Barboursville....I made it!

With the help of some really nice folks along the way.... I am one step closer to completing the trail.  For now, I'm still on track!  I arrived in Barboursville and staying with friends.  I hear they have chicken for dinner!

Almost to my destination for tonights destination.. arrived in Flatlick, KY More than just a marker!!!

I am halfway between Pineville and Barboursville, my destination.  Hope to make it by dark!  Yet I still want to stop and take in the markers to share the story of this wilderness trail. This was a very spiritual moment for me.  I stopped to say a prayer... I've attached several of the interesting historical markers and more here in Flat Lick, KY!

Stinking Creek, so named because Indians and hunters would skin and clean their

their game and dump the carcasses into the creek.  game and dump the carcasses into the creek.I had the pleasure of meeting this nice family.  

Below: The lady in the passenger seat is Hazel Mills.  She is responsible for building this site into the park it is today here in Flat Lick, KY. 

To see the video of my interview at Cumberland Gap go to:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JZIv35HB9A&t=344

Water line break near Cumberland...

After going through Pineville and crossing the Cumberland River I came upon a sign that said road closed ahead which happens to be the very road on my route!  Should I turn around and take another route or forge ahead like Daniel Boone. You got it...I'm going ahead.  One bright thing about riding your bike on the road that is closed..... no cars!  So I saw this road worker and I found out the reason that the reason the road was closed is because there was a water line break, and they had the road blocked.  I was able to get around easily.  The man at the waterline break tried to talk me into going a different way.  They said it was too long.  However, I explained that I was on a mission.

My lifeline...Phone lost!

Apparently, I didn't secure my phone good enough and I dropped it.  But, a young couple was nice enough to retrieve it and find me!  There are wonderful people out there if we stop to notice.  God is good.

Expect great things from God, Attempt great things from God - William Carey

Larry Penix

Cumberland Ford

Passed through Cumberland Ford...Another landmark gateway through the Cumberland Gap..

Joshua Pennick aka Joshua Penix...my ancestor that started this adventure

Here is information on my great, great, great, and more..grandfather Joshua Penix and his involvement with Daniel Boone and the settling of Fort Boone. Part of my reason for going on this adventure...
Joshua Pennick joined the militia in North Carolina during the Revolutionary War.  Joshua learned about the District of Kentucky.  Joshua joined up with Daniel Boone and his band of rebellious men to survey and settle Harrodsburg. In 1776 the district of Kentucky was made a county of Virginia by the New Government of the U.S. On July 25, 1777, 45 men arrived at Fort Boonesboro, KY from North Carolina. Joshua Pennick's name appears on a 77 signature list of people who wanted to legalize the town Boonesboro.  Fifty two of these men were killed in the defense of Fort Boonesboro.  Joshua was allowed to purchase 400 acres of land, plus another thousand acres to be certified later in the Stoner's Fork district of KY. In 1779 Joshua Penix (new spelling) helped Daniel Boone establish the town of Boonesboro, KY.  Collins History records of Ky show Joshua Penix is signing a petition to the government in regards to land titles.  In 1782 Joshua Peix purchased land in Copper Creek, Russell County, VA.  On July 15, 1784 Joshua Penix married Mary Ann Cathey, daughter of John and Jane Cathey in Rowan County, NC.  They had 8 children.

My first snafu

Had my first snafu in Pineville, KY.  My sprocket chain came loose and became lodged.  Fortunately, I was able to coast on into the Bell County Emergency service, and they had a screwdriver to loan me so I could pry it loose, and was able to fix it.  After that...thought I'd enjoy a meal here in the Pineville McDonald's.  About halfway through my ride for today.  I will be meeting up with a great friend tonight, Sean, and he has graciously allowed me to stay the night.  Looking forward to catching up on old times serving in Emmaeus Walk's together.  Prayers for safe travels are always appreciated!

Expect great things for God, Attempt great things for God!
Larry Penix

Getting late start...

This is Barbara Cummings from Michigan, a descendent of Daniel Boone!

Kelsey Gerdhart of Middlesboro Daily News came out at noon to interview the group at the Historical Museum in Middlesboro.  The picture you see with the two mountains and gap in the middle is the true Cumberland Gap where hundreds of thousdands settlers traveled on their way to the west!

Heading towards Barboursville, a near 40 mile trek. First road is a busy two lane road.  There are a few places where there's not much room to get off the shoulder.  Be careful on a bicycle!  Tough hill at Bell County High School.  Lance Armstrong couldve made it without stopping, but I had to stop half way up and rest.  Oh.......but it was soooo nice going down the other side....almost.

Morning Activities Day two

I spent the morning in Middlesboro meeting up with John Fox, and with Curtis Penix and Given Fox, John's son.  John Fox is one of my great encouragers in doing this walk.  He is highly active in the revitalization of the Wilderness Trail.  Curtis and Given are hiking the trail while I am biking it.  We all met up this morning and hiked the short trek to the Saddle of the Gap.....about a half an hour hike.  One of the pictures below is the Saddle of the Gap.  It is the actual trail that Daniel Boone and the settlers wouldve taken on their way...

To see the video Clips go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JZIv35HB9A&t=344

John Fox and I pose for a pic.

The actual dirt trail where Boone walked at Cumberland Gap.