lyndhurst to d.c.

got a ride with joanna to a perfect hitch-biking spot just a dozen miles or so from charlottesville.

from there i got a ride with an awesome film maker named gabe to a gas station near ruckersville. i was very tempted to stay with this fellow as he said he and his girlfriend could use help in their garden. they have had ducks and chickens. but it was not to be.

then i spent some hours at this spot. part of that time i had to take cover from a most extreme deluge of rain. but it cleared up! i got a couple offers for rides to madison, and i decided to take the third one. this kind fellow, who works at a nursing home, gave me a ride all the way up to highway 66, which was way father than madison. when he asked me, 'do you know jesus?' i said, 'yes'. which was followed by a full-spirited handshake and 'glad to meet you!'. i really enjoyed being in the presence of this kind person of god, and it felt good for him to recognize it similarly in me. our conversation included spirituality, gardening, and travel.

the next ride came quickly. he worked for the feds and said he was retiring soon at age 57. since the rain was coming down again he decided to take me all the way in to my destination rather than dropping me off by the beltway. it was sweet how he called his wife to have her look up directions on the computer at home. my heart swelled at such selflessness. he seemed to get a lot out of it. 'have a good life!' he said with a smile just before taking off.

nobody was home, so i sat on the porch loveseat and ate my dinner. it felt so good to arrive.