TDN Day 3: Bloomfield to Ponca

We rode 20 miles into Hartington and got there at 9 a.m. Ate a brownie at the stop. Then rode another 10 miles to the corner of Hwy 57 where we were so thrilled to discover a makeshift "wine tasting" tent. A local resident had vineyards and set up a little stop where we could sample his vino! We were all so happy because it was just downright fun! Everyone taking pictures. It was only 9:45 a.m.! Oh yes, and right before that, we should have turned and went to see this beautiful majestic church at Bow Valley, but we didn't and regretted not taking the time to go see it up close.

We stopped for lunch at St. James which was really neat. The local ladies group had a "marketplace" set up in this building which was on the National Historic Register. Lots of wonderful handmade items and baked goods (I bought some of course, and it was a good thing I didn't have anywhere to carry other things because I would have exercised the credit card!) It then started to rain.

We rode in rain to Maskell, but we didn't care because it was the PIE STOP! In the basement of the local church, the church group had baked every homemade flavor of pie you could imagine. I looked at my heart monitor: 2200 calories burned so far... so I had peach AND rhubarb. What the heck.

Then on the way to Ponca. Camped indoors. Warm showers! The community group had a WONDERFUL event at the park: a local band, food, etc. Really nice stop. I think they will win the prize for best overnight stop. Amy and I also took advantage of the massage tent. Buck a minute for the massages and worth every cent.

This stop is also where I saw the guy who was riding with a prosthetic leg. Wow! However, I was sitting on my airbed waiting for Amy, and saw this foot sticking out. I went over and looked and sure enough, it was this guy's prosthesis! Had an Adidas sock on the end. Was just kind of commical.

This is where we met up with Barb the vegetarian from Lincoln. We ended up riding with her off and on throughout the rest of the trip. Good rest. Felt like we can go the next day. Absolutely perfect weather evening/overnight.