Time flies!!

Well, here it is the 26th of September and I have not posted for a while. So here is an update.

On the weekend of the 12-13 we had a simply fantastic overnight ride from Abingdon, VA on back roads to Marion, VA, through Saltville, where we visited a fascinating local museum, ate lunch, and then rode on for Marion, coming over Little Walker Mountain (very steep for 3 miles!) and into the back of Hungry Mother Park. We stayed overnight at the Francis Marion Hotel which is quite delightful, despite the small rooms. We locked our bikes in a building next door that is under renovation and belonged to the hotel.

There were 10 of us, 8 riders and two spouses driving the SAG/luggage vehicle. After a delightful dinner with the group, some specialty beer tasting, led by Ben, we turned in, ready to sleep after the 56 mile 4,000' climbing day. Sunday was another gorgeous day and we returned to Abingdon via Rt. 16, past the MT. Rogers ranger station, down towards Troutdale, VA, and then 603 past Fox Creek, the horse camps, Konnarock, and down 58 to Damascus where we had lunch at our favorite place, "In the Country". It was then on to Abingdon on back roads I had never been on, just an all around lovely trip, totaling 120 miles.

Thanks to Bob of Kingsport Bicycle Association who put the route together and did a wonderful job on cue sheets, hotel, meals, AND weather! We had a great time and were glad to be invited to join the group.

The next weekend, the 19-20th, Graham and Morgan came to visit and go to Rhythm and Roots Reunion Music Festival here in Bristol. We had a blast and Morgan seemed to love the music! I sure loved going with her.

I am over all my injuries from my fall in Astoria on the next to the last day of my long ride except for the thumb which will only be totally better when the nail grows back. It is still really sensitive but the bone is healed now.

Ben and I have been picking raspberries non-stop and getting a gallon about every other day. We now have over 24 jars of jam and at least 3 quarts of sauce made. It makes the best sauce for ice cream and/or cake and is the most requested dessert at my home!! I will be picking berries and making jam alone until October 4th as Ben has gone to Cycle North Carolina which starts in Blowing Rock, NC tomorrow. It has poured rain, nearly 2", all day so I am totally ready to ride tomorrow if the roads dry out. I wussed out on the half century I was going to do today with a friend in Johnson City as I did not want to ride in the rain, remembering the bad fall I took just three weeks ago on wet roads. I think I made the right decision!