Geo from Bentonville Transplant from Chicagoland on 10/28/2024 5:18:46 PM:
October 13th - Day 5 of my Katy Trail Adventure. Washington is ~4 miles from the Dutzow TH. I opted to stay in Washington as I have many times for various events, BBQ and Blues and Winefest. The Hoefel House Bike Hostel/B&B was a real treat. The hosts, Kurt and Peggy were made for the hospitality business. Originally planning to stay in a hostel room, I changed my mind and rewarded myself with the Locomotive Suite. Did not disappoint and the service provided by the hosts was nothing short of and better than a 5-star resort. Highly recommend and worth the extra miles off the trail. I recommend the Augusta Bottom Road route suggestion be updated with the mention of the pavement ending and turning into a rough unmaintained gravel road. I opted for it based on the recommendation from this website thinking it was paved the whole way; however, I will take the highway next time. The shoulder is wide enough for me and the 15 mph winds and 30 mph gusts would have served me better on the highway route as tailwind. On the Augusta Bottom route, these winds were cross winds, mixed with dust from the passing cars and one vehicle driver who decided to add to my challenge by screaming around me, fishtailing and stirring up enough dust that I could chew it. Never again! In Washington, most businesses are closed up by 9p. It was a Sunday so many were not even open when I arrived. I had a salmon dinner at Marquart's Landing, a bar setting with decent food, beer and service. I didn't mind the quietness of the town. It was fitting for my Katy Trail journey. Peace and serenity. The evening was spent outside stargazing and exchanging stories with the hosts who were respectful of privacy but also available for socializing. The next morning was filled with a breakfast made for a Queen. I was fueled up and ready for my final day on the Katy Trail. Day 6.