It is mind boggling to me to think that in the past three weeks I have spent quality time in: Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. I think I’ve done more when I was a kid but that’s not a bad record.
Day 1: Meh, this doesn’t really count. A six hour, exhausted, hungry, flat out burn through the Shenandoah Valley interrupted only by a Waffle House grease-and-sweet-tea break and a late-night exchange with Haji the night manager through a tiny window three feet off the ground. Tons of fun. If I ever go to Christiansburg, Virginia again it will be too soon.
Day 2 – Morning: In general I am willing to spend five dollars an hour on lodging. I figure you’re in a hotel room for 10-12 hours so $50-$60 is about right for a night’s rent. I got ripped off Friday night. Out the door and on the road by 7, destination: Wytheville.
After the American Revolution the first Rader of my family moved from the Carlisle area to the town of Wytheville in southwestern Virginia. Near interstate 81 on the south side of town his grave still stands. Last year I made a pilgrimage to see the site. This year, armed with my trusty camera and tripod I figured I’d get a picture of myself with the old man.
It’s always pleasant to commune with your ancestors in the early morning but Chattanooga awaits.