Day 4

I like to Hike

Miles Biked: 45

Well hello everyone. I have survived another day on the road, and another state! I'm writing from Strousburg, Pennsylvania somewhere near the Pocono Mountains. Today's ride lead us through the Deleware River Water Bed which is under protection from the National Park Service. So a little hiking and swimming was the highlight of my day.

It was a simple ride through the park. The road we road we took followed the river so it was a rolling trip to Strousburg....the town in which I just found out my old roommate Brownbears parents met! Exciting. Along the root I climbed Dingman falls which was a pretty impressive waterfall and swam in the Delaware River. Note to future bikers.....biking shoes and wet wooden paths do not mix well. The water of the Deleware river felt great, but the current was pretty strong. I was joined by Sam, Ali, LISA, Alex, Andy and Andrea. As I laid on the banks of the river trying to dry out my shammy (the padding on my butt) all I could smell was a rotting fish that was floating nearby so it was time to move on. Up ahead on the road, Francis from Kentucky exclaims he saw a herd of deer, a copperhead snake, and a black bear crossing the road. So far, no one believes him due to lack of video evidence. I didn't see much wild life but ones. I can now say, after 4 days of biking, I know what the smell of carcass smells like. Pat and I actually have started a game "Name that animal". It can be pretty tricky at times. Today I came across a squirrel with no head, a leg of a deer, a string of guts, and plenty of unidentifiable animals. It's a game you just can;t play in a car.

On the way into Strousburg, Francis tried to tempt me into bumper boats at a "resort hotel" we passed. I don't think it is the kind of resort I'm used to. It just looked liked like a cheap Motel with bumper boats. I decided against it. I'm jealous of Pat and Coreyy who stopped at an Alpaca farm. The town of Strousburg is almost a clone of Torrington CT, although the downtown shops are a little cooler here. I keep seeing signs for the Poconos but after such a flat bike ride, I'm not sure exactly how far they are away. It is supposed to be another easy ride tomorrow through PA farm country before we ride our first 95 mile day. The weather has cooled significantly from our first day, and my legs feel pretty good. Poor Morgen went through 3 flat tires today. I'm having a blast exploring the roads along the way. Time to spend my first night in PA!!!!!

PS All that is going through my head right now is Wawayanda New York, which is a town I passed through yesterday....and I want a T-shirt.