Sunday, August 11, 2013

August 11- Sebree to Utica, KY

We said goodbye this morning to our generous hosts, Bob and Violet, and our new friends Peter and Marie-Christine.  Sebree is unusual among small Kentucky towns in having a Catholic church, and we headed there. We were early, and spent a few minutes talking with the priest outside the church. At the end of Mass he introduced us to the congregation and remarked that the only other touring cyclist ever to appear at their church was one man from Belgium, years ago. That made us feel better about all the Sundays on this trip when we have missed church.

By the time we finished brunch and left Sebree it was past noon. Just as well, since we only planned to ride 28 miles, to Utica. Even for a half day, we wanted to ride more, but the next possible stop was 43 miles more, out of comfortable range.

This was the first day of sunshine in a long while, and our route made for great riding. The first half was pretty flat, through farms and woods. Then we were in rolling hills, which made the ride varied but not difficult. Before long we were in Utica, and stopped at the volunteer fire station where cyclists are accommodated. One of the fire fighters was on duty, having been called in as a precaution after ATT's cell system in the area went down, interfering with emergency communications. Also there ahead of us was a young lady from the Netherlands, Miriam Teeuwssen, also riding across the country eastward. She is on a faster track, having left Oregon 20 days after we did. She'll disappear ahead of us tomorrow.

The three of us walked to a grocery store and bought supplies for dinner. The fire station has a well-appointed kitchen, and we enjoyed a dinner of lasagna, garlic bread, and fresh tomatoes. Then we walked back to pick up a half gallon of ice cream, planning to leave leftovers for the firemen. Alas for them, there was none left over.

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