The big news this day was crossing the state line back into Virginia. After looking at small panels of map for each day of the ride, it is hard for me to realize that I have actually cycled from Oregon back to Virginia. There even seem to be fewer dogs chasing me, but just as soon as I think there are no more dogs, another one appears. The Virginia dogs are more friendly though!!
We camped at Breaks interstate Park Campground which was great. Hot showers, a nice lodge with a restaurant offering a complete buffet dinner. Again, they lost money on me.
August 4, 2008 Rode 63 miles
The morning started with pretty heavy fog which was nice to look at but presented a bit of a hazard on the twisty hilly roads so I waited until 8:30 to get started. The route presented many challenging climbs, this being Clinch Mountain. I think this is home to famed country musician, Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain boys. If this is not correct I know someone with greater understanding will correct me. The road is known in Virginia as the Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail and Crooked Road is a perfect name. The road is VERY crooked both horizontally and Vertically.
That night Nancy talked to Kathy, the librarian at the Hayters Gap Community Center, who contacted, Jack, the building manager, and arranged for us to camp in the park adjacent to the building. She also located a cafe in Meadowview, a few miles up the road when they prepared JUMBO burgers, I mean they were huge, for our supper. She also met Betty and Jay Sneevely in the nearby general store who gave us helpful advice. Their general store has been in the family for 75 years. General Stores such as theirs are disappearing from the landscape I learned, mostly because suppliers no longer will sell them supplies, even if they go to the warehouse to pick them up. The Sneevelys can still get their supplies from a supplier in N. Carolina.
We have seen much evidence along the way of the disappearing or failing small towns in the country and the little mom and pop general stores.
No comments:
Post a Comment