At the Outskirts of Philadelphia

Thursday, December 9

The end is in sight for I am only 75 miles from Atlantic City. As a former distance runner I know it is important to run the finish lap as well as the others and I plan to finish strong - tired or not.

Today I was back to dodging traffic for I am now in Philadelphia's shadow with no bike lane for me to use. A couple of passing drivers yelled some things but I chose to ignore them and not respond to their ignorance. I am sorry if they are held up a few seconds in their busy lives but I have no choice.

In addition, I was warned by several people of a low income area called the "The Bottoms" and of the danger of being robbed there. I plan to walk through during the early morning and as it is also very cold - my guess is that the streets will be nearly empty and I shouldn't be hassled. I have my bear spray that I saved from Yellowstone specifically for this purpose. If it will stop a Grizzly bear I figure it will stop a human and I plan to carry it in my pocket tomorrow as well as when I pass through Camden, New Jersey - another area I have been warned about. Like always I take it one day at a time.

On the positive - I will be at Independence Hall tomorrow by the afternoon. I was here two years ago with my daughter, Linden, after she graduated from college in Connecticut so I plan to stay but one day and to move onward to the ocean. In addition, today I met a Philadelphia, Marty Kelly, fireman who arranged for me to lodge at a fire station near Independence Square. He liked what I am doing and called "The Boys" at the station telling them about me and they said I could have a bunk for the night. Once again I benefit from the kindness of strangers. Needless to say, this will save me a lot of money.

I apologize to the readers if these postings lack literary flair. I am a busy boy at the moment and look forward to a good overdue rest.

By the way, how cold is it? This morning my gallon jug of water was a solid block of ice!