Cycling the Underground Railroad--Part 1

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DAY 29:  BRANDENBURG, KY TO NEW ALBANY, IN (LOUISVILLE, KY)

In a Free State, but not quite free.

The Brandenburg Bridge leading to Indiana
 (not to be confused with the Brandenburg Gate in Germany).

Today was the last leg of the first half of this journey.   I'm in Indiana, the 6th state on this trek.  I crossed the Ohio River once again, but this time via a bridge at Brandenburg,  Kentucky. 

"Indiana wants me..."

The attitude toward "runaway slaves" was still not friendly in this part of the country, and recapture was a serious risk.  They would need to go further up river to find reliable "conductors" to help them across to safety. 

Little road through the big woods.

On this final day of this trip, the pedalling took me through forests and farmlands.

Little hills (and big hills, not shown)

In trying to imagine what it it might have been like to be escaping enslavement, I felt slightly "exposed" as I rode through valleys where the land had been cleared, in spite of its tranquil beauty. 

But traveling by bike, I see fun things I probably wouldn't notice if I were driving.  Today someone hadn't yet taken down their "Easter Egg Tree.'

An Easter Egg Tree.

The route led me through Corydon, which I discovered was the very first capitol of the Indiana Territory from 1813-1816.

Downtown Corydon, Indiana's first Territorial Capital.

After more hills than I anticipated (what else is new?), I arrived in New Albany, directly across the river from Louisville, Kentucky.  (Photo courtesy of Laura Duffer.)

Coming in for the landing!

My daughter Laura and four of my grandkids--Brooklyn, Claire, Reese and Jordan--met me to celebrate.
What a happy crew!

I'll spend a few days visiting with them and my daughter Rachael (and grandchildren Keller, Charlotte, Norah, Silas and Julia) in Lincoln, IL.  Laura will take me to the airport on Monday.

I plan to return to Louisville and finish the Underground Railroad route to Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada in September.

Today's Mileage;  40.8

Total Distance from Mobile. Alabama to New Albany, IN: 1091.5 miles 

Total Riding Days: 24

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