3/1/26
Vultures circle above a Virginia farm …everyone knows that something has died.
A farmer looks at me, his temporary teenage summer help, and says “go find out what has died and bury it”. Bouncing on an old tractor through fallow fields I approach the scene to find a rotting calf who has died from blow fly infestation…vultures feasting around. The stench is unbelievable. I returned to explain to the farmer what’s happened and again somewhat irritated he says “well go bury it boy”.
The moment calls for creativity so I stuff my nostrils with cotton balls soaked in Aqua Velva and sprinkle a few drops all over my clothes.
It takes me nearly 6 hours to bury the cow.
The next day still reeking of the aftershave cologne, I’m given a new assignment of cleaning out the farm’s grease traps and hauling the liquid garbage along with buckets mammalian waste to the dump.
Half way there I stall the van on a steep hill and jackknife the trailer I’m pulling in tow…half ton of waste cascades down the hill. 10 minutes later a state patrolman arrives and gagging at the multitude of aromas stands off at a distance unsure what to do. Luckily a thunderstorm approaches so he tells me to load up what I can and move along…No tickets for me that day…he can’t get close to me for the smells…
I never drive a van and trailer again…
until now…
This year I have decided be a route leader on the various MS rides, the Floridian Coast, the Trans Am and the C&O Canal.
I will still be able to ride but just every other day…most of my responsibilities will be helping the full time riders along the way.
In the past, I have been ambivalent to take on this role …not being able to ride every day…and more importantly avoiding the van and trailer again.
Sooner or later time moves on…
I drive from Blacksburg to Fernadina Beach to start , an easy highway route. My first leader training session is today from St Augustine’s to Smyrna Beach. Half way there we stop on a deserted beach parking lot for “backing up practice”.
It goes well.
40 miles on we arrive at our hosts church
and I slowly back
the van and trailer into the night’s stall. Amazing! I do it with unsuspecting ease.
Success will breed success, I firmly believe this…as long as no mammalian wastage is in tow. I will drive again tomorrow…
Appalachia
The Ozarks
The Rockies
and the Sierra Nevadas
Here I come
Time Travelling with a Guardian Angel 
I am so glad you got to do this again. Exciting!!! You get to drive all that too. Maybe you will make it through Henrico, Virginia again. I wish you all safe travels. Things have gotten crazy out there.I wish you all well. My prayers are with you.
So long,
Jo Beth M DeVore
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Way to overcome!
Holly
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