Rain began as our head hit the pillow last night and continued through breakfast.  We donned our raincoats and headed out.  Knowing we’d get rained on all day, figured we take the only two photos of the day while it was not raining. Within a mile of climbing, we were dripping from the inside and quickly stashed the coats.  Right from the gate the wind and hills shared the assault on our legs.  We “almost” enjoyed the first hour on the quiet highway, but then the traffic picked up; we balanced ourselves on the narrow shoulder as we struggled up the non-stop hills against the strong winds.  The hills rounded off slightly and the protecting trees beside the road disappeared, now it was the wind’s opportunity to issue it’s one/two punch.  The scenery included healthy fields,lush green hills, pretty barns and ponds, but few opportunities to take a picture without stopping.  Stopping for a break or refreshment on this long straight stretch meant pulling to the gravel shoulder and grabbing a snack bar; no restaurant/cafe/gas station to be found.

As determined as the wind and hills seemed to be to knock us down, we were more determined to get to our hotel (and dinner), but it took everything out of us to do so.  Thankfully, it never rained on us; more for the sake of safety on the busy road, than anything else.

We found a bar & grill within walking distance tonight and were very pleasantly surprised at how good dinner was…..spaghetti with meat sauce and fettacini alfredo with chicken.  We have often said it’s the last ten miles that are the toughest, but think today, it was the last 52 miles (of a 52 mile day) that were the toughest.