This was a look back, after just getting through Stafford County…

I wish Highway 1 were more hospitable to pedestrians and bikes. Too often I found myself sinking into a ditch or jumping a guard rail to evade fast-moving avalanches of traffic.

A patch of public park grass always welcomes rest to tired feet..

I love grass on a sunny day, but lately, resting in the grass always seems to bring unwelcome, latch-on visitors: ticks!
I’ve carefully, toyfully tugged ticks from my skin in recent days– which isn’t too hard when they’re freshly found. This one, however, would not let go for the life of him. When he doubled-down to quickly dig deeper on me, causing me to feel his stabbing jaws in the process, I don’t know that he survived my reaction. I don’t intentionally kill insects or spiders– even mosquitoes just get brushed off– however, if one doesn’t let go and insists on quickly digging deeper into me, I’ll take necessary steps to defend myself ~

Walking miles of a very busy and inhospitable highway, the back lot of an old strip mall was a very welcoming detour!
Dumfries, Virginia

First time I’ve seen a sign like this on the front door of a restaurant (or any establishment)…
Dumfries, Virginia

Dumfries, Virginia

Dumfries, Virginia

Dumfries hosts Adam & Natalie Coffman are AWESOME!!!
They’re both very open-minded, active duty U.S. Marines who really enjoy making music, speaking about philosophy, meditating, practicing yoga, and so much more!!
I look forward to meeting them again across the many miles…
Thanks very much, Adam & Natalie!!!

My hosts in Dumfries, Virginia, live across the street from what’s known as one of the most haunted homes in Virginia…