Day 69 - Sunday 10th July 2011

Chester to Suffolk     89 miles     DFP 3964

Said my farewells to Iain, Erin, Mackenzie, Lennox and Keeli the dog and I was back on the road by 10.

Took some back roads until I reached 10, then headed south.  I was joined by another cyclist, Bob Mohan, out for a day ride from home.  He took me out to City Point before returning to 10.  Shortly after, he headed off over the James River, while I continued on 10.  At Surry (correct spelling) I took a little detour to Scotland Ferry which was originally going to be the 'official' end point of the crossing of the USA.  Took a couple of photos and recorded the mileage as 51 miles for the day and an ODO reading of 5015.

Whilst Scotland Ferry is tidal and would have done had I been short of time, I'm away ahead of schedule and as such decided to now end the crossing at Virginia Beach.  So it was back to Surry and south again on 10.  Just after Smithfield I picked up Highway 258, then Highway 17 which took me into Suffolk and over Nansemond River where I got a photo of 2 ospreys.  Cut south on 627 where I found a camping spot for the night.  Want an early start in the morning.

Updated: Virginia Beach, Virginia (library)

Day 66 - Day 68 Thursday 7th to Saturday 9th July 2011

No cycling.  Staying with friends in Chester, Virginia.  Will expand later.

Day 65 - Wednesday 6th July 2011

Keysville to Chester     91 miles     DFP 3875

On setting out found there's a prohibition against cyclists using H360 so backtracked a little to 40 and passed through Lunenbuerg and Kentbridge before reaching Blackstone where I joined H460 for a while before picking up the back roads of 153, 621, 602, 621 and 655 heading for my destination at Chester where I will be staying for a few days with friends Iain and Erin and their children Mackenzie and Lennox. How's that for good Scottish names and here in the heart of Virginia.  On reaching Pocahontas State Park the sky opened again with the usual downpours.  As a result the final 10 miles took over 2 hours.  Should have take 45 minutes.  So was glad to get here and remove rather wet and very unpleasant clothing.

Updated: Chester, Virginia.

Day 64 - Tuesday 5th July 2011

Sandy Hill to Keysville     73 miles     DFP 3784

Said farewell to Kendell who offered up a prayer and continued east on 40.  Was relatively quite up until Gretna then I had the road almost to myself.  Sort of hilly to start with but then flattened out. Stopped at Brockneal for lunch at the local 'Subway'.   When placing my order with Lani Killman, she gave a 10 dollar donation to ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND.  To Lani, "Thank you for your generosity".  Whilst eating lunch I was approached by Jennifer Maxfield, a reporter for the local Union Star newspaper  
www.theunionstar.com  
who'd been informed I was passing through and asked if she could conduct an interview.  Sure.  Turns out two of Jennifer's grandparents had been affected by dementia, so she was very well aware of the need to highlight the needs of those concerned and their carers.  The article goes out on Wednesday 13th July and can be accessed on-line.

Continued east on 40 passing through Phenix and Charlotte Court House before stopping for the night at Keysville intending to us H360 in the morning.

Whilst still probably in the low 90s I think the humidity has been less oppressive because I've not found it so exhausting.  Either that or I'm just getting use to it.

Updated: Chester, Virginia.

Day 63 - Monday 4th July 20211

Dugspur to Sandy Level     76 miles      DFP 3711

Sort of day of changing decisions, all of which worked out well.  But that's only due to luck and not calculated forethought. My plan was to follow H221 to just east of Copper Hill where I'd pick up the Blue Ridge Parkway, then come off at road 24 and maybe stop at Stewartsville.  However, due to the switchback nature of 221, when I reached Floyd, decided just to go up to the Parkway from there.  Turned out there was practically no ascent involved.  Headed north on the Parkway

and called into Smart View picnic/viewpoint area.

It was here I rechecked the map and realised there was no places to pick up provisions/water until Stewartsville, some 40 odd miles away and in this heat, not a good idea.  So made the second change of the day by coming off the Parkway on 640 to Rocky Mount.  This turn out to be a major descent and was glad I wasn't going the other way.  On the way down, stopped by a creek for a bite to eat and drink, during which time dark clouds and thunder passed overhead but I stayed dry.  Two miles further and the roads were soaking.  Reached Rocky Mount and was in Walmark when the skies opened.  Fair storm with the usual thunder and lightning.  So wandered round with an empty trolley for a couple of hours.  Had I stuck to my original route, would have been up on the Parkway at the time.

