Day 8 Unplanned Changes

Of more than one variety. The day did not get off to the best start, as my wake-up call never came. I got up naturally about half an hour late, and grabbed some breakfast before packing up and heading for the ferry across Cape Fear River. It was a pleasant enough 5 mile ride to the ferry dock, where I had all four of my panniers inspected by TSA. It's not just for airports anymore.

After a leisurely ride across the river, with sea birds hovering above the aft deck, I landed and rode through Kure Beach and Carolina Beach, two tourist towns. I stopped for lunch in Wilmington and stopped by a bike shop to make a small bar tape repair. About 10 miles outside of Wilmington, the first unplanned change occurred, the tube in my rear tire. While riding on US-17, I picked up a long thread from the steel-belting of a car tire. It went through both my tire and the tube. Luckily, it's a very small puncture on the tire, so I think it should be ok. I replaced the tube on the side of the road, and resumed the ride. This happened about 40 miles into today's ride, and somehow, while changing the tire, I reset the day's odometer.

I continued on past Surf City, today's planned stop, after stopping by the campground and being less than impressed. I looked for places to stay on Topsail Island, but couldn't find anything affordable, so I continued on past Snead's Ferry, and rode along the perimeter of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejuene. I made it all the way to Jacksonville, with an estimated mileage of about 83 miles. I grabbed a motel room to get internet access, and had a pleasant dinner at a little Italian restaurant down the street. The staff was so impressed with the story of my trip, they made me an extra large portion and brought me an extra salad on the house. Everything was very tasty, and with a full belly, I returned to the motel to watch Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals. Right now, it looks like Boston should win it.

Tomorrow, I've decided to ride about 70 miles to Washington, NC where I have found a campground to stay at. That will make Friday a short ride to Roper, NC. That day should be right around 50 miles, and I have a Warmshowers host at the end of that day.

That will put me one day ahead of my original schedule, so I should reach Elizabethtown, PA on June 24th, barring any additional changes.

Time for the third period and then to bed. More later.