Seventeen (17) adventure-bound cyclists and shoppers headed to Abingdon, VA on Thursday, May 5th. After check-in and unloading of our too many bags and luggage from our vehicles, everyone gathered at my lodge - Taylor's Inn - for a margarita party and potluck appetizer dinner. After some games with lots of laughter and fun, we all headed to the Barter Theatre for a Thursday evening performance of “Kentucky Spring.” It was wonderful! In fact, we have not seen a bad performance in the six years I have been taking a group to the Creeper. We had group seats close to the front but not too close… the seats were “just right."
Still no rain.
However, during the night the rain came and early Friday morning the rain still came. We had reservations on the 9:30 shuttle to the top of White Top Mountain. By 9:00 a.m. the rain had slacked off quite a bit, so five brave souls boarded the shuttle to the top; the rest shopped or rode their bikes along the actual start of the trail in Abingdon (that would be me). President Tramel reported that it rained some on them riding the trail but not enough to cause any problems. He also reported that the trail was mostly just our group and few other people; Friday is the perfect day for the ride down the mountain. Everyone arrived safe and sound back to our respective lodging just in time before the tornado sirens were blasting all over town and the torrential rains poured down. Everyone went to the basements of their lodging and waited out the tornado warning. It continued to rain cats and dogs; however, soon the sirens stopped, even though it continued to rain. Being the troopers that we are and all loving to eat, our party made our way to the restaurant for an excellent group dinner. We all loved it that Lulu and Robert Copeland were able to join us for dinner.
All in all it was a wonderful trip with a lot of great memories….
Go with us next time,
Barb
VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL:
“Forty seven trestles and bridges provide scenic views of the region's creeks, farmland, and mountain forests. The Virginia Creeper Trail is rich in beauty and regional history. From the trail head right in the historic district of Abingdon, VA, it stretches 34.3 miles through the trail town of Damascus, VA, and up to the North Carolina State Line near Whitetop, VA.”