Day 8 ~ June 13 ~ Longest Day Yet!

Stats: 

Miles: 120

Average: 13.1

Time: 9 hours

Weather: headwind; high 80s

Left Sleepy Bear's campground in Lumberton, NC at 5:48 AM this morning! Last night we had a Supreme Court meeting with Chief Justice Dave presiding. We looked at our options for the next couple days and voted on what we wanted to do. We had opted to leave this early! Proud we were able to do so. That Supreme Court meeting was a fun and effective way to decide! 

Our weather this morning was wonderful. Had a little bit of wind, but the temperature was just right at 65 degrees or so. 

Starting out at dawn-moon still out. 

We actually had three breakfasts this morning. Our first was a small one right before leaving the campground. After 15 miles or so we stopped for another breakfast at South of the Border. That place is something. 

Quote of the day: "Well, they really put a lot of effort into decorating around here." -Emily, about South of the Border

Nothing but billboards

This sign reads, "Pedro's Imports from around the world: Africa, Asia, Mexico, Europe, and U.S.A." Notice the Canadian flags waving. 

"Back up amigo! You missed it! Pedro so sad!"

That sure was a place. 

Emily had another flat tire which slowed the bikers down. But nothing stops these bikers! Except terrential downpours... It was just a tiny wire which must have caused a slow leak. 

Our third breakfast was Frostys and small sandwiches at a Wendy's. 20 miles later we caught up with the ladies for lunch. 

Mother Hen and the ladies had stopped for a look around and a big breakfast at South of the Border. 

David hit 2000.0 miles for the year so far a little before lunch. That was exciting for him. 

Saw gas for $3.33. 

The bikers have been noticing a lot of dogs in the country areas of North and South Carolina. And every single dog has barked at us, as we ride by. There are even some dogs we don't see that bark at us. Actually, there was one dog that did not bark, but that was because we scared him so bad. He was sniffing along the side of the road and we came up behind him. He didn't notice us until we passed him, and he ran away. That one didn't have time to bark. 

Emily Jean will be happy to know we saw a goat in someone's yard. It did not bark at us. 

Everyone around here who mows their grass, mows it like 1/2 inch tall.  We saw one or two people doing it with weed whackers. Wonder why... Maybe those people with the goat just have the goat now their grass. 

Saw a sign for Elim church. To our Calvary Monument Bible Quizzers: How many springs...? How many palm...?

Lunch was a nice break from the hottest part of the day. We had decided when court was in session that we would take an hour and a half lunch break and siesta today, and that is what we did. 

Papa Dave and Darrell took naps. 

After lunch and our siesta, we hit the road again! We took Rt. 301 all the way from campground to campground. It only gave us trouble in two spots. Those two spots were very inconvenient for bikers. One 12-13 mile stretch was continuous bumps. 

Stopped at several different grocery and convenience stores to refuel with water and Gatorade. One lady asked us if we wanted her to buy us anything. We didn't take her up on her offer, but that was very generous of her! Another man working at a gas station wanted to give us another gallon of cold water for free. After hearing what we were doing, he wanted to help us out! Too bad we had no way to carry that extra gallon!

At different intervals in late afternoon, Papa Dave was keeping track of what we were doing at that time exactly one week ago, the day we started our trip. Around 4:10, he reminded Emily that exactly one week ago, we were riding on Hatville Rd. Later he reminded David that exactly one week ago he was powering up Vintage hill. That was fun and crazy to think about. 

It looked like rain with 15 miles to go, and sprinkled lightly for a minute, but we never got rained on. 

We arrived at Santee Lake campground, SC, around 7:00 PM. It was a looooong day, but enjoyable. And well worth it, as we will be riding only about 60 more miles tomorrow to get to stop and visit family in Blackville, SC! 

With more miles comes more roadkill. A record breaking 48 flat furry varmints spotted. 

Dinner was a conglomeration of different leftovers. Tasted very good to hungry bellies! The children went swimming again. 

What a good day! Tomorrow will be full of exciting memories too!