23 May 2007 North down the Valley

May 23, 2007 

North down the Valley

On Monday, I continued north, down the Valley to New Market and ended up at the top of Massanutten Mountain. In New Market, I was met by George Daugharty, who had contacted me via e-mail, having read the story in the Harrisonburg Daily News-Record. He and his wife Rebecca were gracious with their time (and lunch). George showed me the local color in New Market, including a route correction for me. I did an interview with a journalist from the Northern Virginia Daily, which ran the story the next day. Pete Marovich met me at my stopping point, Massanutten Gap, and took some photos of my camping.

After a mosquito infested night, I was on the road at 6:30 am, headed for Luray. On the way down the mountain, Jeremy Hilliard, of the 10th Virginia (re-enactment unit), tried to recruit me. Nice young fellow.

I arrived at White House bridge a little late for my interview with Mr. Jenner, of the Luray News & Courier. We spoke for about an hour, and I was on my way to Luray. Luray was a lot further from the river than I had thought, but the town was clean, quaint. The riverside park was very well done. Got more local color from Chuck Bowen. The rest of the walk was a bit tedious, not knowing exactly how far I had yet to go. I did meet Billy Spain, 72, at a rest stop. Mr. Spain has had a series of misfortunes (two broke legs, lost an eye, shot in the head, hit by lightning, triple bypass surgery). Tough old guy. His greatest misfortune has proven to be the fact that his wife has advanced Alzheimers, and needs constant supervision.

I camped along the railroad (which was not yet built in 1862). Cool, no mosquitoes. I was on the road again by 6:30 am. I made good time, and reached Asbury Methodist Church at noon, which, ironically, was when Jackson arrived there in 1862. The Virginia Civil War Trails sign said that Jackson took Rocky Lane to Gooney Manor Rd (now called Browntown Rd). I am unsure whether the Stonewall Brigade followed this route, or stayed on US Highway 340, but I was ready for the change of pace, so I took it. Susan arrived at Asbury shortly after I did, and we had lunch. Then she went ahead and found a hotel where we could stay. I will start late tomorrow, since Jackson and his men made their way to Cedarville. Not knowing where Banks was headed, they did not leave Cedarville until after noon.