Today we woke up in Staunton (pronounced Stan-ton), VA to clouds and really cool weather. It felt like a late fall day in Rochester and seems out of place at this time of year and this far south. Still, it is almost the end of October. This must be somewhat unusual for this time of year, as some leaves were still green and stubbornly clung to their branches.
Kat and I grabbed a bite to eat at the free continental breakfast at our motel (yea, we were too wussy to camp in 30 degree weather) and got a last-minute internet fix before hitting the road. We decided today to start on the Blue Ridge Parkway and even though it was cloudy it was well worth the drive. It reminded me a bit of driving on route 1 down the California coastline in that it was sometimes hard to go the posted speed limit due to all the curves and switchbacks as we proceeded up one mountain and down the next. The leaves here seem to be at about 70% or so and the views from the tops of the mountains down into the valleys were great, mostly dotted with farms and big tracts of land. Unfortunately Kat doesn't have any pics from today and I'm being lazy so we'll have to save those for later. All in all I'd say the views from the Blue Ridge Parkway were just as good as those from Skyline Drive (and cheaper too since you pay admission to Shenandoah National Park for Skyline Drive).
We ate lunch along the parkway at a pretty little picnic area. Kat was asking to just stop at the restaurant for a cup of soup (because of the cold), but I was feeling like we needed to eat cheap so we pulled out our little camping stove and grilled up a few hotdogs along with a can of chicken rice soup. Yum. By the time I had the stove off, Katherine was in the car attempting to recover from the chill of the weather. She and I have very different tolerances for cold. I'll be interested to see how I hold up in the Texas heat.
Tonight we're staying in Galax, VA in a Knights Inn to avoid the rainstorm that's been pounding through. My car was needing another rinsing so I guess this is it!
On a personal note I've been thinking a good bit about something we talked about in Sunday school this past weekend. Being on the road for several hours each day certainly provides ample time for thinking (or just daydreaming). Anyways, in Sunday school were discussing the twelve disciples and the qualities that make up a good leader. The 3 qualities mentioned were involvement, initiative, and iniquisitive. I don't know that these qualities wholly sum up a good leader, but I do think they are integral. Perhaps another way to sum up these qualities is in a single word: engage. A leader must be engaged in order to lead effectively, they cannot be distant. I think my initial tendency with others is to be a bit distant, to hold back a little (or a lot). This tendency increases if the situation is new or difficult. Yet I know the truth; I know I need to push on through; I know I need to engage with family, friends, and coworkers. Why is that sometimes so difficult? Thoughts are welcome.
Where we're headed tomorrow, I do not know. The old thought was to head to the Smokey Mountains but heading to the coast is tempting as well. Yea, gosh, what a tough decision.
PS - We'll be at Disney from November 1-5 if anyone would care to see us
PPS - On another personal note, my aunt Judy is currently undergoing treatment for cancer. I would certainly appreciate any prayers on her behalf. You can learn a bit more about her and her progress at a web site they've setup.
Distance to Texas: 1,142 miles
Best mileage of the trip: 42.6mpg
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3 comments:
Katherine & Tim,
I too have remained silent for too long. Joyce and I have really enjoyed your blogs about your adventures. What a great way to remember this forever!
Thanks for all your help with Allison's packing. We got the rest finished up on Friday and the three cubes are headed to Texas now. We couldn't have made the schedule without your help. Her 3 cats are safely at home in the Caddy Shack now and seem to be adjusting well.
Stay safe and keep on writing.
Love, Dad & Joyce
Hi, Tim. I enjoyed your posting and want to respond to your request for comments.
Rather than jump in feet first, I think you tend to at first be an observer. When you engage, you are prepared. People respect your thoroughness and your opinions. Your style works very well. Leaders need to be thoughtful and you are one of those people.
I have enjoyed each of Katherine's cool postings, but this one ROCKS!
Love, Mom
Finally got some time to catch up on Google Reader and therefore read about your adventures thus far. Sounds like a great time and I am quite jealous :=).
Time to think is crucial. Lately I find this time during my motorcycle rides or my walk to and from the bus stop. I agree with Karin's remarks and remarks in your style and don't necessarily think you need to change, but perhaps instead look at ways to best use it and take advantage of it.
In regards to why engaging is hard, there are numerous things. From my experience thus far it usually comes down to fear of engaging in the "wrong direction". Additionally IMO, especially in the work environment, people are too reluctant to give honest feedback. Honest and direct feedback is important in making sure things are caught early on. Regardless work to foster an environment you are good in, and your style known to people.
Ok, I'm done rambling, thanks for sharing your trip with us all.
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