Virginia

Virginia.  Wow.  A few days into our trip, way back in Oregon, I was pretty well convinced that we would never complete the adventure.  I rated our odds at about 5-95, maybe less.  We were discouraged about traffic, unsure of our resolve and commitment, and on the verge of bailing out.  Now we have entered the final state, we have a manageable distance to cover, and there are only a few tough mountains to climb in our way before we hit the flatlands of Virginia headed for sea level at Yorktown.  How did we get here?  It’s almost as if we were transported from those bleak days back near the Pacific Ocean to this place, and all in between is a blur.  I think one of the biggest factors getting us here was the resolve and commitment that Jeff has had to finishing what he started regarding his commitment to the MPS group.  I was ready to throw in the towel, but he has always wanted to carry on.   Thank you Jeff for persevering.  

     In the next few days, we will be covering some familiar territory.  The Transamerica  route roughly parallels the Appalachian Trail in this area, and we will be going through some of the Trail Towns that I went through three years ago.  That will be a bit surreal.  Will I recognize the road crossings?   Remember the convenience stores and DQ’s that I may have stopped at?  Lately we have been staying at a number of church-sponsored hostels, which reminds me a lot of the hospitality I experienced along the Trail.  Many generous people have opened their doors to bikers along the way, just as people did on the AT.   On the AT, the last stretch is the Hundred Mile Wilderness in Maine, from Monson to Katahdin.  It kind of feels a bit like that now, as we prepare for the final push.  Here’s hoping the roads are friendly, the weather favorable, and that our bodies remain strong for the remaining days. 
      Jerry