Earlier this week, we conducted a worship leaders clinic for the church at Frederick, Maryland. Leaving Frederick around 6:30 am on Wednesday, we stopped for pancakes in Front Royal, Virginia before beginning the famous Skyline Drive. The scenic views and long distance vistas were astounding. We were fascinated by the black bear that crossed the road in front of us on the Drive.
At one of the numerous scenic overlooks, we met a young girl who was hiking the complete Appalachian Trail. She had started on Father's Day in Maine and had made it this far on her route to Georgia. I can't imagine a young girl hiking alone for six months! You should have seen her eyes when I asked her if she knew the "Caveman of Ohio." I heard today (though I'm not sure of the exact figures) that 3,000 people attempt to hike the complete trail each year, but only some 100 make it.
At one of the numerous scenic overlooks, we met a young girl who was hiking the complete Appalachian Trail. She had started on Father's Day in Maine and had made it this far on her route to Georgia. I can't imagine a young girl hiking alone for six months! You should have seen her eyes when I asked her if she knew the "Caveman of Ohio." I heard today (though I'm not sure of the exact figures) that 3,000 people attempt to hike the complete trail each year, but only some 100 make it.
I remember riding the Blue Ridge Parkway as far back as the 1970's; however I can tell you there is nothing like experiencing it on a motorcycle. After reading some of the touring cycle on-line groups, I found that this ride is perhaps at the very top of all favorite rides in the United States. We were fortunate to catch the timing right for the Fall colors.
After leaving Roanake early on the second morning of the return trip, we stopped at the Mayberry Trading Post which is located well before we passed by Mount Airy (the place about which the Andy Griffeth show is based.)
The weather was very nice on the early morning leaving Roanoke - at least for the first hour. But once we left the Mayberry Trading Post, the fog became so thick that we could barely see fifty feet in front of us. With driving conditions so hazardous, I finally found a turn-out park at Ground Hog Hill. That's where we met John.
John S. Brown, another motorcycle enthusiast, had pulled into the same park before us to seek safety. As you can see from the photo, although I'm photographing them pretty close, the fog was extremely dense. But even riding in the thick fog turned out to be an enjoyable experience afterall.
John had reached day number 69 of his "Four CornersTour." After selling his business in Eugene, Oregon, and with his wife's blessing, he began a journey 70 days ago to travel all 48 of the contiguous states. He left Oregon on July 24 and plans to continue through November 15. As of yesterday, he had logged 13,100 miles. His itinerary includes Blaine, Washington; Madawaska, Maine; Key West, Florida; and San Diego, California. John's Yamaha is pulling a little pop-up camper providing him a home away from home. After visiting with him awhile, we decided to travel together as we took turns leading the way on the next segment down the Parkway.
John had reached day number 69 of his "Four CornersTour." After selling his business in Eugene, Oregon, and with his wife's blessing, he began a journey 70 days ago to travel all 48 of the contiguous states. He left Oregon on July 24 and plans to continue through November 15. As of yesterday, he had logged 13,100 miles. His itinerary includes Blaine, Washington; Madawaska, Maine; Key West, Florida; and San Diego, California. John's Yamaha is pulling a little pop-up camper providing him a home away from home. After visiting with him awhile, we decided to travel together as we took turns leading the way on the next segment down the Parkway.
We communicated with him via CB radio and heard some fascinating stories of his travels thus far. Although he currently lives in Eugene, Oregon, he is originally from West Kentucky, not far from my hometown in Paris, Tennessee. John bought us lunch, which prompted me to consider following him all the way to Key West - if he'd keep buying lunch. 
John is a Believer and shared some touching stories of the hospitality he has received from so many people. He stated that he was not "retiring," just "re-wiring." We are thankful that God placed John in our journey. You can read about his continuing travels on his blog at www.motorcyclejohn.blogspot.com
God bless you, John!
John is a Believer and shared some touching stories of the hospitality he has received from so many people. He stated that he was not "retiring," just "re-wiring." We are thankful that God placed John in our journey. You can read about his continuing travels on his blog at www.motorcyclejohn.blogspot.comGod bless you, John!
Before lunch, we stopped at the Music Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway - a museum and information center about the native mountain music (pre-bluegrass.) Some of those early recordings were made in the 1920s! I enjoyed singing some tunes with the musicians who were playing that day and told them about my bluegrass friends (Eric, Bruce, Rob, Jimmy) back in Tennessee.
After parting ways with our new friend John, we stopped in Blowing Rock, North Carolina to enjoy their beautiful town and a fine meal at Pssghetti's. Hope you enjoy the extra pictures from this journey.
