Great Race Day 2

Lawrenceburg to Marietta, Ohio

The morning started with a 30% chance of rain, but we figured it would not really be an issue. Sure enough as we arrived at the host hotel, the skies opened up. It poured rained for about a half an hour and then stopped.

We were able to pick up our instructions and begin our day with little interference from the rain. We started the morning and all was going smoothly until we came upon a line of about 30 race cars. I tried to look down the road to see what was going on, but couldn’t really see. I knew there were two cars somewhat blocking the road we were scheduled to turn on. Brad and I decided we should stop.

We stopped the car and found out there was a train blocking the road a little further down. After sitting there for 20 plus minutes, cars began to go. We all decided we would continue in 30 second increments.

When it was are turn, we made the turn onto the street where the train had blocked the road. We continued toward the train, and saw that it was coming back again. We tried to make it across the tracks before the arms went down, but unfortunately, we were stopped again. We sat for another 5 minutes waiting for the train to pass. This of course messes with your timing, but you are allowed to take a “time delay” for these type of incidents. The important thing is handing in the correct amount of time you need to stay on time.

We continued with our morning and again were winding around beautiful roads with farms, and forests. We would go through tunnels made from tree limbs. The trees are all full of bright green leaves and make the best shade and the prettiest paths.

We were heading to Lancaster, Ohio for lunch. Sadly, because of the train delay, many of the racers were in and out of Lancaster before we even saw it. There was a nice crowd there, and the weather was a bit more tolerable because of rain the night before and earlier in the morning.

We were back out to rally after a little paperwork was turned in and a quick snack in the car.

We rallied through Eastern Ohio, it too was beautiful. Lush and green with trees everywhere. Brad and I are so captivated by all the trees. Everywhere you look are big healthy trees.

We ended the day in Marietta, Ohio. Marietta is a very historic US city. It was founded in the late 1700s. They rolled out the red carpet for us, and we were so impressed with not just what they did for us, but the history of this midwestern town.

This bridge connected two towns over the Muskingum River. The towns on either side were enriched by the bridges ability to take people and freight over the river.

The Muskingum River was significant to this area and the Ohio River because it provided shelter in the cold winters for boats. The man who worked on the Panama Canal, also built a lock system in this river to get boats out of the icy Ohio River.

The town was charming with its old steeples and pretty brick buildings. The flags on the bridge and the trees down the riverside were all part of its allure. The people of course were as wonderful as the sights. They all were welcoming and kind.