The last leg home

          So I wouldn't be discovered, I rose earlier than usual, packed up and headed  for the beach bath house.  The man washing down the pavilion was very obliging and took multiple pictures of me out on a small Boardwalk.  I had seen shots of guys holding their bikes over their head. On second thought, let's just do a few normal shoots of me by beach and ocean.  With the sun coming up in the east, an ocean shoot was near impossible but what the heck.  The resulting silhouette did the trick for the folks back home.

       Off I rode to the Cape May ferry where I crossed over to New Jersey.  Another five mile ride brought me to the historic downtown, nice place but packed with tourists. On the way I stopped at another fruit and vegetable stand and picked up a delicious peach.  Great time of year to be on the road with all the fresh produce being harvested.

      From the bus station, I caught a ride to Philadelphia.  The good news was that my bike easily fit in luggage compartment.  The bad news was what happens when I get there. Once in Philly, do I take a bus or a train?  No bus to New London until the next day and I certainly didn't want to end up in NYC for the night.  Good thing I had my bike; I to rode twenty blocks through the city to the 30th street train station.  As a seasoned rider, I easily handled the aggressive drivers.  Over the phone, I learned it was up to the conductor of each train as to whether or not I could bring my train on board.  I pleaded my case to the porters.  Prevailing, one really nice guy, Carl, loaded me and my bike on the elevator and took me down to the tracks.  "Go to section B and get on the last car where the handicap section is.  Offer to pay (bribe) the conductor if you he have to."  Here goes.

The train pulled in and I hustled aboard.  Getting my bike fit into place in the handicap space. I anxiously waited for the conductor.  Great, the train was rolling and I was still on the train.  The junior conductor took my ticket and said he wasn't sure I could take the bike on board.  Once again I pleaded my case and he caved.  Making it past NYC was my next concern.  Luck prevailed and at about 9:00pm the train rolled into New London but not before I had to roll my bike up two cars.  The conductor helped me carry the bike off over a few complaints but I thanked he profusely.  Amtrak is warming up to bikes but not fast enough.

        Pete and Cathy Bergeron picked me up in my truck where I drove to Robinson Street.  Back home after a fabulous life time experience; I need get going in planning my next road trip.  Vietnam?