Warm Showers With a Chance of Meatballs

This morning began much like last night ended – in darkness. For some unknown reason I decided that I was going to get a very early start to the day. It turns out it’s still dark at 5:30. And 6:30. And even 7:30. Perhaps I should’ve checked sunrise times before I went to bed. Not only was it dark but it was cold too. Lately, the days seem to be alternating between warm and cold. Oh well. At least it’s not snowing.

With darkness preventing an early morning departure, I enjoyed my leisurely continental breakfast (which included Frosted Flakes) before returning to my room to await the sun. The sun showed up shortly before 7:30 and I was on the road at 7:50. Again, I’m not really sure why I was so eager to get on the road.

Today’s destination was Mt. Pleasant, SC. Just east of Charleston. And either 110 km or 84 km away, depending on which Google route I chose. As usual, the short route was along the main highway, while the long route wasn’t. With time on my side, I opted for the non-highway route. It seemed like a good idea at the time. That idea became somewhat “less good” at the 14 km mark when the road onto which I was supposed to turn wasn’t really a road. It was private property. And even if it wasn’t, it was an unpaved road. Thanks Google.

I consulted the map and found an alternate solution that would get me back to the highway. There goes the plan of avoiding Highway 17. From my perspective, highway 17 wasn’t actually as bad as I thought it was going to be. Sure, there were many sections without a shoulder. Sure, there were rumble strips when there was a shoulder. Sure, some of the drivers weren’t the best. But, other than that, it wasn’t too bad and by 12:00 I had gone 48 km and needed to make my next navigational decision. But first, lunch.

Lunch was at Subway again. Plus, a Snickers bar I bought at Dollar General – a store for which I’m gaining a higher appreciation.

With lunch consumed, I was ready to go again. But which way? Google wanted to send me north into Francis Marion National Forest. Or, I could stay on Highway 17. Based on Google’s previous scenic route of the day, I opted to stay on the highway. The day’s second stint on Highway 17 was pretty much like the first. Not always pleasant but certainly manageable.

The combination of an early start and the highway route was turning today into a much shorter day on the bike than expected. There are worse problems to have.

My destination in Mt. Pleasant was another Warm Showers host. Located near the highway, it was a very convenient location. The location wasn’t the only good thing. Upon arriving at the house, I was greeted by a very enthusiastic golden retriever named Marley. Apparently no one has told Marley that he’s ten years old as he still has the energy of a two year old. Needless to say, Marley and I got along well.

Shortly after Marley came barrelling out the door, I met Judy. Judy welcomed me into her home as if I were a longtime friend. Later, I met Judy’s husband, Ted. He was equally as welcoming. The hospitality from Judy and Ted has been incredible including a fantastic dinner of spaghetti and meatballs, salad, and garlic bread. Judy was happy to see me have multiple helpings of all of it. She even offered to pack some up to send with me on tomorrow’s ride. However, with spaghetti and meatballs not being ideal for transporting, we opted for turkey sandwiches for the road.

I can’t say enough about how much I’ve enjoyed my visit in Mt. Pleasant. Judy and Ted have been incredibly generous and great people to talk with. Just think, I would’ve missed meeting them had I continued on to the campground last night instead of stopping in Georgetown. Spontaneity wins after all!

Today’s totals:
Distance travelled: 103.01 km
Time on bike: 4:13:04
Maximum speed: 194.45 km/h (I don’t believe this to be accurate)
Average speed: 24.41 km/h

Oh, and Marley is currently sleeping next to my bed. Yes, today has been a great day.