A warm east coast welcome.

Ah, the east coast just as I left it: rainy. Two days of patchy rain so far, but I can't really complain. I'm just happy to still be standing under my own power. I've been pretty tired, have had a nasty sore throat and my swollen glands have me looking like the elephant man, but otherwise my spirits are up. I was able to ride a good 100 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway before getting on the highway to make better time on my way to Charlottesville. Here I was able to grab dinner with an incredibly interesting and genuinely cool lady, Melissa, who I connected with via the couch surfing website. Like me she is a self proclaimed nerd which made for a truly engaging conversation about all things scientific. It was honestly the highlight of my night. Once she found out I work for Gillette, we talked in great detail about the nuances of making razor blades (don't worry P&G, it was nothing you couldn't see on "How it's made"). Plus, I had probably the best bowl of chicken tortilla soup in my life. So, overall a good night. Unfortunately, when I woke up this morning I had probably the worst sore throat of my life, so I'm afraid my defenses are starting to weaken. My power of will has served me well so far, but I should probably get home to CT asap. For this reason I opted to skip the Skyline Highway through Shanendoah National Park which is too bad because it looked to be truly amazing. At least this gives me an excuse to come down to the DC area to do the ride again in a healthier state. So, one day in DC to see a few friends, then just 5 and a half hours until I am home and can get some much needed rest.

P.S. I just wanted to acknowledge and say thanks to all my friends at home and on the road who have sent me their well wishes given my situation with being sick and far from home. It has really helped me keep a positive attitude. That, and I was amazed that all my DC area friends still offered me places to stay despite being sick. I know it didn't work out to get see all of you while I was down here, but it was still appreciated, and mark my words, I shall return.