Charlottesville beginning the Blue Ridge Mountain Trail

On our way out of town we went by the Red Roof Inn and guess who was there?  Jerry and Lynn.  Across the street was this statue of George Rodger Clark.  I'm not sure if he began his expedition from here but Tomas Jefferson encouraged and helped subsidize their trip. Jon and I have crossed path with George several times on our bike trails.  He and his friend Louis were sited in Wyoming and Montana.  Certainly we had much better roads to travel but then we don't have any Indian guides. 

Down the road a ways I saw this tree with a hole in it.  I was so fascinated that I had to take a picture.   There are some really old trees in this area.  I think they need to get some wood filler for this one. Correspondingly there is a lot of logging in the area.   I'm not sure but there seems to be Oak and Walnut trees.  

We were elated to see the Cookie Ladies sign halfway up the mountain.  Unfortunately Mrs. Cookie is not doing well health wise.  She did leave the water hose turned on for us.  The hose comes down from her house and the green plastic enclosure near Jerry's right elbow is a shower.  It was certainly warm enough to want a shower but we were on a mission.

The Cookie Lady has been a legend in this area for years.  She has a house that can be used for bikers who need a place to stay.  Also she keeps a water faucet available right next to the road to fill up any water bottles. 

At the top of this hill we stopped at the beginning of the Blue Ridge Mountains road.  It was getting late and we wanted to camp.  Dave and Sarah at the visitors center cautioned us that there was no hotel or campsites for the next 89 miles.  After Jerry and Jon whined and cried Dave and Sarah agreed to lock our bikes in the visitors center and drive us down to Wanesborough.  There we stayed at the Days Inn and rode back with Bud Buhler to the visitors center in the morning.  For all that we thank the fine volunteers in Wanesbourough  for their concern and hospitality.