcycle. |
Marge and I were up to SAG, so we planned to split the day in half so we'd each get a decent ride. As I was checking my tires, the little end of the stem blew out of the tube, which required a tire change. Better a flat in the parking lot than out on the road!
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| Fellow rider, Diane, got a flat tire from this hook. No one can believe this large piece of wire, resembling a fish hook, worked its way all the way through one of her tires. It didn't become apparent until the tube that went flat was removed. (The penny is for size reference). |
Since I got a late start, I decided our original plan wasn't going to work. I would be late to the first SAG stop, and then fall further behind to the midpoint where we were going to switch places. I called Marge to say it seemed best to switch roles at the 23-mile stop, and I would hurry so as not to delay her start. I only did one-third of today's ride, but it was a personal best for me at an average of 13 miles per hour!
The beauties were the butterflies of several varieties fluttering from one new spring blossom to another.
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| A beautiful butterfly. |
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| More butterflies! |
The beasts were the lumber trucks passing in both directions spewing bits and pieces of the tree bark in their wake.
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| These are the beasts. We were glad to see the driver tighten down his load before getting on the highway with us. |
The roads today had no shoulders so we had to share with these behemoths.
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| Looks like the logs are about to leave the flatbed! |
It was in the mid-80s and oh-so humid when we arrived in Silsbee. Once we checked into the motel, we went to the Sonic next door for lunch. I drank mine! I had a mocha flavored Java Chiller. It was divine.
Tomorrow's ride is 67 miles to Lake Charles, LA. I hope I can pedal off all those scrumptious calories! I've saved today's PB&J for tomorrow.
We did our laundry, caught up on emails, and rallied around for a wonderful dinner of pork roast, scalloped potatoes, tossed salad and fresh cubed watermelon. Linda even served rosemary focaccia, which I resisted.
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| Dressed for dinner on our last night in Texas in my Texas hangdown. |
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| Cycling is good for the figure! |
1,960 miles and four states behind us. 1,140 miles to pedal. 22 days to go.
Friday, April 8, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 34 Recap
We had our rest day in the lovely little town of Navasota, population 8,000. We slept in until 7:00 a.m. My cousin Elizabeth drove me to Walmart to buy some cards, and then to the post office to get some mail on its way. When we returned, I ate two yummy rice balls made by Elizabeth's husband, who is Japanese. That was breakfast!
Leah, 10, was fascinated with how easy it was for her to pick up my lightweight bike. They went off on their educational tours, and Marge and I did our laundry and caught up on some emails.
We walked the 1.5 miles into town for lunch at the locals' favorite, The Filling Station, and joined six of our group who had arrived earlier. I had a fried catfish and shrimp combo, iced tea and a root beer float. Shame, shame! I was glad we were walking back.
We stopped by several of the historic homes, took pictures and read the plaques by the front doors. One was the Terrell House -- and my grandparents were Terrells! We stopped into Walmart for a few more necessities, and hurried back to the motel.
My completely-repaired bike arrived about the same time we did. I will wait to ride it until tomorrow. I just know it will shift perfectly from now on!
After a short nap, we enjoyed our 4:00 coffee, and I ate the last two rice balls. We prepared the SAG Wagon for tomorrow's run, with ice in the cooler and plenty of snacks in the trays. We had ramen noodles in the cup for dinner. It will be good to return to Linda's healthy cuisine tomorrow!
Five of us gathered to watch American Idol. Oh, who will be sent home Thursday night? This may be only the second time I've seen television since March 4.
Yes, I've heard Jack may not be getting a paycheck if our government shuts down. I can't be worrying about worldly woes and cycling at the same time. Tomorrow comes early.
24 days to go.
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| iPad poised. It's important to make every minute of our "rest day" count! Marge is writing her blog while doing laundry. |
Leah, 10, was fascinated with how easy it was for her to pick up my lightweight bike. They went off on their educational tours, and Marge and I did our laundry and caught up on some emails.
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| Leah has no trouble lifting my carbon bike. |
We walked the 1.5 miles into town for lunch at the locals' favorite, The Filling Station, and joined six of our group who had arrived earlier. I had a fried catfish and shrimp combo, iced tea and a root beer float. Shame, shame! I was glad we were walking back.
