8/11-My Good Weather Karma Has Run Out!

I’m beginning to think I am a rain wimp. Yesterday, I told myself when I looked at the forecast, you are from the PNW. You are used to riding in the rain. If it was just rain, I would agree with myself. However, here it’s never just rain. Oh no, have to have the sparky stuff too. The lightning was just a little too frequent. I was all dressed and ready to go when I changed my mind. I called the B&B women, and booked in for another night. Fortunately, this is not too expensive. And it’s a house, so I’m not just stuck in a hotel room. 

Then, of course, the storm passed, and it stopped raining! Bethany told me I should go out and find the 13 other Garfield statues (I went by one yesterday). This is the hometown of Jim Davis, creator of Garfield the cat. 

I posted this photo yesterday. See the Garfield statue on the back of the train car? That one is the “College Bound Garfield”. At the time, I didn’t know there was a “Garfield Trail”. There are 27 in total scattered around two counties. With 14 in the Marion area. They are all dressed in themes. 

Needless to say, I did not go out seeking the other statues. I went over to Lola’s Coffee House (which is owned by the same women who run the B&B) for some of their signature coffee cake, and a hot chocolate. 

It’s also a house. 

When I came out, I walked over to the Circle K to get some snacks for later. 

Hmmm…that looks ominous!

When I came out of the Circle K it was as dark as if there was a full solar eclipse happening! A woman I walked out with said, “I’m usually at home when it’s this dark!” I beat feet back to the B&B, and arrived just as it was beginning to rain. And boy did it ever rain! Sheets of rain! 

Lucky to be inside!

I’m sure if I had ridden today, this storm would have caught up to me. It should be over in time to ride tomorrow. 

I have used the day to do some planning. My plan is to arrive in DC on August 26th. I could arrive the 25th, but a day of wiggle room is not a bad idea. Plus, my youngest son, Nolan, is going to meet me at the Washington monument on the 26th! I’ve planned the shortest day for the last day from a lock on the C&O to the Washington monument. It will be just 23 miles. Nolan and I will spend three days in DC. Now I can book my flight home. Hopefully, I won’t have too much rain these next couple of weeks. I’ll be finally back to more camping!