Day 16

I stopped by Groomingtails in Winchester VA today to meet the awesome people who helped Domino get clean and even had her looked at by a vet and got some medicine for her ears that were bothering her. Some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. They had more gifts for Domino and me and we hung out for a while. I loved it and wished I could’ve stayed longer. The road was calling me though. I could’ve waited another day to get out but I just HAD to walk.

I get all ready and start walking and it was basically all uphill in 20 mph headwinds. I was probably moving at .5 mph… I loved every second of it though. Well.. I occasionally had an obscenity slip out of my mouth wishing for just a small break in the wind. It never happened.

I was trying to make the best of it though. I had sunshine and a wide shoulder to walk on. Domino and I were both in good health and no matter how slow we were moving, we were still moving. The sooner i get over these mountains in West Virginia the better.

I had a very late start so I didn’t get far at all. Maybe 8 miles at the most. I saw a great spot to set up the tent so I did. If it wasn’t for the beautiful view right at sunset I probably would’ve been frustrated with the wind. I stayed positive knowing that I’d be protected once the tent was up.

It’s actually holding up well. I tried to pick a good spot to where the wind was blocked as much as possible. I’m not very good at stuff like that but I think it may have worked a little. I still get strong gusts occasionally but so far I haven’t landed in Oz…

It felt great being out on the road again. This time with no destination but somewhere farther West than when I started. The freedom is unreal. The unknown is scary. The views are beautiful. I am happy!

I had a few people stop me and say hello as well as some people honking and waving as they pass by. I love those little acts of kindness. Most of the time it’s random but today more people recognized who I was. All the news stories are getting out there. Which is great. I’m glad this is working out.

I am on my first true test as I will probably be camping for the next week and a half while I travel through the mountains of West Virginia. I am extremely allergic to pollen and I can sense it coming. The weather is either windy or rainy. But I feel like I’m ready for the challenge. Tonight I am near Baker, West Virginia. I hope to make good progress tomorrow and Wednesday. I am on a highway with a huge shoulder and I love that! Domino has to walk up the hills but she can ride in Jenny when it’s flat or downhill. Unfortunately it’s more up than down for the next few days. I cannot wait to reach the highest point on this side of the Mississippi River. I am getting close to it. It will essentially be all downhill from there!!

Until tomorrow!