Last Day - It is Over

Day 8

September 7, 2018

Last day of the rally; a free day to rest, do a ride we might have missed or just visit.  Don and I rode in to Big Stone Gap and visited the Southwestern Virginia Museum and the Coal Museum; sat in rockers in front of the Visitor Center and talked to a local and took some pictures.  Back at the hotel lunch was at the Huddle House and then worked on the word challenge.  I’m only missing one word but who knows if I have the others right or not.  Gary said the hotel asked him for information on all our rides and what we did so they have something to share with other groups.  That is a real honor I think.  Well as usual the Banquet was wonderful. Great food, wonderful presentation and the program Ruth, Mina and Gary planned was beyond fun and funny.  I won the translation challenge of Appalachia terms with 42 out of 47 correct.  In fact, I was singled out for several gag gifts for different things I did during the week; leading a group, losing my keys, having a jacuzzi in my room.  The mayor of Big Stone Gap presented Gary with a replica rife of the frontier era; a wonderful gift and I really think Gary was touched by their kindness.  Well the trailer is almost packed, we are ready for bed and will leave tomorrow morning around 7 and we have decided to cancel our reservation at Lexington and just drive as long as we can and then find a hotel.  I would love to make it all the way home.