Day 69: Marion, KY and Day 70: Marion Rest Day

Day 69

July 24, 2015

Miles: 49

Carbondale to Marion

Sleeping in the rustic cabin in the Hayes Spirit Campground, which was named the Creekside Shack, really wasn't all that back.  It was, as my mother put it, better than the alternative - sleeping on the ground.  She was 100% right!  It had a shower and toilet so Steve said it counted as a motel not camping.  I had to agreed, but ready didn't want to because my 15% camping percentage is being challenged as time go on.  I have to figure something out or I may find myself in a tent real soon. I'll figure something out :).

It was such a beautiful sunny morning.  Not too hot and it seemed at first, not to humid either.   As the day progressed it got much hotter and more humid!      

Beautiful morning

We had our usual breakfast to start our day.  The pancakes were chewy, but the eggs were good.  Despite this we ate every bit!   We had a really nice waitress so it was worth it!

Breakfast at Shawnee Grill and Pub

Picture on wall of restaurant that tells is all!

We stopped for our gatorade supply after breakfast and before we hit the road.

The ride to Elizabethtown was extremely hilly.   We still had a long, hard ride in front of us so we took it slow.

Steve off his saddle - tough climb

Me in my saddle - tough climb

By the time we arrived in Elizabethtown, we were soaking wet, and famished.  We were ready for some good food, but first we both changed out of our wet clothes so they could dry before we set to ride the remaining 30 miles.  And look -  it seems we are alone in this restaurant too - as usual, as Beth has pointed out!  

That's me below showing off my potato wedge.

Lunch at Lee and Lilly's

We rode into the town of Cave in Rock, the final IL town.  From there we had to cross the Ohio River by ferry to get to Kentucky on the other side.  It was a nice break on this very hot day (95 degrees).  Although this town was somewhat deserted, the ferry ran every 30 minutes and was at no cost to bicyclists.  This town at one time was a happening town. The town is on the TA and it sure does welcomes bikers!  There were bikes all over the place.

Town of Cave in Rock

Steve exploring town while waiting for ferry.

Aureolin

Magenta

Chartreuse

Town that loves bikers

The Ohio River, like most of the rivers in the area, overflowed because of the floods from a few weeks ago.  Here is the beach front aside the ferry ramp.

Ohio River

Me waiting for ferry

Me next

View from the ferry

Taking a shortcut (the only way) to Kentucky from Cave in Rock via ferry

Steve looking good

What a pair

We made it into Kentucky!

State number 8

As we rode away from where the ferry dropped us, we saw this sign depicting a horse and buggy and then a short way ahead another that read Fresh Peaches and Cherries.  We couldn't resist.  We hooked a right and rode to the farm grocery store that was owned and run by the Amish.  Although we don't have any pictures to show, the store was full of goodies!  We only bought fresh fruit this time.  Really!  And no beef jerky either!

Slow but steady

We finally made it into Marion, KY at about 5:30p.  Before riding to the B&B, located about 2 miles south of town center, we bought sandwiches and more gatorade for dinner because we didn't want to ride back into town that night.  We just wanted to shower, eat and sleep!

Local grocery store

Marion Inn Entrance

Steve getting cozy

REST DAY

Day 70

July 25, 2015

Miles: 0

Marion to Marion

This morning we slept in.  I woke at 7:00a and Steve 8:30a, however breakfast was served at 9:00a. Rosalyn the women that owns the B&B gave us a wonderful breakfast and a good cup of coffee too.  We started with yogurt with fresh oats, pineapples and blueberries followed by a traditional breakfast of two egg, bacon and wheat ciabatta toast.  It certainly hit the spot!  Following breakfast I washed a load of laundry, as is usual on our rest days.  As our clothes were being washed we sat with Rosalyn and talked about many topics.  She is quite the historian on many fronts.  Roz, short for Rosalyn, as she introduced herself to us as, has lived in many different places and experienced many different cultures.  She speaks german and latin, and she lived in Germany, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, California and now Kentucky.  She describes living in Kentucky as "peaceful."  Roz is an avid reader of non-fiction such as the Travels of Marco Polo and she studies different religions, learning about their differences and similarities.  It was a pleasure spending time with Roz this morning, learning much from her stories and experiences! 

Laundry day

At about 1:00p our laundry was done, so we decided to ride into town.  We rode our bikes to the town's center stopping off at the Marion Cafe, the only place open to eat.  Apparently, many businesses close after 12:00p on both Wednesday and Saturday's in Kentucky.  Sunday of course is saved as the day of worship.  Steve ordered a local dish called Kentucky Hot Brown.  Ham and Turkey over a homemade Kentucky bread with homemade chips with cheddar cheese spread over it.  I had my usual (can't go wrong) grilled chicken breast and baked potato and salad  Both very good!

Still waiting for my baked potato

Kentucky Hot Brown

While zipping around town today, we saw 5 different florist shops. All in a 1 mile radius. All I can say is that Kentuckians must love their flowers!

Tomorrow we are off to Hopkinsville, KY.

Basket of Pretty