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7/31/08
It's C to C Eve and we just arrived at our hotel in Big Stone Gap. We hope to get some rest tonight before we begin our big journey tomorrow starting in Cumberland Gap.
We drove through some wet weather but it cleared up in time for us to take this picture on top of Powell Mountain in Scott County.
8/1/08
Beginnings are such delicate times. Perhaps nothing was more delicate than the fog-shrouded morning we walked through to being our journey from C to Shining C. We set off from the Virginia-Tennessee border at 7:05 am and never looked back until we reached Rose Hill, VA.
Along the way we were greeted by passersby in their vehicles and the wonderful spectacle of western Lee County. Wildlife abounds; turkeys, turtles, and butterflies galore. Most impressive of all were the buffalo. Yes…we were far enough West to encounter buffalo. J
8/2/08
Today the road gave us our biggest challenge yet in several steep inclines. However, the cool weather afforded us the opportunity to face this challenge without the threat of major dehydration; only minor foot blisters and sunburns.
We finished up in Jonesville where we will pick up tomorrow, followed by speaking with our friends at Friendship Baptist Church. It should be a good day for walking, talking, and spreading the good news of the work we do at HopeTree.
Along the way we were able to capture a shot of this spider web and the sunset in front of our hotel from last night.
8/3/08
For the first two days of C to Shining C we were impressed by the beautiful, open spaces of Lee County. Today we were impressed with the beautiful, open hearted people of Lee County. Beginning very early, Doug handled the walking duties while Mark nursed blistered feet.
Then we attended Sunday School and morning worship at Jonesville’s Friendship Baptist Church. Aptly named, this church’s wonderful congregation welcomed us with open arms. We offer our thanks to the entire fellowship for their prayers and well-wishes and special thanks to Greeter Randy Surber and Pastor Fred Cagle for their hospitality.
8/4/08
The final day of our opening stretch of C to Shining C has us walking the last few miles through the Dryden community of Lee County and into Wise County. The rolling farmland of Lee is left behind and now the journey climbs into the mountains of Wise County. Doug and Mark were fortunate enough to be escorted out of Lee County by a stray puppy that took an immediate liking to Doug.
We now ‘pass the baton’ on to Darryl to and David who will take up the course from Big Stone Gap to Hansonville.
8/5/08
Darryl & David began the ascent from Big Stone to Norton taking in the beauty of God’s Creation. Projected to be 95 degrees, the hottest day of the year, it remained comfortable and never got above 83 for this leg of the course.
A friendly State Trooper on his way to work passed by (outside of his jurisdiction) and was kind enough to ask if we needed assistance.
A pause at the Benge’s gap scenic overlook not only allowed for a breathtaking view of the valley, but also a chance meeting with a wayward, hobbled kitten. Enjoying the walk and good weather, Darryl and David continued a brisk pace through Norton approaching Coeburn, calling it a day at the Trinity Life Center. Tonight will bring a speaking engagement and meal with the Lions Club of Jonesville. Look for another update tomorrow.
8/6/08
Last night, David and Darryl traveled to Cumberland Bowl Park, an adorable venue nestled in Lee County, for a meeting with the Jonesville Lion’s Club. As she does at each monthly meeting, Miss Ruby contributed the scrumptious meal – this night’s consisted of chopped steaks with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, rolls, and topped off with German chocolate cake. After the meal, HopeTree staff members were introduced by Nancy Britton, President of this club, HopeTree programs and needs were presented to a warm, receptive, and attentive audience.
Today’s journey began at Trinity Life Center as we continued to follow Highway 58 Alternate East through Coeburn to Dwina. What began as a damp, cool, foggy morning quickly became a blue skied, albeit hot and humid, day for walking as the mountain stage of this walk continued. Friendly waves from passersby continued to motivate the walkers as they continued walking for those that can’t take this walk, and speaking for those not heard.
8/7/08
The day dawned brisk and foggy. After enjoying a hand poured waffle, Darryl and David set out for the town of Dwina. Darryl began with a 6 mile trek, having at times to run to cross narrow passages when no traffic was apparent. David encountered a similar situation when crossing a bridge.
Walking long stretches gives one time to think. It occurred to David how each day, as we go through our lives, we often take for granted all that God has provided. During this walk, we have been surrounded by life. The grass, the trees, the animals, even the insects – all here with a purpose. Even in places where man has encroached, like the tire treads off the side of the road now pooling water after a rain, life endures. HopeTree provides a home for those that need it, much like God has provided a home for all the plants and animals that we’ve encountered on our walk.
8/8/08
Today was the final day of Dave and Darryl’s first leg. They picked up right where they left off and traveled to Hansonville. As they prepared to pass the baton to Jan and Rachel, they paused to give thanks to God for a successful trip. They paused and reflected on how much the world changes based on our perspective. During these four days they traveled the route from Big Stone Gap to Hansonville by foot and car. The same spot looked very different based on how you are traveling. You notice different things and have different priorities. The same is true in life. How you view the world often depends upon where you are on the journey. We need to keep this in mind as we help love grow at HopeTree.
8/9/08
Our journey began in the parking lot of our hotel when a ‘neighbor’ asked about our walk in the parking lot! We got a late start this morning, but were thrilled because it afforded us the opportunity to see a number of hot air balloons fly overhead from the Virginia Highlands Festival.
After a few u-turns, we found the Valero in Hansonville. Some nice gentlemen took our picture and Jan began walking. Rachel remembered a little ways in to close the drain valve in the cooler, preventing a melted ice disaster for later in the day!
Our first stop was at Big John’s, a gas station, convenience store, deli, and sporting store (bullets, fishing rods, and bait). We met two nice ladies while waiting in line, one who works with adults with developmental disabilities.
Jan continued walking (Rachel was the designated driver/route scout) until our lunch stop at Holston’s Café. Holston’s was a very quaint café, complete with tablecloths and REAL flowers in bud vases on the table! We enjoyed a ham sub and southwest quesadilla immensely. Thank you to Holston’s for providing yummy food and a clean bathroom!
The final portion of walking was met by multiple cars honking and waving, leading us to believe that the word has been spreading through the Abingdon area already! We are looking forward to our next few days getting to know folks here and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
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