July 1, 2024 – Mile 0

    So...what is there to say about my first day of travel on the C&O Tow path, pedaling west out of Washington/Georgetown? It was a joyous day. My parents and I woke up around 7:30am and had breakfast in the dining room of the hotel. I ate a sausage, egg, and cream cheese bagel sandwich, and then I ate another piece of sausage with a homemade waffle and deliciously sweet syrup. I downed it all with a couple glasses of orange juice.

    Then, my mother and father drove me to the starting point of the Lewis and Clark Trail (C&O Tow Path). This 185 mile path travels through a dense forest along a manmade canal and the Potomac River. I rode 35 miles today. That's a start. I've got to get back into shape. All this pedaling is going to get me there. Along the way I rode out of the old red brick buildings of Georgetown and followed a gravel path in the woods. At some parts of the river, huge cliffs lined the banks of the river. The river was scattered with large boulders. Shimmering rapids could be seen from the tow path looking down into the river. I am camping at the Turtle Run campsite about 35 miles from the start of the journey. I'm slow, just like a turtle. 

    A troop of scouts have joined me tonight. They set up at least 10 tents and are having dinner right now. It's a joy to be around the laughter and playfulness of the young folks. I have met Sam, Erin, Andrew, and Steve. Steve is the leader of the group, and he gave out lessons concerning first aid He even taught how to stop bleeding and how to use a tourniquet if necessary. I hope they don't stay up too late because I would like to get some good rest tonight. I'm hoping to travel about 48 miles tomorrow to set up camp at Big Woods campsite. I'm going west and the Boy Scout troop is heading east to Washington. They are hoping to make it to their destination by the 4^th of July celebration in Washington.

    I almost forgot; along the path today, I met a 67 year old man named Darrell. He rode from Seattle, Washington all the way to Washington D.C. in a month and a half. He averaged over 100 miles/day. Holy Cow, right?! I'll be glad to average 55 miles/day with my setup. He was traveling light, but still that kind of distance daily is mind-blowing to me. Also, it's a motivation to continue to get into better shape. I'm about 240 pounds now. Let's see what I weigh-in at the end of the journey.

    This is so AWESOME!!! I'm finally doing the Lewis and Clark Trail. It's hard to believe, but the time is now! I can't wait to see what the trail brings, and what adventures lie ahead. Dear Lord, please protect us on this journey of life. Give us strength and perseverance. May we serve you in all we say and do. Let us draw nigh to you and love others. Amen!