I feel like I've been bit by a jackrabbit because I'm really making time. I crossed over from Kentucky to Ohio early Monday morning. I wasn't sure how I was going to make it across the river because bicycles aren't allowed on the Interstate, but the friendly boys at the Florence Fire Department steered me towards the Anderson Ferry.

The ferry was an easy five-minute ride across the Ohio River. Ruben was the attendant on board who took the money. He was from Mexico and has been working the ferry the last two years. Ruben said he envied my trip and let me slide on the $2 fee. I told him I'd name my first child Ruben and he said a prayer for me right there on the spot and gave me kisses on each cheek for good luck.

Sunday I was able to make some good mileage out of Winchester, Kentucky to get into Florence. Just outside of Winchester I stopped in Paris to look for a hometown diner. I stopped a couple walking their dog. The man, an attorney named Jim Lovell, started giving me directions to a restaurant across town and his wife interrupted him and said, "Would you like to come to our house for bacon and eggs?" HOW WONDERFUL IS THAT!!

The Lovell's had a fantastic home built in the 1930s. Hardwood floors, beautiful wooden staircase, and a well-shaded yard. Their three daughters were grown and it was just Mary and Jim and their dog Sweetie. Mary fixed scrambled eggs, with brown eggs. Pepperidge Farm wheat toast and chunky orange marmalade. Orange juice and flavored coffee. The breakfast was fantastic and the conversation and company even better.

Mary is a librarian at the local school and talked about plans to go to a storyteller's festival. Jim was a local attorney who had worked in the legislature. The gun issue is what killed him. He said he saw too many cases where couples argued and since the gun was "available" the argument turned into a homicide.

I never thought I would have gotten up on Sunday and been treated to such a special morning.

The breakfast helped me push 94 miles into Florence, Ky. I pulled into the fire station on the south end of town and the boys at the department adopted me, helping me with everything from directions to topping off my water bottles to printing out the weather radar and forecast.

One of the firefighters talked about competing in a local duathalon the day before. The race was called "Bad to the Bone" and it included a 3.1-mile run, a 25-mile bike and then a repeat of the run. After hearing about my adventure and attempting to lift my bike, the firefighter said he had 'done nothing compared to my adventure.'

Then other firefighters started to venture out and each took turns dead lifting my bike. Soon the cameras were coming out and next a t-shirt which made me an official member of the Florence, Ky. fire department.

On Monday after crossing the Ohio River I made it about 10 miles down the road before storms hit. I was far enough out of town and there were no buildings so I just ducked under some branches at the side of the road and waited it out. I scrambled to find my big rainproof garbage bag to climb into and nervously looked around to see if I was trespassing on any snakes. .It's these moments that make me wonder why nobody wants to come with me on these trips.

The rain let up a bit and I made it 50 miles that day to Brookville, Indiana where I spent the night at St. Michael's Church. Got up this morning and although the rain has cleared the temperature has dropped. I have winter gear with me, so it shouldn't be too bad. However, if it gets much cooler I'll just have to drink myself a coat tonight.

Seem to be making good time with a week left. I'll know more about pulling into Wisconsin within the next three days. Little bit of a headwind today, but great FLAT roads of Indiana.

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Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by OMCreader on Sept. 20, 2006 at 10:19 p.m. (report)

Rose Marie said: Hi Judy; I just sent a lengthy letter to an e-mail address to the author which of course is you, I am sure you probably have ways to get it...All I know is you are a very interesting adventurous person and also someone who is interesting to know...Great attitude, and as I always said when you were on the radio station you were the best in getting all the news first.. nobody could take that away from you.. Well I am not going to go any farther with this e-mail because of the letter I just typed for you,,,Take care, Rose Marie....

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