Day #8-Newbern, VA to Wytheville, VA 38 miles

Today was meant to be a recovery day of sorts and it was for the most part. East winds of 10-15 mph meant we had a tail wind.  The rolling roads continued.  It started to drizzle as we got near Wytheville our destination.  Our plan was to take advantage of the free camping at the city park. When I called about this I was informed that there is construction at the park, but they were using a different park.  I know it’s bad form to complain about free stuff but the alternate park didn’t have a shelter. With the probabilities for rain at near 100%, having a dry space to eat or pack up seemed critical.  We debated the merits of continuing on at the local Starbucks long enough for the heavens to really open up, and the temperature to drop.  We got soaked in spite of rain gear (I didn’t think I really needed my rain pants-wrong!) We decided to stick around but where to go?  The Travel Lite Motel of course!  Steve felt a bit  chagrined at having settled for indoor accommodations a second time but I pointed to the wisdom for the week and he felt better.  Tomorrow we plan another shorter,wet day to the biker hostel in Troutdale (we stayed in Troutville as well).  We’ll be doing more serious climbing too.  Steve said we got 2900’ of climbing today.

A little trivia:  Apparently Woodrow Wilson’s wife was born in Wytheville.  They have a museum dedicated to her!