Sunday, May 4, 2008

Almost Heaven - West Virginia

No more hills - just mountains! West Virginia is just as beautiful as John Denver said it was. It seems that I spend more time pushing the bike uphill rather than biking down hill. We ran into an old time mountain man named Ivan Gorby who was born in 1914 and still lives in the house where he was born. His family settled here in 1790. He invited us into his "parlor" and played his fiddle for us. It was a wonderful expereince. We asked him if we could take his picture and he said fine. He said, "Do I need to put my teeth in for this photo?" We said "No" - he looked just fine without them so he placed them in his pocket for safekeeping. The weather today was absolutely beautiful and the scenery unforgettable. THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO SEE AMERICA! We are now approaching the Pennsylvania/Maryland border - should arrive there Monday evening.

Received word that Sister Mary Lou's Retirement Celebration Mass was very special and the Reception was packed with hundreds of well wishers - both present and past parishioners. Congratulations, Sister Mary Lou.

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr.Ryan,
I hope you are okay!

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Ryan,
I hope your having fun!

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr.Ryan,
KEEP ON GOING MR. RYAN GO, GO, GO!!!!!!:)

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Ryan,
I hope you have fun on your trip.Remember to keep on going!!!Thanks for all you are doing Mr. Ryan!!!Tanks!!!!!:] :] :]

Anonymous said...

Man you are doing so good keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

I can picture you, Uncle Dan and Uncle Ray having a good time with Mr. Gorby. Enjoy the trip and we'll all be looking forward to you getting home safely and hearing all the stories.

Tom

Anonymous said...

I think you a kidding about comeing back in 2010 but keep going and do not give up. have fun!

Anonymous said...

it's Lexi how are you doing and i bet you are doing well i hope you are well be safe & well we are miss you

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr.Ryan,
You are in westVirginia.
you are very funny.
Stay away from the dogs.
I wonder where you are going
next. Haaaaave a nice day

Anonymous said...

Mr. Ryan,
Stay away from the dogs! How are you you doing?

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr.Ryan,
you are in westVirginia
steer safely don't fall
off your bike like i did.
this is SEAN and stay
faraway from the dogssssss.

Anonymous said...

Good luck on your way and have fun on your bike and I have bin praying for you and have a nice time and be save.

Anonymous said...

You're a gutsy guy. Good luck on your trek. Look forward to riding with you when you return.

Anonymous said...

Way to go Dad! I am keeping your seat warm at the dinner table until you get back.
Jimmy

Anonymous said...

Jim,
Keep up the good work and take it easy on those hills going up and going down them can be dangerous. Enjoy WV it is one of the most beautiful places in the US.
Katie

doobabe1954 said...

Jim,

Good to talk to you and your crew. You guys are really making tracks! Be safe on the remainder of your journey.

Love,
Margie and Mom

Anonymous said...

Mr.Ryan,Your almost there keep on going don't give up your doing great! Your friend, Megan

Anonymous said...

Go Go Go almost there.

Anonymous said...

Dad,
You're almost there!!! We're missing you in Chicago.Sunday dinner was not the same without you.
Be safe and have fun!
Hi Uncle Dan and Uncle Ray.
Love
Anne

Anonymous said...

Dear Jim,

You made real progress in the last day or two. You're amazing! Keep up the good work. Stay safe, nourished, and hydrated. Apparently, my blog from yesterday didn't go through. Anyway, the mass and reception in SML's honor was fantastic! Saw Mary and your grandson in the church hall. Naturally, she misses you terribly but remains proud of you just the same.

McGuff said...

Way to go on the mountains. I huff and puff on the little hills around my house. I, like Aunt Nonine, have told everyone that I know about what you are doing and I have directed them to your blog so that they too can enjoy it!! You have more people cheering you on than you will ever know. Keep up the good work. Hello to Uncle Dan and Uncle Ray!

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Ryan,
Keep on going, you will have a fun time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO,GO,GO

Anonymous said...

hi mr.ryan I hope you're having fun.see you when you get back.


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