The night before we had studied the map and found two possible routes to DC. Both included trails, but we were not certain that the longer trail had actually been completed and if it didn't go through all the way it seemed to leave one in a bad spot for roads. I ultimately chose the route with the shorter, but surer bike path. The first 8 miles were on this trail and they were great, but I hadn't been off the trail long when the road that I expected to take into DC was closed due to a washed out bridge. The marked detour led to the interstate that was closed to bikes so I thought I'd better just take the original road on the chance that I would be able to walk or bike where cars couldn't go. I was just setting out when I happened to notice a Maryland Highway Department building right there. Although it is sometimes better not to ask the authorities if you are planning to do something a little off base, I decided to stop. I went in and ultimately got to two guys who understood my problem and knew that the detour signs for bikes had not been put out. They dug out their planning maps, made copies for me and showed me where the detour route was to go and where the signage would be once it was in place. I was just about to take my leave when another guy came by and when he saw what I was being told he added the information that the county had objected to the state's planned detour and so the state would not be putting up any signs. The county considered the detour route to be too narrow and dangerous and offered no alternative for bikers. Thus informed I left and took what would have been the bike detour which turned out not to be fatal as you have already realized. In fact it was mostly very pleasant, quiet and tree lined. I passed about 20 turtles on this road, 19 of which were flattened. The other one was standing at the edge of the pavement making up his mind. I allowed him no such chance.
Eventually I reached the more heavily used road with its noise (bad) and wide shoulders. (good). I stayed on my route as things grew increasingly urban and after what seemed a long time reached the Capital, the Mall etc. The previous day I had found a fine flag which I had not yet displayed even though two days before that I had lost my previous flag, the one found with the hack saw blade. I also lost the hack saw blade. Anyway I had this newest flag and I was feeling very inspired by the buildings and the tourists, many of whom were obviously from other countries so I hung my flag on my bike and walked around singing America The Beautiful softly to myself.
"And crowned thy good, With brotherhood,
From sea to shining sea."
At 6:00 I met Beth at the old post office which has a steeple filled with bells upon which a crew of ringers was going to practice at 7:00. The Park Rangers who police the building had told us we could not attend the practice, but Beth, by means of some innocent questions directed at the ringers, managed to get us in. After practice we went to Mere and Paulie's place via the subway.
Flags: I was given a flag near Memorial Day at Ferndale WA. I lost it. I was given a replacement by Polly Kolstad, which I lost and then found again. I left that with Beth when I saw her in New Hampshire. I found another in Connecticut which I left in my motel in Atlantic City. I found the one in Maryland that I mounted on my bike in Washington, and I found one on the subway riding to Arlington.
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