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Published: August 4th 2009
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ON THE BEACH IN CT
If you'd lsitened to me - this wouldn't have happened already Diary entry for the last 3 days - photos to follow
We diverted off our main route - to head South East to a beach resort just up the coast east of New York - to Madison and Clinton, Connecticut. Due to extreme weather again we stayed an extra day with cousins Bernie and wife Raquel. Carol had a cycle and swim with Raquel whilst I had a relaxing time chatting about family stuff with Bernie.
Over the last couple of days we have eaten in a genuine '50s diner, visited the Harley factory (closed due to bad timing - arrived on a Sunday)
We stayed in a B&B which was in it's own setting of woodland and lakes. The owner's dad was in charge on arrival - bit of a lad. Left us to choose our own rooms, run and serve ourselves from the bar and spent the evening showing us various magician's tricks! Another dusk walk in the woods, rowing on the lake (drunk) and visiting the goats, horses and pet steer on the adjoining stables. We missed most of the Delaware valley scenery - spectacular river valley with vertical cliffs and waterfalls - as it rained solid
ON THE BEACH IN CT
Dinner with cousins Bernie and Raquel - the only time so far in the States we had to deal with massive plates of food - very large literally Overstuffed Bread, and the biggest meatball ever (steady Mike) Note on travelling USA roads. They have such wide vehicles, plus miles of double solid white (actually yellow) lines, coupled with incredibly low speed restrictions - overtaking is extremely limited unless you hit the Insterstate (which we are avoiding - scenic byeways only for us). In any case as we are trying to enjoy scenery - on the ultimate touring bike - we are not in a rush - however progress has been somewhat slower than expected. The concept of filtering (motorcyclists riding up between lines of traffic) seems also to be alien to US drivers - so they don't move over in heavy traffic or motorway jams to let you through - very weird, and very hot when the temp is reaching 70's and 80's. Consequently our riding suits and base layers need regular washing as they get somewhat smelly from the hot sweaty conditions. They are however very courteous at junctions - most of which require you to actually stop - then after some hesitation someone actually decides it's their turn 'to go'. In fact everyone is very friendly - wants to know who we are and where we a re going. even young people are very
ON THE BEACH IN CT
Cultural differences. In the UK it's - "don't park on the grass". Here it's -"not on the Pavement" freindly and polite.
Today - Monday 3rd August we visited the new Gettysberg Visitors Centre and surrounding battlefields.
Amazing state of the art Museum opened last year. I should explain that the battle fought here in the American Civil War and the subsequent commerative speech by Abraham Lincoln on establishing the war grave that resulted from the battle - was a key turning point in US politics. It eventually led to the abolition of slavery and effectively stopped the Southern States breaking away. Very moving and one of the best interpretive museums I have been to.
At the moment we are Front Royal, North Virginia - twangy accents already starting to appear. We are very excited about the next few days = as we are about to reach our main target - the Shanendoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Parkway of the Appalachians and = got to go - it's 1 am and the concierge wants his computer back - photos to follow maybe in the next day or two. NB Colin - I need Pams email so I can add it to the mail list JS
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Nino
non-member comment
I presume these 70's and 80's you refer to is weedy fahrenheit. What's that in real temperature? However, your talk of "hot sweaty conditions" is very disturbing for a good Catholic boy(?) like me.