July 13, 2024 – Mrs. Bessie and Marietta

    From Wellsburgh I made my way through several villages and a couple cities. I went through the village of Beach Bottom, and then, on to the city of Wheeling, WV. I didn't take the opportunity to explore the city of Wheeling. I took a few photos and kept pressing forward. Along the way, I passed a couple locks and dams constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers. I believe there are 20 dams along the Ohio River and they are absolutely massive. There are also several power plants along the river as well. They are gigantic, too, and they provide much needed electrical power to the Ohio River Valley region and beyond. It is absolutely incredible what man has accomplished. So much work has been done. We truly stand on the shoulders of great men, women, and giants.

    From Wheeling, I kept following the river trail to Moundsville. I stopped at the library in town during the heat of the day and determined my route to get to Marietta. I crossed the bridge over the Ohio and got on Ohio State Road 7. I followed it south through a few more river villages such as Powhatan Point, Clarington, and Hannibal. I camped for the night at Hannibal, just outside the community at a pavilion being constructed. It is soon to be christened the Fallen Timbers outdoor enthusiast instruction school (or something similar).

    The river winds and twists through Wayne National Forest, and there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors along Ohio State Road 7; from hiking and biking, to fishing, kayaking, boating, and swimming, this area offers a large host of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. In the morning, I woke up and kept heading south through Sardis. I passed a power plant, lock, and dam. The I rode onward through New Matamoras, Wade, and Newport. In Newport, I decided to try and find an alternate route to Marietta, OH because the traffic became heavy on SR 7. One route led me over the mountain on old State Road 7.

    I took the alternate route and started pedaling uphill. About a quarter mile up the road, I saw a photo opportunity at an older house that had a few different signs that I wanted to capture: a John 3:16 sign, an American flag sign in the shape of America, and a sign nailed to a tree that says “Prayer Changes Things.” I almost passed it by as I didn't want to trespass on the property just to shoot a couple photos. But the Holy Spirit urged me to go and knock on the door and ask. So, I did. Just before knocking a figure inside noticed my presence. She immediately came to the door and welcomed me. Her name is Mrs. Bessie. We talked for at least an hour if not more. We talked about her life, her children, her marriage, her faith, sharing the Gospel, changes that have taken place in her neck of the woods through time, Ohio history, things to do in Marietta, how the mind works, and most importantly, how our God is so good. She is so thankful to live as long as she has, and she still gets around very well. She gave me a big loving hug, and she told me of coming attractions that are a must see in Marietta. Her gratefulness and joy were contagious, and she made my day the most pleasant day I have had on the bicycle journey. She also told me not to take the mountain route, but to stay on Ohio State Road 7 to get to Marietta. I captured a picture of Mrs. Bessie, captured pictures of the signs that caught my interest, and I bid her adieu.

    I pedaled 11 more miles through Reno and into the corporate limits of Marietta. I checked into my hotel, took a shower, changed clothes, and went to a Mexican Restaurant named Gran Rey Mexican Grill. They have outstanding food and service. If you are passing through Marietta, stop and try their delicious Mexican food. Afterward, I had a much needed restful nights sleep, and I toured the city of Marietta the next day. 

    I started the morning by getting breakfast at McDonald's. Then, I decided to go to Stoked Coffee, at Mrs. Bessie's request. She was bragging about this coffee shop so much during our talk. Unfortunately, there was only a drive thru, so I decided to go to Jeremiah's Coffee Shop on Front Street in downtown Marietta. I ordered a large dirty chai tea with a shot of espresso. I was given the advice to check out the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption. So, I walked down the road to check it out. Wow!!!! Wow is all I can say. Words won't do it justice. The pictures won't do it justice either. It is a must see if you are ever in Marietta. From the Basilica, I walked down the road and I noticed a man taking a break from his work painting the front porch columns of one of the historical homes in the city. We had a pleasant conversation about his life and the truth of the Gospel of Christ. His name is Don. God be with you Don!

    I went from there to Mound Cemetery, which is a historic cemetery developed around the base of a prehistoric Indian burial mound. I continued my tour by going to the Campus Martius Museum. The museum showcases the establishment of Marietta as the first settlement in the Northwest Territory on the other side of the Allegheny Mountains. It also discusses the establishment of Ohio as a state in the Union. Campus Martius was a defensive fort at the Marietta settlement, home to several prominent pioneers from the Ohio Company of Associates during the Northwest Indian War. After leaving there, I walked around the city; Muskingum Park, Muskingum Bridge, Front Street...down by the river walk, back alleys, and all over the place. I took many pictures until my heart was content and the roll exposed. Then, I decided to go to a restaurant for dinner. I ended up at the Levee Bistro House. I was going to continue on because it was a little too classy and pricy for me. However, the owners of the restaurant came outside and greeted me (husband and wife). I told them about my story and what I was doing. They ended up generously giving me a free meal; a most delicious hamburger, chips, and a Coca-cola! It was one of the best burgers I've had in my entire life. From there, I went to Dairy Queen, and finished the night with a Butter Finger Blizzard.

    I got most excellent rest last night. Now, it is time to get back onto the trail. The next city I will travel through is Parkersburg, traveling on the Ohio River Scenic Byway. I will get to see the river in all its glory as Meriwether Lewis saw it many many moons ago. God bless and God speed!