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| The waitresses took good care of us at The Filling Station! |
We stopped by several of the historic homes, took pictures and read the plaques by the front doors. One was the Terrell House -- and my grandparents were Terrells! We stopped into Walmart for a few more necessities, and hurried back to the motel.
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| The Terrell House is for sale. Wonder if some of my ancestors were the original owners. |
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| The beautiful old Sangster home was built in 1902. |
My completely-repaired bike arrived about the same time we did. I will wait to ride it until tomorrow. I just know it will shift perfectly from now on!
After a short nap, we enjoyed our 4:00 coffee, and I ate the last two rice balls. We prepared the SAG Wagon for tomorrow's run, with ice in the cooler and plenty of snacks in the trays. We had ramen noodles in the cup for dinner. It will be good to return to Linda's healthy cuisine tomorrow!
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| Waiting for the laundry to dry. |
Five of us gathered to watch American Idol. Oh, who will be sent home Thursday night? This may be only the second time I've seen television since March 4.
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| We're all cheering for our favorite to be the next American Idol! I love Scotty, but I think Pia will win. |
Yes, I've heard Jack may not be getting a paycheck if our government shuts down. I can't be worrying about worldly woes and cycling at the same time. Tomorrow comes early.
24 days to go.
Monday, April 4, 2011
According to Katherine: Day 30
We began the day at 7:00 a.m. for our 65-mile ride to Blanco. It was 65 degrees and overcast. I felt bright and bold in my new Hill Country cycling shirt. I ate some scrambled eggs and yogurt, and made my PB&J sandwich for lunch.
Jack, my brother and his wife came for the map meeting, and to send us off with good wishes. John gave me another fabulous gift, an elegant gold necklace with a bicycle pendant designed by James Avery in Kerrville. As we were cycling out of Kerrville towards Comfort, the drone of a small plane alerted me that John and Marty were doing a parting fly over. I wept with appreciation.
At lunch, we stopped in Waring for our PB&J sandwiches and energy drinks, and encountered a troop of Brownie Scouts. We told them what we were doing and encouraged them to eat healthy foods and stay fit, so they could do fun stuff when they get older! One little girl asked, "Do you ever sleep?"
We saw some wildflowers, goats and longhorns -- all Texas icons -- and finished strong in Blanco. The weather had stayed cloudy and cool for the first 50 miles, but heated on up to the 80s when the sun came out the last 15 miles.
Chef Linda delighted us with moussaka and brown rice, a salad of cucumber, onions, peppers and tomatoes, and little bunches of grapes. Yummy! We also had a surprise visit from two other WomanTours guides. They will be leading a one-week trip through the Texas Hill country beginning tomorrow. We had met and loved both of the women on our trips to Moab, UT and Pennsylvania Dutch Country with WomanTours. They had supper with us, and went on their way.
We had to share a bed in the quaint little 1960s motel -- but were both so tired, we didn't move! The shower was strong and hot and so was the coffee, so we were pleased with our accommodations!
1,618 miles behind us. 1,482 miles to pedal. 28 days to go.
Jack, my brother and his wife came for the map meeting, and to send us off with good wishes. John gave me another fabulous gift, an elegant gold necklace with a bicycle pendant designed by James Avery in Kerrville. As we were cycling out of Kerrville towards Comfort, the drone of a small plane alerted me that John and Marty were doing a parting fly over. I wept with appreciation.
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| John, Marty, and Jack are up early to say good-bye. |
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| Cute young Brownie Scouts in Waring. Their leader showed them a map of the US and our route on her iPad. |
We saw some wildflowers, goats and longhorns -- all Texas icons -- and finished strong in Blanco. The weather had stayed cloudy and cool for the first 50 miles, but heated on up to the 80s when the sun came out the last 15 miles.
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| A Texas-style howdy! |
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| Barbed wire and blossoms in purple profusion. |
We had to share a bed in the quaint little 1960s motel -- but were both so tired, we didn't move! The shower was strong and hot and so was the coffee, so we were pleased with our accommodations!
1,618 miles behind us. 1,482 miles to pedal. 28 days to go.
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