I've Decided To Detour and Head Toward Lake Anna Because I've Never Been There and I am So Close!

On March 16th I travelled only 2 1/2 miles, I just didn't have the opportunity and thought that Saturday, the 17th would be a better day, nope, only 3.5 miles yesterday, I was on the western side of the Town of Louisa. As I stayed overnight I decided that today I would detour and head cross-country to see Lake Anna, I have heard of it for years but never had the opportunity to visit, so why not? I have a few miles before I get there but I'll just work harder to make up lost time.

I made it to Lake Anna about 8pm. I have turned toward the south and travelled about half a mile before stopping for the night. A lot of my trip will be cross country instead of via major thoroughfares so that I can make up some time travelling as the crow flies.

After today, to get to Savannah on time I am going to have to kick it up to 20 mile average per day to make it by April 15th, if I am to see Kenny, I must move along.

This morning, I stopped in Louisa, and picked up a few interesting facts, (Wikipedia.com) Louisa is home to the North Anna Nuclear Power Station which produces electricity and jobs for the county's inhabitants. The warm water produced from the power plant and discharged into the water of Lake Anna creates what some call Central Virginia's best fishing. Louisa is also home to Twin Oaks Community, an intentional community of 100 people living on 465 acres. The community has been in Louisa since 1967.

I made it to Lake Anna about 8pm. I have turned toward the south and travelled about half a mile before stopping for the night. A lot of my trip will be cross country instead of via major thoroughfares so that I can make up some time travelling as the crow flies.

Total Miles Travelled: 66.21 miles

Today's Travells: 2.5 miles on foot and 7.7 miles cycling.

Crossing Central Virginia Onward To Louisa

The Virginia countryside is awesome. The photo to the left shows the Blue Ridge Mountains far behind me now that I am passing through Louisa County almost to the town of Louisa.

Formed in 1742 from Hanover County, Louisa County was named for Princess Louisa, daughter of King George II and Queen Caroline of England and wife of King Frederick V of Denmark. Its central Virginia location put it squarely in the path of Revolutionary and Civil War action and other historical events.
It was from Cuckoo Tavern in Louisa County that on June 3, 1781, Jack Jouett rode through the night to Charlottesville and Monticello warning Governor Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia Assemblymen of the approaching British army.
The Battle of Trevilian Station, the largest cavalry battle of the War Between the States, was fought in western Louisa County. Always primarily agricultural, the county still has many lovely homes from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Having travelled through horse country yesterday and today, I couldn't pass up this photo showing how beautiful Virginia is in the Spring and Summer.

Miles Walked Today - 4.49 and Miles cycled 8.0 bringing my trip so far to 49.96 miles.

Didn't Get Very Far Today

Wasn't a good day for walking today, rained a little, cycling would of been better if I could have started earlier. Will make more headway tomorrow, hopefully make it to Zions Crossroads, VA.

Moving Across Central Virginia

Working my way through Madison County Virginia I have passed the crossroads of Rt. 33 and Rt. 29 which is just a few miles north of Charlottesville. My journey continues toward Gordonsville, should be able to pass through there tomorrow.

Today I covered 13.52 miles, 4.02 miles walking and 9.5 miles cycling.

The first town I passed through today was Stanardsville, Virginia. It is the first town you come to after leaving the Shenanadoah National Forest. The population is only 300 but there are a lot of antique stores, restaurants and B&Bs located here.

Up and Over the Blue Ridge through Swift Run Gap

Walked/Cycled 9.67 miles today - 19.36 miles from home.

Made it over the mountain today, only 4 miles out of Stanardsville, VA on the east side of the mountain now.

This photo is from the entrance to Skyline Drive at Swift Run Gap, it was a 3 mile, 1200 foot climb.

Found out today that I need to get to Savannah, GA by April 15th to see my son before deployment so I need to pick up the pace, must average 17 miles a day from here on out.

The Miller-Kite House, Elkton, Virginia
Elkton, Virginia - stopover first night, total miles walked and cycled - 9.69 miles.

Elkton History (Wikipedia) Conrad's Store was a general store built by George Conrad in 1785. The Elkton area was first identified by the store during the United States Civil War. In 1816 through 1866, the United States Post Office was located in Conrad's Store. Another important building in the town's history is the Jennings House. Built in 1840 by Dr. Samuel B. Jennings, the house was transformed into a hospital during the Civil War. In the present day, Jennings House has been converted yet again to house the local government. The town Christmas tree can be found across the street from the house. Located on Rockingham Street, the Miller-Kite House was the headquarters of General Stonewall Jackson at the start of the Shenandoah Valley Campaign during the Civil War. Now the house is a town landmark and museum, housing many items from the war and some of Jackson's personal belongings. In one of the second-story windows a cardboard cutout of the General watches the street. Many visitors report stories of ghosts or unusual behavior while in the house.

Massanutten Peak - Massunutten, Virginia
The highest peak in the Massanutten Range which is located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia between the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains. I can see the peak from my house, in fact, you can see the peak from most of Rockingham Co., but just starting on my journey this morning it is the first landmark that I am passing. There is a 4-Season resort atop the peak, from skiing, tubing, and snowboarding in the winter to golfing in the summer and a year-round water park.

This is where I live in Penn Laird, Virginia. I am starting my journey at the front door today, Sunday, March 11th, 2007.