The weather has been fantastic for the last two days, which is helping my dark Mediterrenean tan!
The cycling has also been nice since my epic second day climb. By the way, I made a publication error - I climbed 3000 feet, not metres - forgot the Americans do everything in metric!
The Appalachians are very pretty. I have mainly been cycling through valleys, usually running parallel to a railway and a river. There are small villages along the way - some look smart, some look quite rough. But mainly the surroundings are quite rural and agricultural based and very green.
Last night, I stayed in the town park at Troutville. I was welcomed my the park manager, and the park included a shelter, lavatories and showers in the opposite fire station! It was the first night in the tent, which I loved, although I was kept awake by trains and fire engine sirens!
I was invited to eat some pizza with a family having a picnic in the shelter. The people in Troutville was incredibly hospitible, so thanks to them. I left my phone in the shelter, realizing 2 hrs down the road, but the park manager drove to me with it!
I met another cyclist today, who is travelling with a dog, but he is taking his time! I have heard there are a number of groups ahead of me - you find out from shops and locals - including English, Australian and Dutch cyclists. Perhaps I will catch some?!
There are two things the people here in Virginia seem to love, going to mass (because there are a lot of churches) and mowing lawns on those small tractor things!
Anyway, tonight I am staying in a motel run by an Indian man. I had a big grilled chicken supper for one, and I am now doing laundry before an early night. I plan to start early tomorrow so it is cool.
Really feel better about the trip now, but I am definitely bummed about missing the Euros!
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