The day started out with cool temps in the 50's with bright sunshine and blue skies. After our quiet time and a breakfast of ham and eggs we met up with our adoptive mountain folks, Joe and Helen. We left for Floyd around 10 AM and headed up the BRP. It was a nice hour and a half ride with the beautiful scenery all around.
Floyd is a small town set in the mountains of rural southern Virginia. I learned from several who live and work there that Floyd had an influx of "hippies" who moved there 40 years ago. There were several communes in the area and the influence of these folks are prevalent there today. The dress of many women is consistent with these characteristics that are associated with that sub-culture of the 60's. The women wear their hair long, parted in the middle, no or very little makeup, long dresses and booties or flip flops. The men also show some of these tendencies as well with their long hair in pony tails and facial hair. Several shop owners candidly discussed the "hippie" culture and its influence in Floyd with the artisans. Many shops displayed several artists and their works that included; painting, photography, pottery,woodworking and music. The Old Country Store was a typical old time store with everything from barrels of bulk candy to a small lunch counter and with the rear of the store set up for local musicians to jam every Friday night.
The Harvest Moon, a local eatery as well as a store noted for its organic vegetables, meat and herbs also displays the works of local wood working artisans; however the price of a cherry rocking chair at $4450.00 is a bit out of my budget. I walked into an old cemetery located between a small strip mall, residential trailers and a parking lot. One of the head stones dates back to the 1700's and I learned from a local merchant the grandson of Patrick Henry(give me liberty or give me death) was buried there with a non descript headstone. Another local store manager, Darcie was very candid with being the daughter of local artists who once lived on a commune in the area. She has a master degree in biology and moved back to the area. She was most satisfied with living in this small mountain town.
We wanted to eat at the local historic Pine Tavern. However it didn't open until 4:30 and on only 4 days a week. Well we would have had to wait for 2 hours so we decided to head back to Galax. We stopped in Hillsville to eat at a country buffet before heading to Wal-Mart. We then headed for the Old Town Market in Galax to look for some Buckwheat flour. We found some and picked up 2 bags for ourselves and our Galax friends in Florida.
We made it back to the cabin in time to take a hike to the top and then stop by for a visit with Audine. Keep her in your prayers as she has surgery in the morning for her broken ankle.
Until tomorrow missing our family, friends and grand daughters, Ava and Annsley.
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