Wednesday, June 17

Charlottesville, VA Continued

And by halftime in Charlottesville, VA, I meant overtime.

After leaving the library, my stomach told me it was time to grab a burger from Five Guys. Once acquired, I headed outside to the outside mall (or whatever they call it there) to both enjoy the meat and the sun. You see, downtown Charlottesville has this neat little strip loaded with stores, boutiques, restaurants, bars, and whathaveyous, all along the sides of a thick sidewalk (road-like, but no autos allowed... like I said, an outside mall). While people watching (a regular practice) I couldn't help but notice a familiar face. Wait, not one but two familiar faces! I called out and it was confirmed - Brad Stephens and Sarah Langford!

Brad and Sarah studied with me at Centre College in Danville, KY (where I'll be traveling through in about a week). Brad reminded me that had grown up in Charlottesville, so the two, along with Brad's parents, were out for a double date on Brad's birthday. Graciously, Brad's mother and father offered their place to stay for the night once I told them what I was doing, but expecting that I'd continue riding I thanked and turned them down. I had planned to put in another 30 or so, hopefully making it to Afton - "Home of the Cookie Lady," Brad's father informed me. After pointing me in the direction of a park, we said our goodbyes and I headed out for an afternoon nap.

Once awake, I still wasn't feeling a return to the bike. I decided I'd take another hour, stretching, drinking water, and resting before getting back on the road - justifying it by knocking it down to a 20 mile evening session instead. Walking back to the outside mall area, I passed the movie theatre. Glancing up to see what was showing, I caught sight of "The Hangover." Now, I had heard a lot about this movie beforehand - all praise of course (mostly from Sarah who saw it before it was released. Lucky!) - so I couldn't help but reason, "What's another hour?" I mean, one can still stretch, drink water, and rest while watching, right? Right.

Catching the 5:15 show and having to wait through the commercials and previews, the actual movie didn't begin until after 5:40... Ooops. After laughing my head off to what was a hilarious film (SPOILER ALERT: minus the male genitalia at the credits), I walked out at 7:15 with no motivation to get riding again - all I wanted to do was get crunk and have a crazy night as the movie suggested... But Brad and company were long gone by now, what was I to do? Thankfully, while in D.C. I made a Charlottesville contact.

While at Danielle's, I was introduced to Sallie who not only went to UNC with Danielle, but also serves as a school teacher in Charlottesville. I quickly called Danielle to get in contact with Sallie, who had offered to help me out when I came through anyway. Once in touch with her, I learned I had a place to stay, a shower to make use of, and also that she and two of her friends were catching a movie later that night - The Hangover.

Via experience, I can attest The Hangover is just as funny the second time (SPOILER ALERT: The male genitalia the second time still isn't funny). That's right, I saw it again. But in my defense, movies are always more fun to watch when you have others to laugh with - if anything to laugh at them laughing, not that I was, but I'm just sayin'.

The next morning, Sallie celebrated her first day of summer by lounging a bit, which kind of overflowed into my morning routine (I don't blame her, well earned; I do blame me). After sleeping in, drinking two cups of coffee, and enjoying good conversation, I was finally back on the bike headed toward the Blue Ridge Parkway around 10am as opposed to my 7:30am usual.

I got into Afton and followed the signs to the Cookie Lady, not knowing what to expect. Making the final turn to her house, I saw before me something quite peculiar...

To Be Continued...

(Notice the East bound directions at the top say "CAUTION: Steep downhill next 2 miles" while the West bound directions say nothing of the sort.  I'm thinking, not only do I have to go up what the east bounders go down, but I never get to come down from it... Not cool.)

5 comments:

Corcoran Crimmins said...

Just so you know... the water in Elk Lake is 70 degrees, in yesterday and today! A bit brisk, but a colder summer in Michigan this year. Played Sequence twice with Dad and twice with Luke, won't say who won all the games...

Thought this note better than addressing your spoiler alert, but am glad for the warning.

xxoo
Mom

P.S. and no I don't have extra special powers to guess who anonymous is on your last post, unless Kendi is thinking of biking with you in the future... so sometime let me know...

D'Rock's House said...

Sounds like a much needed bout of procrastination! You have hit some of my favorite places and I knew the people would just be great. In my thoughts and prayers. Oh a teaspoon of wheat germ a day (mixed of course with like yogurt or something)keeps the mosquitos away. Trick I learned hiking in MA.
Peace Nate, peace.
Derrick-D'Rock

Anonymous said...

Nate- I want to see that movie too! it seems quite funny! And as far as procrastination goes you have a whole summer enjoy every second of it. :) I can't wait to hear about the Cookie Lady.

Future Cycling Partner

PS. I bet your mom won all the Sequence games she is pretty smart. But then again maybe they let her win.... i don't know. And as far as my name goes... well this is a bit fun so I might let it go for another day or two. But trust me you know me all too well... ;)

Nate Crimmins said...

I don't know Zack Crimmins, will she ever guess? Hrmm, I wonder...

Pat Norwood said...

Nate,

So fun to read along with all your travels! I emailed Steph and Greg so they could follow along too. Guess we are all missing the cold weather in Mich. but sounds like you have had your fair share of rain too. So glad you keep Trusting God in your "moment by moment trial" you have created :)