It is a good thing that I am nearing the finish line of this journey. I swear that this general fatigue that I have is affecting my brain as well as my muscles. Just as happened eight years ago, on that trip, I am having difficulty remembering and focusing. A common example is turning left instead of right, even though I know better.

As I was packing this morning, I realized that my map was missing. I searched all over, and even went through the motel dumpster, but to no avail. Since Kathryn Osmondson was going to act as support for me today, by driving, and hauIingl my panniers plus carrying beverages and snacks, I had the motel staff run map copies last night for her so that we were on the same set of directions. Somehow, I absent mindedly set down my map in the lobby, and forgot about it. At least we still had Katheryn's copies to work with. 

But what about tomorrow? It looked to be a brutal day: over 100 miles and temperatures in the 90's. The Lord would have to give me the strength to do it, but the map would be critical.

 First things first. I have to ride to Suffolk, Virginia. It looked to be 55 miles m/l. Because of all the searching for the map we got a later start than normal. Yet the ride through Colonial Williamsburg was just as interesting as yesterday. There was hardly any traffic on the Colonial Parkway, so that part was very pleasant. I passed within 8 feet of a turkey  vulture, sitting on a guard rail trying to look invisible. There was some road kill in the middle of the road, and it did not want to get too far away from it.

At the end destination of the Parkway was the Jamestown settlement, but next to it was a ferry that we took across the James River. Once we got off the ferry Katheryn earned her weight in gold. She took responsibility for keeping the route, and all I needed to do was pedal, and not think. Occasionally we would stop, and I would guzzle down a bottle of water.

One thing I had not considered, another sign of fatigue, is that there were no services to speak of after we left the ferry. Fortunately, Kathy McMahan, my hostess for two nights earlier, had made two scrumptious peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, which still remained from yesterday. (But not for long)

Katheryn made the comment that the scenery was very pretty, and I would have to agree. The roads had few cars on them until we got close to civilization. The terrain has been exactly as I hoped: flat, except for stream beds. Then I would drop down to the bridge, try to get a head of steam up to get up the other side without losing too much momentum. It worked earlier in the day, but not so well later.

Finally, in mid-afternoon, I reached the motel in Suffolk, VA. Being the big spender, I bought lunch for Katheryn at the restaurant next door, McDonalds.

Having put some thought into tomorrow's route, it seemed to make sense to use Google  Maps, asking for a bicycling route. I would use the motel computer, and print out the route on its printer. A good plan if the motel had a computer. I asked if I could email the directions to the motel, and then they could print them. They did know their own email password. So I pulled the map up on my phone, went to the young lady at the front desk, and she emailed it to herslf, then printed out the directions.

The good news! The mileage would be in the mid-70s instead of over 100. Still a long way in this heat, but far more manageable than I previously thought.

As I pedaled today, I thought about how lucky I am to have family that will put up with me. Arlie and Martha McMahan drove over 4 hours to spend time with me. Mike and Kathy McMahan put up with me for a day and a half. Now Katheryn Osmondson accompanied me today, when it was really needed. Yet this whole trip is full of family and friends who have met and helped in many ways.

And from the beginning, I have received the protection and comfort of our Lord. Even when things would get a little crazy, I always felt His love and grace. The next several days will not be easy. It will be hot and humid, and my body seems to not be running on all cylinders, but I know I will be okay. In the 16th chapter of John, Jesus says "In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." So, if you were in my shoes, would you worry? I tell you, I will be fine.

Blessings to you all.