Saturday, September 8, 2007

Almost Made It



So the big question on my mind was whether or not I would make it from Baltimore, MD to Williamsburg, VA in 3 days. I pedalled almost 80 miles/day for 3 days. I came up just shy and my sister picked me up from a Macdonald's in West Point, Virginia (about 20 miles from the target). I was able to see the Saints game (as great as THAT was) and have had a place to sleep these last few nights which has been nice. Before I go any further, I want you to know that I will be dropped back off at said Macdonald's to resume the trek from there.

Deprivation of everyday things such as social interaction, hot cooked food, and a bed at night are things that I have learned to appreciate in a way that I haven't before. A home cooked meal tastes unlike anything I have ever eaten. A bed feels softer than anything I have ever touched. And a conversation with a stranger is enough to keep me smiling for hours.

I have been at my sister's house the last couple of days, quite ahead of schedule, so I have been able to let the pistons rest for a few days. I got to watch the Saints game with my nephews which was great. Eating such great food, a lengthy visit with family, and a warm bed every night have almost been sensory overload as it has been such a great last couple of days. Tropical Storm Gabrielle is lengthening this stay by a day or so, but that is just fine with me.

Monday morning I go back to that same Macdonald's in West Point to continue south toward the Outer Banks of the Carolinas. Drop me a line if you know anybody in the area, I'd love to meet them.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Looks like you had great company for the Saints game. We missed you at MeMe's party Friday night - what a great time!!! Hope the weather is OK for you to take off tomorrow. Stay safe. Love, Mom

Anonymous said...

Let me know if you are traveling through Wilmington, NC after you hit the Outer Banks. I used to travel there for work and have a ton of good friends there if you're looking for a day off the bike. Make sure to get a picture in front of the Cape Hatteras lighthouse. Have fun, Keith Jr.

Ella Crigler said...

Reading this makes me want to cook for you. Keep up the good work!
-Alicia

Anonymous said...

Sending you pics from MeMe and Jack's party. Fred was wanting to go to the quarter with us, but we decided to send him home!! Looking forward to seeing you in Charleston. Let us know when you get closer. Patty

Anonymous said...

Hey!! So I was finally able to get a hold of your blog...kinda stinks not being on the Petagna email listserv need to work on getting in on that. I am not sure when you will be reading this but I am going to ask my neighbor Josh about a possible place to stay in Hatteras, it's like his favorite place and I am pretty sure he has some friends down there. We definitely missed you last weekend in NO but I will be back for Mardi Gras and bringing back some friends who definitely enjoyed the Quarter. Well good luck this is an awesome thing you are doing!!! --Nicole

Unkie said...

Pearce,hope all goes well and you aren't too tired. Talked to ma yesterday and she was asking how far you had gone and where you were. Referred her to your dad. Just wanted to pass on that the snow is beginning to fly in the very high country. Seems to me many of us "I-wish-I-had-done-that'ers" are vicariously riding along with you. take care and ride safe.

Unkie

Anonymous said...

P- Keep up the good work and know we're are pulling for you. Thanks for the text and keep in touch. Take care and stay safe. /Uncle H