A Walk in the Woods

I’ll fess up: I used to laugh every time I heard the word “staycation” on the news. It was the overuse of the word these past few years that amused me, not the concept. I actually think we all need to look around our backyards more and appreciate just where we call home. Too many times did I realize while living in Washington, DC that I only ventured out to see monuments and museums (most free to boot!) when I needed to play tour guide to visiting friends and family. Read more…

Beginnings

Look with favor upon a bold beginning.
-Virgil

I don’t suppose ol’ Virgil was thinking about taking off cross-country with a some video cameras, a couple of laptops and an old RV. But his point is taken.

Beginnings for me are twisted up in anxiety and boundless excitement. Six years ago I began an international backpacking trip on a ferry bound for a dusty Mexican port. Read more…

Stitch by Stitch

The area around Martinsville, Virginia once teemed with busy factories churning out raw fabric, underwear and countless sweatshirts. This town once proudly called itself “The Sweatshirt Capital of the World.” Read more…

Beauty along the Blue Ridge Parkway

Whether on the back of a motorcycle or in our case, behind the wheel of The Escaper, the Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles through some of the prettiest meadows and majestic mountains one could ever hope to find. The brilliant orange wild azaleas alone made the stop worthwhile. Read more…

On the Hunt for Fairy Stones

In a rural part of southwest Virginia, unique geology creates naturally cross-shaped stones that have become a local legend. Along the way we’ll be taking the occasional break from stories of hard times to show you the interesting attractions we see on the road.

One of the few spots where the stones are easily found is behind the “Haynes 57″ gas station on state route 57 north of Martinsville. Owners Mary and Ronnie call their business the “Home of the Fairy Stones” and share their fascination with visitors who drop by. Read more…

The High Road in Hard Times

When Rick Percival was laid off from his job in Kansas City, he decided to return home to New Zealand by an unusual route: a 2,175 mile hike along the Appalachian Trail. Read more…