Marion to Utica, Ky. - July 30

Today's ride of 71 miles was largely uneventful, taking us through some gently rolling hills as well as some downright flat areas in western Kentucky.

I was on the lookout for dogs, but only saw these two curious dogs at one convenience store stop. Dad was briefly chased by one, but it didn't make a real effort.

It was overcast for most of the day, which helped keep the temperature manageable.

We had 60 miles in by noon, finishing our day in Utica around 1 p.m. We're staying at the fire station here where the program is to just walk in the unlocked doors and make yourself at home.

I've been looking ahead more to how long it will take us to get to Yorktown, Va. It'll probably be about two weeks yet. Since that will get us back earlier than expected, I'm going to ride from there back up to Lancaster, going through D.C. and Baltimore on a route mapped out by Adventure Cycling, whose maps we have been following. Dad is just going to get a ride home from Yorktown.

Tomorrow we plan to ride to a grocery store near the town of Hudson where we hear it is possible to camp. There aren't many other options in the area.