Crossing the Mississippi

We were all up early for the ride out of town yesterday, hoping to beat the Monday morning rush hour traffic and get in a bunch of miles before the heat of the day was upon us. By 6:30 many of us were on the road. Conditions turned out to be more favorable than the day before. Although it got hot we were not batling the wind hour after hour. The weather forecast included the possibility of strong thunderstorms, a bit worrisome, but they passed to our north and we didn't even get rain until late in the afternoon when all of us had arrived at our B&B. By that time I was sitting on a covered porch with a glass of wine in my hand! The ride itself was almost 90 miles, but without the wind it was not overly taxing. Near the end of the ride we crossed the Mississippi River on a ferry boat and then rode a few more miles to our accommodations. We are now officially in the East!
The place where we are staying is an old plantation that has been turned into a B&B. Several cottages have been built on the lovely grounds, each unique, some accommodating two or three guests, and a couple of singles. I am staying in a charming little single. Shortly after I arrived there was a knock on my door and the owner presented me with a vase of lovely purple tulips.....a birthday gift from Sara, Kelly and Lucia :-).
This trip has been such an amazing and challenging experience, and I am waking up this morning to a 68th birthday where I am feeling joyful and strong and very fortunate. Many thanks for the well wishes of friends on this day. I am grateful for your friendship and look forward to our shared experiences in the years ahead!