Day 13: Confluence, MD

Date:          July 21, 2019

Distance:      31.3 miles

Average Speed:  9.8 mph

Maximum Speed: 26.4 mph

Feet Climbed:  173 feet

Day Trip:      Meyersdale to Confluence, PA 

Last night we thought it would be a good idea to get up early, have breakfast and be on the road by 8am.  When Di's alarm went off at 6am, it didn't feel like such a good idea anymore.  But, we got up, packed our bags and then left them at the B&B while we rode our bikes to Donges for breakfast. Why Donges, you ask?  Its the only breakfast place in Meyersdale.  But Meyersdale only needs one breakfast place because Donges is amazing.  First of all, when you enter you are transported back to the 1960's.

Di has travelled back in time to frequent Donges

Secondly, the pancakes are much bigger than your head.  I don't care whose head you are using for comparison (except Andre the Giant's), the pancake totally dwarfs your puny skull.

That's a huge flapjack

Its about the size of a small pizza

 Thirdly, it looks cool from the outside.

Had to sit outside because the air conditioner was broken

Lastly, Di and I each ordered one of those huge pancakes, we each had a side order of a fried egg, we shared an order of fried potatoes, and Di order an egg, cheese and bacon sandwich to go and the bill came to 14.95!  And that includes the multiple cups of coffee we consumed.  Pretty good deal.

We did our best but couldn't finish the pantagruelian pancake

 We went back to B&B to get our packs and were on the trail by 8:25am, only 25 minutes behind schedule.  We wanted to get an early start so we could get into Confluence before the day got too hot.

Di is anxious to get going.

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day for riding.  The temperature was in the seventies and for most of the day we were riding in the shade provided by arboreal canopies.

Di enjoys the shade (but still hydrates)

The only times we weren't enveloped in shade were when we rode across one of the many bridges built along the trail.

Di riding over a river

 Just as in the tour, spectators lined the trail to cheer us on.

Escapees from the farm adjacent to the trail

We took a lengthy break at the 12 mile mark to rest a bit, snack, and drink some water.

Glad we aren't riding bikes like that

Di chilling out at our first rest stop

My version of chilling out (needs work)

It was a good day for Di to get back in the saddle, because in addition to the perfect weather, our ride today was mostly downhill.  Going downhill is a good thing on a bicycle.

Yup, Di is back

Beautiful trail (and shade!)

I guess not everyone felt is was a cool day

This bridge was really high (see next photo)

The view from the bridge (see previous photo)

[I was going to insert a joke here about if you were following instructions you could never be reading this.  Instead, you would forever be bouncing between the previous photo and next photo.  A little nerd humor for your Monday morning. But, I'll spare you.]

Taking a break at the 25 mile mark

Another tunnel

Di takes an amazing shot of tunnel

We reached Confluence right at 12:30.  We needed to find the Rivers Edge B&B and, fortunately for us, there was a huge sign with a huge arrow pointing to the direction we should go.  Unfortunately for us, we got lost anyway.  We had to stop a the Confluence Information Booth to get directions.

The Confluence Information Booth is manned by three people!

We found the B&B and were told we couldn't check in until 3pm.  So we decided to order some coffee and lunch and enjoy the scenery from the porch.

The rafting would look more exciting if the fishermen weren't showing its only ankle deep

This guy was enjoying lunch with us

Di enjoying her iced coffee

We each got a salad to go with our coffees

After lunch, we checked out the antique store that is actually the floor below where we are staying.  I found a beautiful Griswold cast iron waffle maker with its base. It was marked $100 but was placed in the 50% off corner.  The waffle iron with its base weighs over five pounds, so it would be kind of crazy to buy this and carry it in my bike packs for the next week. I hesitated. I actually already have the waffle irons, but need the base to complete my set.  Di asked the owner if she would sell the base separately, and she said yes.  Obviously, its not crazy to lug a two pound cast iron base around in my bike pack for the next week. So, with all hesitation gone and for only $25, I am now the proud owner of a Griswold waffle iron base.  Now I just hope it is the correct base for my waffle iron.

My new waffle iron base (this is a good deal, really!)

The Griswold name gets cast iron aficionados excited

We checked into our room, called the Loft, and it is palatial!

The living room and kitchen (bedroom through door)

Our loft is on the second floor

 We relaxed for a bit and then went back to the B&B's Cafe for dinner.  My mom wanted to treat Di and me to a couple of dinners on our trip, so tonight's meal was a present from her.  Thanks, Mom, dinner was great! I had the stuffed trout and Di the chicken.

Beautiful dinner

Tomorrow we ride to Connellsville, PA.  Its only 28 miles away, so it should be another easy day.  For now, I will go to bed and dream of waffles.