Journal May 9-May 14--Kentucky
May 9 London, KY to Renfro Valley, KY We planned a motel, and as we stopped in the late afternoon to calculate the distance, we were invited to stay at the Christian Appalachian Project, about 20 volunteers of all ages serving the poor in this area. A great meal, fine fellowship, and a comfortable room followed. Joe, Anna, Mildred, Laverne, Marge, Dan, Mary, Steve and all the rest, we thank you! May 10 Renfro Valley to Lexington, KY We felt strong today, standing on hills and going fast down them. Our ride was a dangerous, narrow road through beautiful horse country. When we arrived at our Lexington hosts, Claire Carpenter and Geoff Young, we had a wonderful meal and enjoyed their company. They have a great, rich, full life here in this busy, growing city. They helped us to re-learn the wisdom of an early bedtime. May 11 Lexington, KY May 12 Lexington, KY to Louisville, KY Our reception at the Old Louisville Inn in Louisville was overwhelming. Adding to our welcome was a TV crew filming our arrival, and a party in the back yard cheering and clapping. Our sponsor, Preferred Chriopractic Doctor, had arranged the accommodations, and we had no idea that we were staying at the most beautiful and historic place in this beautiful and historic city. The impressive architecture and antique appointments, however, paled in comparison to the warm welcome and instant friendship we experienced from Mary Ann, and her sisters Marty and Marylin. We felt as though we had found a long-lost family in the old south, and we were at home again. Our every need was either already anticipated or met with such grace that we were left speechless. Let me bend your ear for an hour some day about our experience there. May 13 Louisville, KY The family helped me ride the quad down to Scheller's Bikes and Fitness, where the staff was anticipating our arrival. I spent the day there doing maintenance on the bike while the rest of the crew went to Churchill Downs racetrack for the day. The folks at the bike shop treated me like an old friend, and when I left I had a new front rim, headset, drive chain and gears, and new tape on the bars to make us feel spiffy. John, Casey and Amanda helped me stoke the bike back to the Inn, and what a frisky team they were. Enjoying the company of our hosts that evening was the pleasantest part of the day, as we watched ourselves on TV in the living room, sipping spring water and pretending it was Mint Juleps. May 14 Louisville, KY to Georgetown, IN Then we were faced with a four-mile climb through limestone ledges to a place called Georgetown. There we were overwhelmed with Hoosier hospitality. The restaurant wouldn't take our money, the local drive-in theater presented us with complimentary tickets, and while eating we got a call from Bob, a local guy we had met outside. He invited us to stay at his house, and he and his wife Mary Ann turned out to be the friendliest and most hospitable people on earth. We felt right at home. Bob is an executive with a big food company, Mary Ann is a successful Mary Kay distributor, and they have the life right here in southern Indiana. We watched a movie, ate a ton of popcorn, and talked until the wee hours. Next Journal Entry... |