Tuesday, June 7

From Antietam to Clara Barton

What a ride that was!! Due to our enthusiastic guide at Antietam and the fact that he had an audience who asked questions and really enjoyed the information he was sharing, we left there late. Not too much of a problem, being a little late with a group of 40+ is not all that bad. But to make matters worse, our bus struggled up and down some of those roads getting to Antietam, so we were going to have to take a route that was longer but smoother - good thing! The bus got worse as we went along our way. Suddenly we found ourselves going about 20 miles an hour (felt like 5mph) on major highways. We laughed about the eighteen wheelers passing us, and hoped there was not going to be an occasion where bicyclers might be able to go around us!

Roscoe 

The driver we had the first day was assigned somewhere else the next. So on our second day we had a new bus and driver. The bus was not so good, but the driver is great! Meet Roscoe! He has had a very hard life, but has a strong faith. His wife and grandchild were both murdered about 7 years ago, and it is still an unsolved mystery. That is just one of many trials the man has dealt with and he shows up with a smile and good morning - not as if he has to but as if he really means it!

Back to the bus, to make matters even more sad, the AC on the bus only had air blowing out of about half of our vents. Needless to say, when we arrived at the Irish Inn in Glen Echo, MD, we were very appreciative of the cool dining experience, great food, and even our waiter who spoke with an Irish accent.

We were so late only about half of the group got to venture on to Clara Barton's house!\

Randi with her hoodie on!

P. S. Roscoe showed up the next day with a well running bus and lots of cold air blowing! Needless to say no one has complained to him about being cold, everyone is covered up with t-shirts, blankets, and someone sitting close to me is even using their backpack to shield the cold air. Me? I am loving it!! The weather is so hot that when we get back on the bus it is a pleasure!