Published on September 16, 2025
So day 1 got off to a very inspiring start with a kind sendoff from the students at Nuckols Farm Elementary School! It was a long day but I persevered and made it to Charlottesville. In the middle of the day I needed to charge up my phone and get some food and hydration as it got pretty hot. I found myself on a back road in Palmyra, Virginia and Dana was working outside in his front yard. Ruth came out and offered me some water to go with my electricity. Dana and Ruth are 75 and this year will be married 50 years. They have 14 grandchildren between their 4 kids. We visited for an hour on their porch and Ruth made me a scrumptous PB&J sandwich along with some chips and fruit. I was inspired by their story and their love for their family and their kindness fueled me for the rest of my day. I stayed at the Hyatt Place in Charlottesville last night and started with a hot shower to soothe some sore muscles this morning. I got to my first five guys yesterday evening and had a hamburger and french fries followed by a "cherry garcia" milkshake at ben and jerrys across the street. On to Lynchburg today!
