ESCAPE FROM WASHINGTON tomorrow

I have finally devised a route and scheme for this expedition. It has taken 8 days of mooching and research. I will escape Washington by taking a train to a place called 'Point of Rocks' in Virginia. It should get me into the sticks and on route to the holy grail of Gettysburg. I feel at last I have found my feet. I just have to do a bit more adjusting to the bright hot weather. After Point of Rocks I go to Harpers Ferry then Antietam then Gettysburg before pushing south for reach and inviting objectives. :-))

WASHINGTON YH

Am still in Washington with its humidity. Yesterday I made the long hike to Arlington cemetery. Also visited Fords Theatre where Lincoln was shot. They have the actual gun used on display at the Theatre museum.

Everything here is a little more pricey than I had expected. Yeserday I survived on the hostel breakfast and a couple of hotdogs.

Today the Capitol and the Smithsonian Air & Space museum. 24th June 2011

IN HUMID WASHINGTON

I am staying at the International Youth Hostel in central Washington. It is the most expensive hostel I have ever used at $40 per night. I will be staying 3 nights before attempting to escape the city. I may have to use a train to clear all the mad traffic and freeways which surround this city.

Today is a walking day, to do some sightseeing.

Thanks for the greetings Dougal, hope you are well.

AT MANCHESTER AIRPORT

Cycled through the night from home to the airport. It was not a good idea, I should have taken the train and slept at the airport. I have a middle seat on the flight Heathrow to Washington..not the best. Will just muddle along. Best wishes and love to all my friends 22/06/11

AMERICAN CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELDS TOUR !

'The American Civil War Battle Fields Tour' has been on the table for most a year untill here it is. I booked a flight from Manchester via Heathrow to Washington gateway to the battlefields and sites in Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, South & North Carolina and Georgia. As well as the sites there the Apallation Mountains which entice a visit. Washington itself is worth some days with Congress, Smithsonian, Fords Theatre, Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetry.
I am well packed, my carriage is the Dawes Karakum bicycle so eminently suitable to last years JOG-LE.
The big factor I dont know about is the traffic conditions and my ability to get about without too much hassle or cycling on freeways.
I am flying in the lap of British Airways luxury. Plan is to get to Washington Youth Hostel on the night of the 22nd and find a space waiting for me. May God help me.