Rerouted Again

These South Carolina goats know who loves them

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold the magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage."

                                                          Mathew 2:1

Beautiful South Carolina motif in cement

The routing on this tour has certainly taken some unique changes from what I preconceived and now, it has changed again. I planned to head for coastal Charleston, SC after visiting Columbia, but again, my intuition stepped in and told to 'move south more directly'. I started my true new trek south at Holly Hill, SC after a cold and rainy night. Although Charleston sounds like a beautiful city with lot's of history;  my objective is not to turn into an icicle if I can help it and that means taking a more direct route to the south.

Saint George, SC police officer Jessica hard at work

This Columbia SC bike shop has a good variety of product

HAPPY HOLIDAY'S TO ALL!


Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage." After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at it's rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him
homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

         
                    Mathew 2:6-12 

Low laying water is becoming a bigger part of the coastal terrain

I rode a lot of HWY 15/17 south which took me thru Waltersboro and Ridgeland on my way to Savannah, GA. One thing about riding closer to the coast that I find appealing is the flatness of the terrain. I like to call it 'The Lowlands".

There's an element of culture shock that I've been noticing on the roads. For example, I'll be riding down a country road contemplating how I feel that day, where I'll stop, how far I'll go and how long I'll ride, etc. Then, I'll cross a few roads and suddenly the traffic's a lot heavier with speedy motorists and a vanished shoulder. Things change quickly on the road, proper rest and alertness to your surroundings are essential to survival. I generally don't like riding at night unless the traffic is really light and I have a lot of road to ride

Outstanding lunch specials at this locally owed  Hardeeville, SC restaurant

Curious South Carolina horse

My bucket of bolts at a local South Carolina "Boiled Peanuts for sale Stand"

Into South Carolina

Old Glory with South Carolina State Flag in tow

Parading enthusiastic Holiday Junior cheerleaders

She gave birth to her first-born Son.

                               Luke 2:7

Yes,the weather is improving as I move south and traffic hasn't been as bad either. A recent routing plan I was following had me visiting Charleston, SC after Laurenburg, NC. After speaking with my dad however; he suggested I contact the son of his childhood best friend Bill Zokan who lives in Columbia, SC. He gave me the telephone number and after a short chat with Tom Zoken, I rerouted myself toward Columbia. The rural roads in South Carolina aren't as hectic as the ones to the north and I've noticed there's more sand around. That must mean I'm getting closer to the ocean! I'm so excited!

Celebrating the Holiday's at the Zoken home...Columbia.
(thanks for the haircut Tom!)

I had the opportunity to visit the Capitol building in Columbia as well as the Zokan household. There, I developed a better understanding of the South Carolina State flag. The Palmetto is the official tree of South Carolina and is represented on the flag. The Palmetto is a type of native palm tree and became famous in these parts by  providing adequate protection from the British warships. A Charleston area fort was built using this soft wood and it was effective at repelling cannonball fire as well as providing shelter from the wind, rain and cold. Additionally; the crescent shape on the flag represents the armor soldiers wore around their necks in times of battle.

The right price for lodging in Waltersboro, SC

Mike Gainey was very helpful at his Hartsville, SC machine shop

The right place for my needs in Camden, SC

South Carolina is COTTON COUNTRY too!

                                      And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth.

                                                                             John 1

Although winter is upon us, the southern weather has been less extreme compared to the north. The nights get chilly, but the daytime temperatures have been ideal for riding. I've been treating myself to more hotel visitations compared to earlier in this tour, primarily because they're available. Lot's of competitive rates for travelers in the small towns I've visited, and that means more hotel for your money in my book! You'll notice a few of the more memorable hotels I've supported in pictures on my blog.

Into North Carolina

Old Glory with North Carlina State Flag in tow.

Happy to move into a new region...hopefully warmer.

    

Let the Children come to me.

                           Mark 10:14

Free speech demonstration at a Holiday parade

                            

One handsome water tower in Selma, NC

The traffic in this city was ruff

Clean rooms in Rocky Mount, NC

Continuing south into North Carolina I enjoyed the flat terrain. Northern Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New York were very hilly and I'm sure it's that way not to far to the west. I was originally considering traveling closer to the coast but I'm at a point in my travels where I want to take the most direct route south with the least amount of effort. Hwy 301 provided the safest most efficient way to move south. This is an excellent road to ride on with a good shoulder, markings and fresh pavement in many segments.

I spent time in Rocky Mount, Kenly, and Fayetteville on this leg. Fayetteville is the home of Fort Bragg Army base and it wasn't a very "bike friendly" city. The traffic was congested with no bike lanes that I remembered. I noticed the fast food restaurants stayed busy especially during the lunch hour with cars lined up deep.  I presume that many folks who work on the Army base want to take their lunch off base and drive to town for a quick bite. When people simultaneously do this, it leads to a lot of congestion on the roads and drive-thrus. One thing I observed about the roads around military bases, is that they tend to be neglected and behind the times in upkeep and accessibility. Perhaps the traffic engineers design them that way to discourage the enlisted from going AWOL (absent without leave). I feel that when a enlisted person wants to leave the base and they find it so congested and uninviting, they decide to stay where they are on base instead.

