WEEK 11

We awoke at about 4 am on Sunday 15th August to a very loud thunderstorm! Continuous thunder and lightning and lashing rain. Our early start was delayed by about 2 hours due to the weather and also we had to wait for the water in the river to go down as it flooded the road and we couldn't get past! We had breakfast in a more leisurely fashion ,which was nice ,and eventually thanked Al and Ann and set off on our travels.
We cycled to Elizabethtown, a most beautiful little place on the banks of the Ohio river and booked into the Grand Rose Hotel. It was definitely the nicest place we've been in so far. Quite spectacular as can be seen in the photos.We had our own suite, a tv in the sitting room and also one in the bedroom!! A four poster bed! Everything was spot on! A brilliant breakfast too!
Next day we went to another lovely place called Cave in Rock and from there we took the free ferry across the Ohio into Kentucky, our 9th state. We spent that night in a DRY town called Marion. Dermot was gasping for a cold beer and as luck had it ,he met a chap just out of prison (he killed his father!), who had beer and insisted on sharing with us. We had a very strange and interesting conversation with him!
On Tuesday we availed of the free cyclists accommodation at the Baptist church in Sebree. Our hosts, Bob and Violet were so kind to us. They do it all out of the goodness of their hearts. There was also one other cyclist there, Brendan from Philadelphia. We all slept on mattresses on the floor in the youth centre, had a free laundry,use of kitchen, wifi and air conditioning... and to top it all, Violet insisted on feeding us our dinner and what a feast that was! Wonderful!
Wednesday was a long day,70 miles to Falls of Rough and a motel that offered bicyclist rates and had a lovely pool.
Thursday 75 miles to Lincoln's birthplace where we spent the night in a very rustic cabin. Every place is so different! On the way there we went to an Amish house to buy some tomatoes for our lunch. Had a great chat with the locals there, everyone is so curious as to why we are cycling!! I just say' cos we're nuts!' The Amish Mum and kids were all barefoot and dressed in their traditional clothing.
We came via Danville to Berea and to the end of map 10. Another milestone. I think we have less than 800 miles to go now. I have just had my hair done in a salon in Berea by Sueann and the time flew by with all the interesting chat. I love the Kentucky accent! We are staying in the historic Boone Tavern in the centre of Berea. Unfortunately its yet another DRY town! Most of Kentucky seems to be against alcohol yet its the bourbon capital of the world!! Lets hope they like a drink in Virginia, our next and last state....in a few days time.

We are taking a few days off next week and hiring a car to go and visit Ceri in Pennsylvania.