History and Cookies

Lexington to Charlottesville: Part One

Here in the Commonwealth of Virginia, we are living among history.  Lexington in particular is a Civil War historical hotspot; it was home to Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.  This morning, we paid a visit to the Washington and Lee University campus, which is named after George Washington and Robert E. Lee.  Fun fact: Lee’s wife was Martha Washington’s great-granddaughter. 

Washington and Lee is right next to the Virginia Military Institute.

The Middle of the Washington and Lee campus.

General Lee's horse's grave. Traveller was quite the beloved animal.

Stonewall Jackson's house and garden...

...which utilizes compost!  I told you it was a big deal.

After leaving Lexington, I went to Polyface Farms.  You'll be able to read alllll about that visit in the next post.

After leaving Polyface, I met up with Dave and Austin in Afton, home of June Curry, the cookie lady.  A legend among trans-american cyclists, Curry has been providing weary riders with cookies, water, and a place to stay since the bike-centennial in 1976.  A woman who started helping riders simply by putting a hose out on the street has transformed the hilly area into a favorite cycling destination.  Over the years, Curry has accumulated a museum full of pictures, jerseys, and other memorabilia left by the thousands of cyclists who have passed through.  She was a delight to talk to, and we spent several hours with her on her porch.

Austin hanging his torn (from his fall) jersey on the wall of the bike museum.

The cookie lady feeds food scraps to her rooster!