Day 5: Waynesboro to Roanoke

After setting out from Waynesboro we headed up onto the Blue Ridge Parkway where we met up with the TransAmerica Trail (commonly known as the '76 Route). This will be the route that will take us all the way out to Oregon. The Parkway was beautiful with tons of overlooks and some tough elevation climbs. We got about 30 miles on the Parkway before a thunderstorm rolled in and we decided to set up camp for the night.

The next morning we woke up at 5:15 to the sound of the LOUDEST BIRD EVER! After attempting to shoot it with roman candle fireworks, we just decided we were already awake and that we might as well get on the road. 50 miles later we found ourselves in Natural Bridge - one of the 7 natural wonders of the world... Needless to say we did not stop since rain was starting and we had plans to get into Troutville. Once we reached Troutville, we stopped for dinner, and after an impassioned speech from Doug (Davo, you would have been impressed), we decided that getting to Roanoke and the warmth of Jeff's house was the only option. AND IT WAS AWESOME! Warm showers, delicious food, nice beds. Yesterday afternoon we biked over to Jeff's dad's house and were greeted with more delicious food (steaks, potatoes, corn, bread, cookies!), and we enjoyed another awesome night in real beds. The royal treatment is soon coming to an end though, we leave for Christiansburg in just a few minutes.

So much thanks to Marji, Jim and Linda for their awesome hospitality this weekend!