I am noticing that fishing seems to be a very popular pastime in this part of the country. In fact, everywhere I have been has seen fishers gathered at every opportunity. Around here the lakes are quite cloudy with algae at this time of year; it must be difficult for the fish to see the bait, and for the fisher to stalk when the visibility is only a couple of inches. I was reading the fishing regulations yesterday, and it was clearly stated that hunting frogs was only permitted during the winter months with bow and arrow, and not at all with a firearm. Catching turtles requires a snare of a specific type.
Before too many miles I began noticing hills in the distance and then I was upon them. I think these would be the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains although I am still a fair distance from the main part of the mountains. The main effect on the cyclist trying to stay on lesser roads is to concentrate traffic onto the valley roads, which tend to be the only ones that are paved. This is the same phenomenon that I observe in Vermont, another beautiful place to cycle.
Actually this part of Ohio shares a lot in common with Vermont. Physically they look alike; there is much rich, historical heritage, combined with a reverence for the land which makes one feel like it is really being looked after. There is a really unmistakable down-home country feel to it.
Mr. Babcock must have been taking some abuse from his brother for not writing more often. Actually there has been a good bit of banter going both ways on the subject of mail, but this time it is Will on the defensive:
I'm NOT A CLAM, nor am I a salamander, and when the thermometer gets to gamboling up near 98 in the shade and tries to make a century run, and the ink all dries up, how is a fellow going to write? What do you want me to say? We were in Chicago four days. Could not give you any distance then. The night before I travelled nearly all night and slept what I could during the day.
... We haven't yet talked about when we shall pull out of here and may stay until Monday. I notice that the only mail we have is that in care of the Cycle Co. and it almost broke the mail clerk's back when he handed me your letters, which Hawks had left here when he engaged rooms. Now you blooming old "Eastern Manager". We shall follow your arrangements as far as Jefferson and then discharge you.
...
Darned good scheme you have of using a tandem and getting a young lady to haul you over to Geneva and back. You make me think of the kid we met back in Montana, mentioned in one of the letters.
Funny...whenever my wife and I ride our tandem, people always shout at us, "SHE'S NOT PEDALLING!"
70 miles today and the scenery keeps getting better.
This is the first B&B of the trip and it looks quite unique.
On the road, and it is a very narrow dirt one just now.
Dennis