Challenging Week!

Greetings from Hallstead, PA! I'm sitting in a library right now, since it has not been possible to get internet access from our camps.

All is well... my left knee injury is healing, but still needs to be covered while I ride. It still hurts somewhat with the rotation of cycling, but is not holding me back too much. What is holding me back are the hills. Yesterday was challenging, especially in Ithaca, NY. I finally gave it up and walked up the hill. All the rest, I managed!!!

I've been added to the official stat list two more times... No, I did not fall again; this time I had a flat back tire, two days in a row. Thankfully, Pete can change tires very well!

Monday's border crossing was the smoothest crossing in the U.S.A. I've ever had in my life! We crossed the Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls and made quite an entrance into customs. However, we were all waved through: no stopping, no passports were even needed! Wow! It was fun checking out the falls from the American side. We spent around an hour exploring the trails and vistas from around there with Gail and Josh 2. The rest of the day was a long day... cycling into the wind and making multiple stops to readjust my seat height after having installed a new seat post. The evening was spent visiting with Mary Beth, Jim & Anna Hallahan. What fun connecting with former AFNORTH Chapel friends!

Tuesday's ride was pretty and hilly. We stopped for a rest at Lake Seneca in Geneva. What a picturesque place! The road we cycled following the lake had vineyards along it. We stayed in a state park that night, which was really pretty.

I shall sign off here. There's so much more to write, but not enough time to write. Pete is giving me the pressure to hop back on the bike. We have about 45 km more to go. Then our team is on Sweep Duty again tonight & tomorrow a.m.