I was escorting my monk guest to Steubenville, OH via the panhandle trail. He was half my age but wow was he slow! I was ahead when I noticed two figures with white hoods and wearing combat boots steep out onto the trail. We were passing through West Virginia so of course my first thought was Klu Klux Klan members! I thought ok great. Now they are going to beat the hell out of both of us.

I waited for my guest and tried to explain these people could be dangerous. It was important he stick close, ride as fast as he can and not to look at them. Maybe we could get by without incident. Of course he was still slow. I was getting worried. We were getting closer I I could see that looked to be parachute pants. A little closer. Wait a second their frames look awfully slight to be men. If they are men I could probably take at least one if there is trouble.

A little closer. Wait! They are women and they are wearing habits! When we caught up to them, I stopped and explained who I thought they were. They got a big kick out of that. Turns out they were from a local monastery associated with the Franciscan university in town.

Amazing how your imagination can run away when you let it.

We got to Steubenville in one piece. We were meet by the press. It was a big deal in that town. They learned of our trip because I contacted Fort Steuben to see if we can camp at the fort. The manager told us that was not possible but arranged for us to stay at a local church. One of the parishioners is Korean. She came to the church and prepared a traditional Korean meal for us. It was very good.