Day 13. 500 mile Journey to Salem. Culpepper, VA to Orange, VA. About 22 miles. 64,300 steps. Light rain/overcast. High 71. Hilly. After a great night’s rest in our lovely hotel rooms, great start at Raven’s Roost Cafe in Culpepper with coffee and a quick breakfast. We welcomed Caroline Creaser Pritchard as a team member for the day and loved having her walk with us! Thank you!!! The day was misty and overcast, but did not dampen our spirits, as the temp was ideal. We walked primarily on country roads this morning (with a stretch of one a little busier) with the same stunning beauty to which we have become accustomed in this area. We had a WONDERFUL picnic lunch at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Rapidan, VA , provided by Betsy Brantley, A’73. We even had flowers on the tables courtesy of the church!!! Btw! Special thanks for the Halloween candy!! Our afternoon walk was mostly idyllic, though hilly, all of the way to the outskirts of Orange. Several of us struggled a bit with feet and shins today and will be working on shoe and other solutions in the next several days, but otherwise everyone doing well. Tonight was all about celebrating!!! We have now walked more than 250 miles!!! Over halfway there by mileage!! Celebrating 250 miles in Salem’s 250 year!! Now less than 250 to go to bring the journey home to Salem!! We celebrated with numerous alums at the Inn at Poplar Hill with pizza and beer provided by Betsy Brantley, A‘73. Lots of photos included with this post. Thanks so much to everyone who joined us!!!! We look forward to walking with you tomorrow!! Time for some feet icing to get ready for you! Hope everyone had a great weekend and wish you a wonderful week!
– Lucy Rose C’76
