The DRZ Chronicles

 Leaving the hospital today (with a cane). Heading to KOA for five day layover to finish mending.  Events like this first appear to be obstacles, but they are not. They are part of the path. To borrow from the Stoics: "The obstacle is the way." UPMC Lock Haven treated me well.

Hard crash in Pennsylvania today. DR and I are out of commission for awhile.

 After completing section 5 this afternoon, I decided to ride section 6 also, which is about 109 miles. It was a good choice, section 6 is great. Lots of gravel/dirt forest roads but all in good shape. Excellent ride. I got to my campground, Waterside Campgrounds, in Lewistown, PA. Register, park DR by the picnic table. Walk to the table while taking my helmet off and BOOM! I turn and DR is on the ground. Kickstand sank into, apparently, very soft ground. At the start and the finish of the day. Glad I have the Protaper bars instead of the stock bars. 

 Tipped DR over while loading, not the best start to the day, but all is well. Section 5 complete. Beautiful ride, some gravel but all easy. In Boiling Spring, PA. Have to find a place to camp. And a few pics along the way.

Beautiful river. Still need a picture of the Potomac.  

 The Antietam cemetery was on the agenda today. I located the grave of my great great grandfather, Peter Shedron, a private in the Union Army. As I photographed the gravestone, I wondered where the Confederates of the battle were buried, as Antietam only contains the graves of Union soldiers. As far as I can tell, few confederate bodies were buried. The were simply left to decay where they fell. An abomination completely consistent with the evil madness of Lincoln and his henchmen.

In contrast to yesterday's difficulties, today has been very pleasant. Very little off road riding in section  4. Mainly secondary roads through beautiful countryside.  I rate the riding as: "Fantastic!" Stopped at a one room school house maintained by a farm family. They appear to be MABDR fans. And I crossed the last privately owned toll bridge in the US. After crossing, I discovered I was in Old Town, Maryland.  Currently in Harpers Ferry, WV at the KOA for a couple of days. Expect to do some touring here and give my foot some more rest.

 Completed section 3 of the BDR today, leaving Virginia behind and entering West Virginia. Currently at Moorefield, WV. It was the most difficult thing I have done in some years. I spotted a black near. I have had some apprehension about bears since I got into Virginia. From locals, I have gathered that the population is quite large. Apparently, the bear had some apprehension also. When he spotted me, he took off like a jet. Did'nt know a bear could move that quick.