“Tornado warning issued, thunderstorms on the way,” was what I awoke to at 5:30 AM this morning. I was supposed to sew up 14 miles to Kenbridge today, where I was set to spend the night on the floor of a tire store there. Earlier this week, I had already walked several miles out of South Hill, yet had returned to speak to more students here. At 7:30 AM, I was to be picked up in South Hill and returned to the Mecklenburg/Lunenburg County line, where I’d left off en route to Kenbridge.

Then, not even five minutes before 7:30, I received a text from Steven Stanley, General Manager of the Fairfield Inn Marriott, where I’ve been hosted since last Saturday. Steven saw the dismal forecast, and knowing that I couldn’t receive the same ride offer till Monday, offered me the entire weekend at his Marriott.

It took me mere seconds to take Steven up on his offer. (SOLD!!!)

Thanks to Steven, I stayed safe from the storms, and have kicked off a productive weekend in town. This revised scenario also works out extra well because I met people yesterday with connections up the road from me, in Lunenburg County, and now that there’s more advanced notice of my arrival, there’s greater potential to meet more locals, speak to schools, etc.

And that’s one of the greatest realities of the Walk: while sticking to my commitment of connecting all the steps to walk all of the miles, I’ve also learned to be as flexible as ever, for in an instant, days, weeks or even months worth “plans” can change. It’s been a wonderful life on the road, and I’m excited to see how the rest of Virginia unfolds…

The Fairfield Inn Marriott, South Hill, Virginia