white river junction, vermont

Barns and Old Glory. What a great combination! Welcome to Vermont.

 We pedaled 46.72 miles today and we climbed 3,470 feet in those beautiful but tough Green Mountains of the Green Mountain State of Vermont. We thought we were going to have rain but, much to our surprise, no rain gear was necessary. Yippee!

On the way up Brandon Gap, 2,170 feet, I spotted a hitchhiker on my flashing tail light. It only stayed with me for a minute or two, just long enough for me to get a few snapshots. I have no idea what kind of butterfly it is but it sure was showing off.

We met two families today who made our day extremely special. As I pedaled down Vermont 73, I was not sure I was on the right road. I saw a farm-looking building that specialized in maple syrup, candies, etc. so I stopped to ask if I was, indeed, on 73. There was nobody in the shop but I saw a similar sign across the road. I also saw chickens in the front yard. (That's always a good sign.) I pedaled down the driveway and was met by a young mom who let me know that I was on the right road and headed in the right direction. She even told me while looking at my map, "Don't go that way. It takes you over the mountain and it's not made for bikes." Good advice and we did not have to go that way anyway. I think

her name was Charissa but I'm not sure. Soon, I met her mom, Joyce, and the three of us started talking about the bike journey across America. Questions about where we started, where we plan to finish, where were the hardest mountains to pedal, and how long has the trip been. After I mentioned the license plates we've found, I was soon given a Vermont Centennial license plate that came from the barn across the road. Before Phil and I left, we exchanged pictures and had our water bottles refilled with water and ice. What a treat! Then Charissa's dad said, "Don't leave too quickly." He went back across the road to the Maple Syrup Shop and came back with maple candies for our whole crew. Another treat! I told Joyce I would send her a picture of us when we dip our front tires into the foaming water of the Atlantic, Lord willing, Thursday. (That's three days away!) Thanks Ray, Joyce, and Charissa, for making our day so special. Charissa, if your name is not Charissa, I will correct this as soon as I know for sure. Thank you.

At suppertime, we met another special family at Trail Break Tacos in White River Junction. These folks we already knew: Mitch and Sara Kimbrell and their crew, Georgia, Bethany, and John Mitchell. Mitch and Sara are close friends from our home church in Bogart, Georgia. Mitch is the pastor of Christ Memorial Church in Williston, Vermont. We had a great time of catching up on things here in Vermont and at home in Georgia. The food was great but the fellowship (that's a church word for hanging out) was far better. What a great day of pedaling and hanging out. Thank you, Mitch and Sara, for driving all the way to White River Junction, to hang out with us. We were blessed.

Back to the bike journey . . . After we arrived in Bethel, Vermont, we loaded the bikes and headed to our homes for the evening. Tomorrow we will go back to Bethel and resume our ride into New Hampshire. 109 miles later, we will pedal into Maine and then to the ocean.

For two special families that made our day,  "Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God." (Philippians 1:3)

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I guess this is Harley art. Don't know for sure but I think it's really neat. I wondered if, possibly, the motor could have been stolen but if it had a motor I doubt it would be secured to a huge rock in the middle of a huge field. Just a thought. I like it!