Pittsboro, NC to Troy, NC 7733 mi We all scurry around Doug’s cabin getting ready for the day. He offers me a bowl of cereal, which I accept. I am the only one who eats. A hasty but sincere goodbye, and they drive off. Nice to watch someone else go for once, I think. I…

Raleigh, NC to Pittsboro, NC 7671 mi One last bowl of colon-blow, then Lis saw me off. I’m sure she was late again too, the sweetie. Exploring, I found a trail into Umhearse State Park. Nice woods, streams, and a little lake. Never quite got out of earshot of major roads, though. Emerging in Cary,…

Lisa’s boyfriend reported last night that he wouldn’t be back to go to the ballet with her tonight, so I agree to go in his place. I’ve never seen a ballet. Lis has to leave early today. I take the opportunity to indulge in some pure, raw LAZINESS. I make myself some colon-blow, surf the…

By morning I’m sure of it – my feelings for Lisa have changed. I was afraid I’d have to suppress my attraction to her and a little jealousy of her boyfriend, but no. I find myself truly appreciating her as a lovely person I know best through friendship. I wake from a good sleep, not…

Clarkesville, VA to Raleigh, NC 7628 mi The predawn morning is quiet and still but for a few early fishing boats setting out. So much of this journey is simple bliss, what do I write about? The sun and the open road cajole me into extemporaneous song. Beautiful World, Give me your open road, How…

Gladstone, VA to Clarkesville, VA 7555 mi I enjoy the usual rush of pleasure that comes when I start off on a beautiful clear morning. It’s cold though, there’s heavy frost on the grass, and when I cross the river at Gladstone around 8:30 am there’s still ice floating in it. The only thing I…

I get up and make myself breakfast, as I was instructed. I have cereal, donuts, and a bagel with cream cheese. I feel a little awkward, mostly due to Robert who is too busy to really acknowledge my presence. I’m more at ease around Linda and Jonathan. At Bridgewater College library I pore through old…

Shenandoah NP, VA to Bridgewater, VA 7386 mi God, what a morning! At last, the Appalachians reveal themselves to me. In the frosty cold, my first view west reveals mottled orange and yellow hills, warmed on one side by a blanket of morning sun. The road sings to me, the cold air refreshing me, creating…

Orlean, VA to Shenandoah NP, VA 7312 mi Gorgeous morning. I hardly care where I go, it feels so good to be on the road. Cold from the air, heat from the sun and the work, fairy-tale visions shining in the yellow morning light. I blissfully sail down an anonymous road, but the left brain…