Days 27 and 28

Well, after having two busy days and without internet access, I bring this, my last Blog, as a summary of my Relay time through Georgia and North Carolina. We have seen city officials, alumni, men and women off the street, good days, bad days, sunshine and rain, walkers, bikers, young and old, rich and poor...

On Thursday we met with the President of Warren Wilson College in North Carolina, Dr. Orr, who was very gracious and sent us out with gifts even as we came bearing gifts. The historical and present day ties with Warren Wilson were interesting to learn. Warren Wilson used to be a two year school and many of its graduates would transfer to Berea College to finish their education. Warren Wilson has a labor program and they place a real effort in being a sustainable and environmentally friendly campus, just like Berea. And, since the campus is nestled right in amongst the Appalachians, their commitment to the people, and students, of Appalachia is the same. President Orr was so glad that we came to visit, in fact, that he showed us a top secret picture of his "on again, off again," musical band. President Orr and two Berea College alums comprise the three man show of Elvis-clad singers "touring at a venue near you." Well, I am sure they are by "special request" only, but it was an honor for Sonja and I to see this photo and the lighter side of the president. So, be sure and not to tell him I told you about it.

Thursday night we had a special chapter meeting at the Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina. This YMCA affiliated complex is located basically on the side of a mountain and has very beautiful scenery and accomodations. In fact it was founded by Willis D. Weatherford Sr., a Trustee of Berea and whose son, Willis D. Weatherford Jr., was President of Berea College. There were a good segment of Berea Alumni who attended and even a nice group of people that were not affiliated with Berea but heard about the event and wanted to come and learn more. A.J. Caudill, Chef at Boone Tavern, made a dinner and did some food demonstrations for the crowd gathered, and everyone shared some of their Berea stories and had a good time.

Friday was probably my most inspiring day, (and no, not because it was the last of 10 straight days on the road either) because we met up with Molly Sandfoss-Moore, class of '89. She looked like a pretty serious bike rider when we met her at the grocery parking lot, but little did I know what kind of "Lance Armstrong-like" fortitude this young lady had in her. She is a sweet lady but tough when it comes to conquering mountains. Our leg for that day consisted of a short bike ride from Asheville to Trust, North Carolina, except that about half of the 30 mile trek is up a mountain!

It was a quiet ride for the most part. There were occasional toots of the horns and certain hand gestures from people that didn't understand what a momentous occasion this was, but those people were few and far between and didn't overshadow the effort made by Molly and her determination. Not once stopping she climbed and climbed with road workers cheering her on, my occasional encouragement, and Sonja's amazement, she climbed and took every switchback in stride. Molly loves bicycling, appreciates Berea and represented both well, and was an excellent ambassador of our Great Commitments.
As extra incentive for her, she wrote the names of the people who were supporting her with pledges for her bike ride on her thigh....with a black Sharpie. Grit and determination is what I am talking about here, people!

Ultimately we made it up the mountain and down on into Trust where we rested a while, (well I didn't need much rest) and drove back to Asheville. While Molly was resting, Sonja and I explained how inspired we were that Molly did such a feat, but she just took it all in stride, like a real gladiator would.
This time on the road has been hard, but rewarding and will certainly be a memory for the grandchildren to hear. "Why, kids, ol' Grandaddy Eric once participated in an event called a Relay where you walked and biked and did 'old-fangled' things like that." "And I went through several states, solidified friendships, made new ones, met grandiose people and saw strange and wonderful things."

Thanks for reading and I hope you stay tuned as Crystal takes over the Tennessee leg of the Relay. I have appreciated your comments and encouragement and thank you for all you have done in making this Relay/Goodwill tour such a significant accomplishment.

---Eric