Wilmington, NC 4-13/14

After mediocre breakfast at hotel, stopped at Royal Farms for the best and freshest coffee in the world.  Drove through poorer area along Cape Charles/ Route 13 in VA and by Perdue, Tyson chicken plants you see on 60 minutes/John Oliver exposee (and trailer parks where employees live).   Crossed the 17 mile long chespeake bay bridge tunnel, then  took a driving break for hour long ride along poorly-named-for-marketing Dismal Swamp Canal trail. Supposedly it was surveyed by George Washington,  but we won't let the truth get in the way of a good story.  After 1st buffet lunch (captain bobs) since marks bday lunch at tin-tin buffet in feb 2020, drove rest of the way to Wilmington where we're staying for 2 nights.  Mark even splurged for the river view room, with nice boardwalk along the water. Tapas style dinner at rumcow. 17 flat, straight miles on perfect surface.  Then mark jogged 7.5 miles. Of course. 

Next day, did NOT have to pack as John Sinclair arrived, and stage 2 of the trip began.   Set off to explore city.  After great-runs-certified historic tour of downtown, including oldest synagogue in NC with a sign that said 'built by the Jews', headed around greenfield lake, with a deja vu moment looking for someone's lost kid (safely reunited).  Then followed nicely marked 'cross city' cycling path to UNC Wilmington for lunch on campus.  Continued on trail to very nice Wrightsville Beach, then took the poorly marked 'River to the sea' trail back to hotel. Things that keep your average speed down in Wilmington - historic brick streets,  and the world's longest traffic lights.  Ended day with farewell (for now) dinner for Mark.  35 miles, 70s and sunny - perfect cycling weather.