Rocio, who hosted me in Atlanta, showed up this morning to join me for this weekend's miles from Monroe to Athens. What a wonderful gift!

After treating me to a delicious Italian dinner the night before, Rick & Crista, who had provided me with 2 free nights at their outstandingly unique Wayfarer Hotel, invited me to tour their local biodiesel plant before leaving town. Cool Place!

Rocio is tough, and even amid a still-burning sun on the last day of summer, she hadn't the slightest peep of complaint amid sweaty miles atop the tars of the pavement. I, however, was on "blister patrol," --for all newbies, no matter how tough, WILL develop blisters.

A native of Peru who has lived in four countries, Rocio loves rural America, and we had to make a special stop for a picture aside a field full of hay rolls

Ms. Cheryl B, owner of a large organic farm ten miles down Snows Mill Road (today's) route, invited us in to freshen up, refill water, and take a small bounty of fresh-picked veggies and fruits with us. Before we departed, she gave us a grand tour of the former "village" of the property, which has remained in the family for over 150 years...

Delicious, fresh-picked fruit for our final miles into Oconee County. Thank You, Ms. Cheryl B!