Vesuvius to Charlottesville
I did not
have access to a microwave and short of peanut butter for sandwiches. I packed
up and was going to have breakfast at Gertie's in Vesuvius. I was few miles
short at the campground. The stream along the road was flowing against my
direction of travel. I was gaining elevation as I approached the Blue Ridge
Parkway. So the road had a slight incline giving a bit of resistance. Getting
to Gertie's I had the Gertie's special, 2 pancakes, 2 eggs and 2 strips of
bacon. I rarely eat breakfast out, so a treat when done. Oatmeal is more my
style.
Pedaling out
of town, the road immediately turned up. After about an hour of a combination
of pedaling and walking, I was on the Parkway. On the Parkway, I finally had
cell reception and called Joyce and my Mom. A motorcyclist soon stopped. I
assumed for the scenery. As I approached to say hi, the person addressed me by
name. The man's name was Dave and he had been watching my tracker. He offered
me a container of cold watermelon which I was soon feasting on. He liked to try
and meet as many of the racers as possible. After finishing the mellon and some
road tips from Dave, I got back pedaling.
I had about 30 miles on the Parkway and it was
hilly. It was also occasionally misting and the cloud cover was low. Some of
the overlooks I could see the panaramic view well. Other times the clouds were
at road level and it was a swirling mist.
The Parkway
was a beautiful 30 miles. Some had unmowed fields of wild flowers. Butterflies
were thick. Other sections were forest. Occasionally there were the overlooks.
It was always changing and the hills forced me to slow down and appreciate all
of it. Close to the end I saw a black bear in the road. As I approached, the
bear retreated to the forest. Getting to that spot, I saw two Cubs that had
climbed trees for safety. Like squirrels, they had their bodies on the backside
of the tree and were peering around to check out the threat. I picked up the
pace some knowing the mom was near and nervous. With so little traffic, it was
just me and the bears.
As I reached
the end of the Parkway the sky got very dark and a gust front blew. I stayed
below an overpass for several minutes to avoid a possible downpour. The wind
stayed Gusty but no rain. I mostly coasted the couple miles to Afton. There I
saw the sign for the famous ‘ cookie lady of Afton’, Joan Currey. This is
sacred ground for TransAm cyclist. As I looked at the home, Victoria, quickly
appeared and again greeted me by name. She said the home is never locked and
invited me in. The pictures I took represent all the rooms. Her kindness
touched thousands of of cyclist. All the postcards and letters she received she
displayed on her walls. Amazing place and now a hostel for cyclist.
Stepping
outside it looked like the clouds were breaking up some. Only 4:30, I decided
to try and make Palmyra. The 30 miles to Charlottesville was a steaplechase of
local roads rather than using the more direct 250. I made Charlottesville but
it was too late to do the additional 20 to Palmyra. I went to the Kroger store
for some supper groceries and then a city park for the night. An overall very
nice day of cycling but just wish I could have reached Palmyra and the church
hostel there.
Days miles
about 75 with 3000 feet of climbing.
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