Enjoying a beautiful North Carolina sunset on my way to Laurinburg, NC

Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled."

Luke 1:39-45 

A welcome oasis 10 miles north of Fayetteville

I'm at a point in my tour where I've been treating myself well, and that means spending time in hotels. The nights have been getting longer and there isn't as much daylight out there to utilize either. In turn, I've been enjoying the temporary luxury that hotels provide with a place to bathe, do laundry, rest and enjoy sports on TV. 

Friendly staff & tasty breakfast here

I learned that 'Tar-Heels' is a term used for people who use the pine tar from indigenous pine trees to waterproof wooden sailing vessels. These boats performed important trade functions, and were instrumental in developing the rich history of North Carolina. Additionally, this term is used to represent a State school. 

Moving South

Holiday cyclist street riding at Ashland, VA Holiday Parade.

The child to be born will be called holy, the son of God.
                                                              Luke 1:35  


Although I continue to move south the winter weather is catching up with me faster than I move. Irregardless, I tell myself that the warm Florida winter keeps getting closer with each mile. Night temperatures have been getting into the 20's here in Virginia. At this location in my tour I've been moving west at the same ratio as south, so if I'd go east to the coast I'd only be going out of my way.


Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have salvation and power come, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed."

                                                         Revelation

Living large in downtown Richmond,VA

My hammock setup in a Virginia Bamboo forest

I've acquired a bit of poison ivy recently, or at least that's what I think. I sometimes set up my hammock late at night with limited viability in wooded areas. Certainly, I've encountered something nasty, and the skin on my left wrist is irritated, swollen and tender. Calamine lotion is now my good friend as I try to manage this long, slow recovery.

Deep in study enjoying some Holiday nog.

Handsome Wall Painting in downtown Richmond Even tax collectors came

The crowds asked John the Baptist, "What should we do?" He told them in reply, "Whoever has two clocks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise."  Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, "Teacher, what should we do?"He answered them, "Stop collecting more than what is prescribed." Soldiers also asked him, "And what is it we should do?" He told them, "Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages."

Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be Christ. John answered them all, saying, "I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. is winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire." Exhorting them in many ways, he preached good news to the people.

Luke 3:10-18

Rural Virginia Turkey Vultures waiting for some roadkill to eat

Top of City Hall on a sunny day in Emporia, VA

I'm better at dealing with the cold or heat compared to wet weather. I'm always grateful when the roads are dry and there is no snow, sleet or freezing rain to deal with.

The roads were much better as I moved into rural Virginia. I basically stayed on HWY 301 to the North Carolina state line.


And Mary said: My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior."

                                   Luke 1:47

More outdoor artwork in Richmond, VA

Pedestrian bridge over the James River in Richmond

INTO VIRGINIA

Ashland, VA trend setters at a Holiday Parade

Virginia State Flag

This place has been to cold for me...moving south.

We saw his star at its rising.
                                               Mathew 2:2

The bike routes moving south out of Washington D.C. were the best I've experienced period! Truly outstanding! I rode the Mount Vernon Trail that went thru Alexandria and followed the Potomac River to George Washington's home (our Countries' 1st President). There I enjoyed the grounds with a Visitors Center. There was even a live band (air force) that played on that Sunday afternoon commemorating Armistice (Veterans) Day.


               I can do all this through CHRIST who gives me strength.

                                                           Philippians 4:13

My decision to move south took me back onto Highway 1 where the traffic and road conditions were challenging. I wouldn't recommend this road to Fredericksburg for cycling. It's fast and in many places shoulder less with lots of hills. I took it though because it's the most direct way to get south...Old Man Winter has been catching up with me.

A voice of one crying out in the desert: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God,"

                                         Luke 3:4-6

Mother & Children utilizing some fine Washington D.C. area trails

The widening Potomac River south of Washington D.C.

Yours truly with "Georgie Boy" in Mount Vernon

On the south side of Fredericksburg the traffic thinned and I was able to get on HWY 2 and the 301.These were much better roads for traffic volume and safety.

I passed the Quantico U.S. Marine Corps Reservation. This is where my dad Thomas Lee Schaefer trained and was introduced to a militaristic mentality and life style. To the south is Fredericksburg, that's where my parents lived when they first became husband and wife. There, my mother worked at The University of Mary Washington in the summer of 1953. She was the secretary for the President of the University there.

