Update 4/25
Day # 64
Today: Kennett Square, PA, to Ambler, PA (39 miles)
Total miles: 3483
Tomorrow (plan): Riverton, PA
Jane bid us farewell at about 9:45 AM after providing a tasty, substantial breakfast. By that time, it was obvious the weather predictions were accurate, as it was heating up rapidly. The first part of the route to West Chester was on winding country roads through farming country, and we thoroughly enjoyed the ride. We entered the town of Paoli near lunch time and first considered going into a shop that featured sandwiches made with bagels; however, the waiting line was too long, so we decided to go next door to a pizza shop. Great decision: excellent pizza, great salad, and we even gave in to sharing a mouth-watering piece of cheese cake with a chocolate topping. When we continued our pedaling, we discovered that finding your way in the area is definitely a challenge. While looking for Upper Gulph Road, we encountered several Gulph Roads (Old Gulph, New Gulph, South Gulph, etc.), stopped frequently to look at the map, and asked anyone we could find before finally locating the correct route. The area is also a challenge because of the abrupt, steep hills. I have heard cyclists say that riding in the eastern part of the country is a really tough, and now I can understand why. We both regret that we don't have more time to spend in this historic area, but we probably would have had to leave from California in January or December in order to be able to explore all the areas we have traveled through. We arrived at the home of Bill and Cait Ruhling, Warm Showers hosts who live in Ambler, and we didn't realize how lucky we were to have asked them to host us. First, they are tandem riders. Cait loves to cook, and she prepares delicious, different dishes. Bill is a consultant who works with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, so he is very familiar with routes in the area. We had an excellent roast beef dinner, with a wide selection of vegetables, topped off with ice cream and home-made cookies. Bill gave me some suggestions about a route, and then we were ready for bed.