Day 36: You Can Run But You Can’t Hide

 

From the Appalachian Mountains, that is.

Hagerstown to Beltsville, 71 miles, 4500 feet of climbing.

Yesterday, we danced along the gap in the mountains between Maryland and West Virginia. But at some point, you have to face the mountains in order to get to where we want to go - Annapolis MD.  (There is always a reckoning when it comes to the Appalachian Mountains.) While we avoided the truly steep roads between Cumberland and Hancock yesterday, we had to climb over another set of mountains today. It was not as crazy as some of our previous climbs, but it was difficult enough and there were quite a few “testers” (7% - 10% grades) in there. And it was humid. It has been a while since we were in warm and humid conditions, so it safe to say that we broke a sweat - to put in mildly.  

This part of Maryland is more rural than expected and provided a lot of classic rural landscapes - nicely kept farms and bans, and well maintained horse fences. It kept our minds off the hills - at least in part. 

On a bittersweet note, we had perhaps our last curbside dining event of the trip. (It was an emotional event. Even now as this is being written, tissues are nearby.) Mike was excited to introduce Bill to a new venue, Wawa, sort of high end 7-Eleven, or a Sheetz, for those of you from PA.  We dined on subs while lapping up the whole al fresco experience. One of the simple pleasures of life. 

We’re over 3,000 miles into our ride at this point, and have a comparatively short distance to go, so the end really is in sight.  It’s been great so far. We’re also really looking forward to seeing Susan and Ann as well as  some family who are venturing to Annapolis to meet us as we finish this chapter. (The sentiment may not be reciprocated but, well, if you know us, it is perfectly understandable.) And, just to be clear, we’re not sure how we’ll get there yet.