SEA TO SHINING SEA: Away from the canal, into D.C.

DAY 82 - August 8, 2013 - We left the lock-keeper's house behind at 7:15 this morning, finished the final 20 miles of the tow path, and circled the Lincoln Memorial mid-morning.  I posted the previous blog from a Starbuck's on H Street NW a block or two from the heavily barricaded Department of State.  That was after we stopped at the Thompson Boat Center along the Potomac and used their hose to clean heavily caked mud from the C&O tow path from the inside of our fenders.

D.C. teemed with tourists as we made our way to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail and carried it to the northeast section of the city.  Rob picked us up on Grant Street and we're spending the night with Meredith and him in Annapolis.  Larry and Alison will take us across the Chesapeake in the morning where we will resume riding from Stevensville. Tomorrow night in Greenwood and then jiggity jog to Lewes on Saturday.

Becky and I are having an open house on School Lane in Lewes from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday.  Food and drink.  We'd love to see you all.  You've been so kind to follow us as we crossed the country. If you're  reading this you're invited! Walk, or ride your bicycle, or drive and park somewhere around the school. Stop by and say hi. We'll be there.

Our ride concluding through the streets of D.C. today gave us a total of 36 miles and brought our summer's total to 3,280. We've enjoyed every one of them - some more than others.  Looking forward to crossing Delmarva the next couple of days.

And don't forget what John Steinbeck advised: Attitude and posture are two human qualities that have to be cultivated throughout life. So stand up straight and smile!

Talk to you all tomorrow, from the other side of the Chesapeake.