Fijis Across America 2010

Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. 

-John 14:1 

After receiving a good night’s rest in a comfortable bed we were prepared for the days miles ahead as we were heading to Rural Retreat in order to meet Dana Hesse, long time Fiji who is the current BCA for VA and who has graciously took some time out of his vacation to help us across the state of VA. I tell you what, I’m really enjoying the state of Virginia so far and I would definitely mark it down as one of my top 3 favorite states to travel through. This morning as the mists resided I crossed through some areas that made me think I was Mel Gibson in hot pursuit of attacking some British regulars. Well no British soldiers attacked and I was peacefully just following the bike route signs (76 signs) the state of VA has issued to create a more bike friendly/safe community for transAm cyclists. It was nice not having to check the map for all the exact turns. 40 miles in, I arrived in front of the pack into the corporate limits of Damascus, VA. Damascus is a unique city in a sense that it not only is home of the Virginia Creeper Mtn Bike Trail but it also is friendly toward hikers in that the Appalachian Trail (2,175 mile trail from Springer Mtn, GA to Katahdin, ME) runs right through the downtown area. I’ve grown up enjoying the mountains as well as the AT and my family, specifically my mom sections hikes the trail every summer, so I was extremely anxious to see what the town had to offer as I heard many stories in the past. 

While I was waiting for the rest of the guys to appear, me and Jordan walked across the street to check this guys display of yard sale items. The experience was much more than what I had bargained for as a consumer. Larry Riddle, the man selling the items, told us about his testimony on the trail where he first came to know Jesus. In the past, Larry had been charged on several accounts for thef in more than one state and was a “no good liar, thief, and drunkard.” He soon found refuge on the trail and lived on the path for at least 4 years until one dreadful night. Hurricane Isabell struck off the coast of Virginia bringing raging winds able to blow trees like dominoes. Larry said he was huddled up in a shelter off the trail that night not drunk or stoned and 2 words formed out of his mouth—-Momma and God. From that day on Riddle has lived to tell of his story and use his testimony for the greater good in God’s kingdom. All the residents around Damascus know of him and recount his story. I truly was blown away by his testimony and the fact he quoted Oswald Chambers toward the end of our time together. God works in miraculous ways.  

Soon enough I introduced the rest of the guys to Larry once they arrived then we headed down the street a short ways and found a place to eat called Dot’s Inn. The food was skimpy and I was not pleased with the service. In order to fill the rest of my appetite I crossed the street and ordered a Subway sandwhich. Finally my stomach was satisfied. 

Staying in Damascus as long as we could and shopping in the Sundog Outfitters we had to finally say our goodbyes and head up the mountain toward Rural Retreat. The climb seemed to be long and drawn out like the ascents I experienced out west however there was a gushing stream beside us all the way up that made me feel comfortable as if I was in the Smokies. 

Descending out of the Mount Rogers NRA and passing the small towns of Troutdale and Konnarock we finally experienced our first rainfall of the whole trip. All in all it was absolutely a blast! The rain for some reasons always brings out unexplained excitement. The clouds drew back and the rains subsided as we neared into Rural Retreat and met up with Dana. 

Since it was Tyler’s birthday, Dana arranged us to eat at the Pizza Plus up the road and also reserved our campsite for the night. Well eating supper, I had the privilege of meeting one of Dana’s friends and now grad brother, Nasty Jones. He legally changed his name to Nasty a few years back and his name realistically portrays his character. I have never met an individual in my entire life more interesting and absurd than Nasty. Looking past the differences he brought many smiles to our table with his many crude jokes and gestures. He is definitely a man I will never forget, and I had to remind the rest of the guys that he is one of our brothers. The day was long and it was nice to lay my head down on the pillow as I was lulled asleep by Nasty’s plucking to “Three Blind Crabs”. Looking forward to see Hoakie nation tomorrow.