Marine Corp central in Quantico, VA

Hats off to Greg Parker for hosting me at his Ashland, VA home. I tell people "you can never have to many friends" and Greg truly came thru for me on a cold November evening. Not only did I enjoy Greg's hospitality, but I also enjoyed a Holiday Parade in Ashland.

Posing at The University Of Mary Washington's Theatrical Hall (My Mother worked here one summer!)

Washington D.C....extended stay

Washington Monument with WWII Memorial in foreground


Breathe on me, breath of God, so I shall never die, but live with you the perfect life in your eternity.
Edwin Hatch 1835-1889


During my 2 week layover in Washington D.C., I had the opportunity to get acclimated to the Metro Transit system. I was a bit overwhelmed at first, but after I bought a SMARTCARD I got the hang of it. Getting a card is the most economical way to use public transportation in D.C. because you can use it on buses and pay a discounted rate compared to paper tickets (more environmentally friendly too). I liked the METRO riders because they seemed to all be so well behaved and well dressed. I was impressed with the general ambiance of this city...I felt like I was surrounded by some very intelligent and well informed folks. 

Enjoying some sunshine and warmer drier weather at the Jefferson Monument.


Washington D.C. is a high end MECCA for cyclists with many miles of developed bicycle lanes on city streets and around the tourist areas. It's easy to rent a bicycle too. There are even pedicabs in and around town. Pedicabs are human powered vehicles that are propelled by pedal power. The operators will give you a narrated tour and get you to destination quickly. It's certainly more fun than riding in a taxicab.

United States Secret Service Seal

The Lord's Prayer I

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen

Washington Monument

Some incredible architecture around town. I think the center of attention is the Washington Monument. It stands 555'5" and has a base 55' X 55".  The height is exactly 10 times it's base. This structure has a unique history and was the world's tallest building for many years. There are 2 different colors of stone that were used to construct it. The rock came from 2 different quarries. The construction went dormant for over 10 years due to lack of funds, but the civilian conservation corps and the army core of engineers were instrumental in completing this project.

Other notable buildings beside the famous monuments, Capitol, and museums were the Treasury Department, Commerce building, and the White House.

American Flag outside of the Commerce Department

Act of Love

O my God, I love you above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because you are all good
and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen.

Washington D.C....America's Capital City

Hamming it up on the Potomac River in front of the Washington Monument

How worthy is the Land who was slain, to receive power and divinity, and wisdom and strength and honor. To him belong glory and power for ever and ever.

                                                                          Revelation 5:12; 1:6



Washington D.C., WOW! What a city! Much more than I anticipated for sure. This is truly a world class city with it's availability of free museums, metro system and a unique parks.

Although the traffic was something I'd like to forget about coming from Baltimore, I made it to Washington D.C. primarily traveling Route 1. I had problems getting a bed and ended up spending my first 2 nights in Rock Creek Park which is north of downtown.

Washington D.C. is a densely population land between northern Virginia and southern Maryland. It's where our nation's Capitol sits and President Obama lives there in the White House. Washington D.C. is  home to many Senators, congressional constituents and Federal Government employees.

I knew Super storm Sandy was coming and I wanted to be ready for it. Thankfully, I reserved a bed in a local hostel at 1009 11th St. NW (HIUSA.ORG) and enjoyed staying warm and dry during it's 2 day deluge. Never before had I experienced such a storm! Sustained high winds for hours and sheets of rain. The city literally was shut down (no public transportation, schools and business's closed)  until the storm passed. I spent almost two weeks at that hostel enjoying the international crowd, social interaction (including chess!) and high caloric breakfasts.

Capitol Building at dusk.

Is this city Taxation without Representation?

3 Halloween Clowns at a U Street Pub

Blessed is the coming kingdom of our Father David; blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!


                            Mark 11:9-10

Lincoln Monument in downtown.

The Smithsonian is comprised of several free museums in downtown Washington D.C.; it's easy to lose yourself in the architecture alone! I enjoyed the Natural History Museum but found the security upon entering a bit gruff. There's a big open space (2 miles or so) between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, this park is a great place to walk or bicycle.Unfortunately, the weather was so cold that it was hard for me to be outside for extended periods. 

Jefferson Memorial on a sunny afternoon.

I experienced Halloween, Super storm Sandy and the 2012 Presidential Election in Washington D.C.. They certainly were all memorable events.

I went to the White House on Election Day and enjoyed some free music at a nearby Park. Lot's of Secret Service Agents in uniform around there.  I'm sure there were many in plain cloths as well. So many well dressed people on the D.C area. It's hard to differentiate the politicians from the security, or from the layers and business folks. One thing I must say though, there doesn't appear to be any shortages of money in D.C..

Seal Of US Secret Service...White House duty

                                                                                    

The Lord sits as King for ever. The Lord will bless his people with peace.

                                              Psalm 28:10-11