And, we're off! (starting with West Virginia)
What a great start to our month-long “shakedown cruise” in the southeast. We aim to figure out supplies and systems while visiting family, historic sites, music meccas and wilderness areas.
The views on the drive from Charlottesville to Marlinton, WV were magnificent end-to-end. As we climbed the Alleghenies, we welcomed back earlier spring. At the peak, we stopped at a lookout by the old Warm Spring Turnpike toll house (now owned by the Nature Conservancy) to appreciate the patches of bright green and cloud-shaded dark green across the hills below. Our friend Duncan suggested featuring some sort of travel mascot – thus the Thomas Jefferson bobble head in the photo. Given the fact that we are off to explore America on the 250th anniversary of the United States, TJ seemed a suitable mascot. If you keep following, you’ll see him again.
We were dismayed to spot as many Confederate as US flags as we drove over, especially given that WVA was born in opposition to the Confederacy, but at the same time we were greatly enjoying My Southern Journey; True Stories from the Heart of the South narrated by the author, Rick Bragg – lyrical and elegiac. Then, as we headed down toward the WV boarder we switched to music – the Walking Away from Work playlist we have been building for a couple of years. To our delight, the first song in the mix was from John Hiatt … “C’mon Baby drive south, with the one you love.”
The next couple of days were spent cycling on the Greenbrier Trail with sister Anne and brother-in-law Joel. My wonderful racing bike (“Reilly,” bequeathed by and named for a dear friend), was not well suited for the gravel trail. After several flats, I resorted to renting an e-bike on Day 2 - very smooth ride and plenty of effort with the power off! Paul got tipped off his bike by a darling puppy, “Billy” (Strings) which led to a lovely, soulful conversation with her human and a picnic in a scenic spot on his property.
On our last evening, we shared a celebratory bottle of Veuve Clicquot (thank you, Hafers!) and hit a very happy pre-race party at the Old Mountain Tavern with folks participating in the Greenbriar Triathlon today. Having been thoroughly charmed by the town of Marlinton and the Greenbriar Trail, we pledged to participate in the 2028 triathlon. Confederate flags notwithstanding, we have found every person we have encountered welcoming and authentic.
Now overnighting in Charleston, then heading farther westward into Kentucky to see cousins in Lexington and then camp in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Comments and suggestions will always be appreciated!
