July 3, 2019 – Madison, NJ – Pushing along on the 2019 bike tour from Newark, NJ to Wisconsin.
My new best friend Scott from Gulf Service in Madison, NJ had a pile of plates and he was happy to shed one from his collection. It made my day.
Madison was full of niche shops such as an elaborate pedestal Main Street clock and an old library converted into a Museum of Early Trades and Crafts.
The staff was welcoming and the architecture with ornate walls and arched ceilings was magical.
The displays on life, farming and early industry were fun; a very hands-on museum that welcomed children and families.
The clay marble collection was one of my favorites and the outline of a butcher’s life is dedicated to WashingtonCountyInsider.com sponsors Tommy and Kathey Schwai.
Completed 44 miles on the day from Caldwell to Somerville. Stuck mostly to Hwy 202 except when I found a well-paved path that ran through a swampy area of Bridgewater.
A shout out to my hosts at Immaculate Conception Parish in Somerville. Janet, Beverly and Diane made me feel more than welcome.
The trio were an example of women in action as they opened The Nazareth home (normally a home for unwed mothers). The facility has since closed but is owned by the church they offered me the second floor as a safe haven for the night. They also cobbled together a bag lunch with plenty of water to prep for the next day.
Another tour filled with the kindness of strangers.
Off to drop a thank you note and make my way to explore history in Philadelphia.