Did you miss us??!

So sorry for the posting hiatus, but we have been quite busy with mostly good things as well as some minor setbacks. Taking up where I left off, in Philly, we thoroughly enjoyed our second day there. Our hotel, The Pennsview, was perfectly located near the Delaware River and all sorts of good eateries. The staff there cannot be beat, and our room was the most elegant and comfy so far. We spent the morning exploring the Museum of Fine Arts and viewing a Renoir exhibit. I also found my way back to the Modern wing and just had to see my most favorite work, a three dimensional piece by Marcel Duchamp, again! Joel and Paige know which one I am talking about!! We had lunch at the Waterworks overlooking boathouse row...that is a hot air balloon from the zoo in the background. Dinner was at an organic place called Farmicia...yummy. Leaving Philly was quite a trip! Let's just say we encountered planes, trains, and automobiles (trolleys and buses as well!) Luckily we quickly got on a trail that paralleled Route 95 and headed on down south. We buzzed through Delaware without even stopping, although we did have to slow down in Newark, home of the University of Delaware. We were on a street much like SU's Marshall Street and it was hoppin! As soon as we crossed the border into Maryland we found our Hampton and called it a day. The traffic and noise of the day was exhausting. Unfortunately the only dining choice within walking distance was a Cracker Barrel which did not agree with Holly. Good thing that the next day's ride was short mileage wise (although there were plenty of hills) because nausea and muscle fatigue was slowing us down. Joel has also been experiencing some pain in his shoulder as it keeps popping out of it's socket...ala Paige. Not to worry, though, we keep bouncing right back. We were assisted into the port town of Havre de Grace, MD by a terrific person named Walter Biller. He and his wife, Mara, own and operate a bike shop over the bridge as well as provide a shuttle service over the Susquehanna River because pedestrians and cyclists are not allowed to cross. This couple, and their cats Mike and Ike, are wonderful. They serviced our bikes and gave us all sorts of information about the Greenway throughout the area and what to do and see in Havre de Grace. Lucky thing they are open to 6 pm because after we checked into our Inn and were sitting on the porch reading, Joel's back tire just exploded and he had to trek back to the shop for a repair! The ride today from Havre de Grace to Monkton was probably one of the prettiest (although not the easiest...those darn hills!) so far. We got to pedal through lush green valleys and pass by sunflower fields. The sun was brilliant and the temperature was just right. Oh, and best of all, we were treated to a seven mile paved path called the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail which brought us to within a few miles of our hotel. Another 43 miles done. In just a few days we will be at the halfway mark!