On it easing a bit, headed east of  40 where I came upon Sandy Level and its Baptist Church.  Spoke to Pastor Kendell Smith who explained he maintained an open door policy in respect of the church and church hall with its kitchen and toilet, for travellers.  In addition, I was invited into his house to meet his wife Francine, daughter Sarah and son-in-law Tommy, offered use of their shower, provided with a folding bed and sat down to a meal.  Finally I was given a very generous donation for ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND.  Just super hospitality and thoughts for others.  To Kendell, Francine, Sarah and Tommy, "Thank you so very, very much.  It was really appreciated. Please take care".

Updated:  Chester, Virginia.

Day 62 - Sunday 3rd July 2011

Troutdale to Dugspur     66 miles     DFP 3635

Was a nice sun rise

before I had breakfast with Norm and Kip at the local diner when we exchanged experiences, theirs being far more comprehensive than my own. I'm just a novice compared to them. Think it's fair to say they've walked extensively throughout the world. They are very thankful for being blessed with good health but at the same time they do everything they can to maintain well being.  And it's obviously working.  So to Kip and Norm, "Thank you".  Also to Roman and Max for looking after the hostel which is a wonderful facility in this small and remote community.

Headed off south on 16 to pick up H58 at Volney, which in turn heads east to Independence.  Don't know if it wasn't so humid or if I was uplifted having listened to Kip and Norm but things seemed easier this morning and I seemed to have more energy. Continued on through Galax and Hillsville, by which time the ups and downs were getting more challenging.  At about 60 miles I was about done.  Was then informed a severe storm was due and I'd better find some place safe. This came in the form of the large picnic shelter at the volunteer Fire and Rescue Service building in Dugspur.

As it turned out the storm passed away to the south and I had a perfect evening.  Nothing lost as I was ready to stop anyway and probably couldn't have gone much further.

Updated: Chester, Virginia.

Day 61 - Saturday 2nd July 2011

Elk Gardens to Troutdale     60 miles     DFP 3569

Said farewell to both Laura and Chuck

before following the very up and down road 80 to Meadowview.  I didn't set off until after 9, by which time the sun was up and it was hot and very humid.  Totally energy sapping.  At Meadowview I had a choice of routes.  Turn and head along Highway 11 which was probably fairly flat to reach Wytheville or continue as planned and take some minors roads going uphill to Damascus.  With how I felt energy wise and the heat/humidity decided on the former.  Got on the bike to hear someone say, "what a woose", so headed for Damascus.  Turned out a good gut change.  Was a bit of a climb to Damascus but on arrival found it full of family cyclists.  Apparently several years ago it was a dying town but a business lady decided to set up a cycle hire company which ferried cyclist to the top of a hill and it was a ride back down. It's known as the Creeper Trail. There's now 15 other companies doing the same thing.  The town also lies almost on the world renowned  Appalachian walking trail which stretches from Georgia in the south to Maine in the north.  Some 2 to 3 thousand miles.

After a large, cool drink and banana piece (sandwich to those reading this outwith Scotland) I continued on Highway 58 and whilst initially it was flat, the climbing eventually arrived.  It went on a bit but only as I'd expected.  It was in fact a surprise when things did flatten out and a smile appeared.  Picked up 603 at Konnarock and found this also to be a relatively flat road despite being near the summit of Mount Rogers, which I think is the highest peak in Virginia.  Came upon Laurel Valley Community Church which is really pretty.

Troutdale was my planned stop and ended up with 2 'luckies'.  Arrived at the shop just as it was closing and the lady mentioned the Baptist Church free hostel in the town.  Headed up and initially met Roman Wall (walking name Lone Wolf) and his big, friendly dog Max.  Next to appear were Norm and Kip Smith (walking names the Pink Panthers).  Their story is worthy of mention.  Last year, Kip was asked what she wanted for her birthday and suggested to Norm that they re-walk the Appalachian Trail (known as the AT).  Just a few thousand miles.  Quite a feat in itself but if I mention it was Kip's 80th (sorry for mentioning it Kip) and they carry all their own stuff.  Tent, sleeping bag, stove, pans, water purification etc, etc.  Just amazing.

Updated: Brookneal, Virginia (library)