Hoedown Island

Day 27 Natural Bridge Resort State Park - Jenny Willey State Park (Prestonsburg, KY)
Miles - I think 100
Mobile Homes counted - 86
Wrong turns - maybe 2
Shetland ponies - 3
Turtles - 3

This morning I was up by 5:00am, took a shower and got ready. We noticed that it was kinda overcast and as soon as I opened the hotel room we saw fog out in the parking lot. There was a layer of dew everywhere, but it was not too sticky. When we went out to the van, there wasn't too much water. I quickly got "the junk drawer" out and got my whiteboard and wrote "Day 27". I was getting ready for my daily photo.

Breakfast was at 7am. Glenn went up to the restaurant and grabbed breakfast really quick. I think we have the "Guatemala mindset" that we don't leave the van unattended, especially when we have bicycles.

We drove out of Natural Bridge Resort State Park for about 15 minutes. There was a steep incline and this would not have been good for the cyclists from the get-go, so once we got them on the road, they started their journey. And it started to rain. We handed off the rain jackets several times to Wes and Caroline.

Neal rode on ahead of everybody, so most of the day I was watching from the front seat only Wes and Caroline. There were several times, Jeff radioed to us and let us know when not to turn and when to turn. I understand now that the camera crew was with Neil and film him ALL day. That's fine. It is different than what we have been used to.

Most of the day we were weaving in and out of the turnpike that goes towards Prestonsburg. These were small winding roads. Small farming communities. And lots of mobile homes. Some that looked like they have been abandoned for years. One mobile home looked like it was built in the 70's - that bright yellow and brown trim home.

Today, we didn't see a lot of folks out in the yard like yesterday - and that is because it was raining most of the day.

We needed a potty stop and there wasn't a gas station or hotel anywhere, however, we stumbled upon a Dollar Store. It was kinda junky. One bathroom was out of commission, so we all waited in line for the men's room. I chatted with Jeff and we decided that it might be best to get some picnic supplies. I loaded up the yellow cart with bread, ham and turkey meat. We didn't need chips or other sweets - we have those from previous purchases.

While we were in the parking lot of the Dollar Store, Neil was complaining that he was very very hungry. Then the next thing I see, he is stuffing a blue marshmallow chocolate cake treat in his mouth. You know that type of treat that is chocolate cake and white cream filling in the middle and its a spongey type thing covering it. Then I look, he is throwing part of it over to Sarah. And Sarah throws it back. He is being a goofball. I think he was totally hungry or totally exhausted.

Once we get on the bikes and Neil is way ahead of the others, then we get a radio call that the camera car needed some water. We thought that was strange since we had just stopped for a break. Later to learn that Neil had thrown up that cupcake. It got the best of him.

For lunch, we stopped in Salyersville as there was a Wendy's, Taco Bell and Subway all at the same intersection. Vela wanted Subway and Caroline wanted Wendys.

Jonathan Edwards has driven down from Indiana and was tracking us to this stop. However, because of all the detours we had to make, especially with the construction, we didn't connect with him until nearly Salyersville. He did pull off and was able to watch Neal chat with a couple at the convenience store.

Later, Jon met up with us at Wendy's. After an exceptionally long time for lunch, I started talking to a lady with her two grandchildren and she was asking about the #ConversationsCoasttoCoast. I explained a little bit about it and also encouraged her to be sure and follow Neil and his journey. However, at the same time, Neil was asking the support crew to do something, maybe to drive behind or ahead. I'm not sure since I wasn't in on the conversation. It was only just 20 miles up the road to Jenny Willey State Park.

We followed behind and stopped at a national battlefield. Then we continued on to the state park. Tonight, the Tombas and the Stewarts are staying at the Quality Inn in town so everyone would have a bed to sleep in and we wouldn't have to share a bed. This Quality Inn is not the best one around. The Tomba's had to switch rooms already since their room was full of flies. Our room was ok,

We helped Vela and Neil by taking them to the laundromat. It was just down the street from the restaurant we ate at. I had macaroni and cheese, Glenn had a salad. Very good. It was a noisy place. Jon Edwards joined us and was able to visit with Wes and with Jon the photographer.

Believe it or not, Glenn let Wes drive the van back to the State Park and the rest of the crew would meet us for Breakfast at McDonald's at 6:45am. I asked Glenn if that was ok since he has always been the guy to make sure there everything was in its right place. We shall see.Read more