July 4, 2024 – Some Thoughts on the C & O

• The Oregon Trail – Book to check out.

• Hub City Vineyard – Darlene and Tim's church in Hagerstown, MD.

    I just took a bath in the Potomac River here in Maryland. This heat is killing me. I'm not nearly in as good of shape as I used to be in my 20s. I just feel like I have a lot less energy than I had then. No worries; doing this journey is going to put me into tip-top shape. It is going to be challenging though. That is for certain.

    So, what do I need to pray about? I am torn between two decisions. A certain part of me wants to complete the Lewis and Clark Trail, and then retire back to Pensacola. The more adventurous, younger me wants to complete the Lewis and Clark Trail, get a job for the fall and winter in Astoria, Oregon, and then embark on the Pan American Highway the following spring. It would be a once in a lifetime adventure, surely to bring life to a depleted soul. On the other hand, what about my career as an electrician. I guess that job will always be there, but I don't want to give it up. So, my prayer to the Lord is to direct my path. Out of the two aforementioned paths, I ask you, dear Lord Jesus, to show me which way to go.

    Now, I digress; yesterday was uphill pretty much all day long. The day put me to the test. I wanted to give up, but I kept pedaling forward. I went through the town of Williamsport, still on the C&O Tow Path heading to Cumberland, MD, where I will get on the Great Allegheny Passage to Pittsburgh, PA. I camped at North Mountain campground 10 miles west of Williamsport. I met a hiker named Burnie and a cyclist couple named Jackie and Alex. It was good to be in the company of other friendly folks. Jackie reminded me of my cousin Marathana. Alex mentioned about General Braddock of the Civil War, just after Burnie told me about living and working in Washington. These were strange coincidences to say the least. My family went to Braddock Baptist Church when we were young children living in Annandale, VA just outside of Washington D.C. I had the feeling that they knew me for some reason, yet I had never seen a one of them before. I get those strange thoughts from time to time. It's almost like someone is always watching me for some strange reason.

    We all parted ways this morning and more uphill trails going northwest to Pittsburgh. I've rode quite a few miles today, but I can hardly keep going. I think I need to start eating more high calorie food. I can't muster up the energy to ride with just PB&J, Ramen Noodles, and trail mix. I need something more substantial.*

    Where I stopped, I met a couple named Darlene and Tim. They offered me words of encouragement, told me about their church in Hagerstown, and wished me well. Now, its back to reality. It's time to forge ahead.

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