Small Towns

It turns out that many of the "towns" on the map are really just signs on the road. John and I passed through about five different towns to find that there was really nothing there. No gas stations, no stores, no houses, no signs of life at all- except for the sign. Sometimes, that didn't even exist.

So yesterday we put in about 70 miles and today about 80. By the time we got to Mineral, I was just about done. I think that when your brain no longer processes information and your legs just ache, it's time to rest. We stopped into a local restaurant and got some food.

John decided to push on to Charlottesville (another 56 miles), but I just couldn't commit to that. My body isn't ready for a 130 mile day. I am not convinced that he'll make it either, but he has some family that he is scheduled to meet there who might come to pick up his gear for the last leg.

I think the distance I have gone so far is pretty respectable for the first two days. I'd like to push it longer, but at this point in the trip, it's more important that I listen to my body. I'll have plenty of days to top 100 miles, but it will take some more conditioning.


The fire house is pretty cool. I took a nice shower and did my laundry in the sink and now I am just relaxing in the lounge area. They have me sleeping upstairs in the banquet hall, but it's really hot. I'm debating whether to ask them if I could sleep somewhere down here, but I don't want to push my luck or seem ungrateful.

Oh well. I'll feel it out and see how it goes. Either way, it's another decent place to crash for the night. Tomorrow night, I'll be staying with a friend in Charlottesville, and then it looks like I'll have to start camping.

Tiring day, but nothing a good 9 hours of sleep won't mend. Bed time will be 8:30.

Location:Mineral, Va