Local color of Waynesboro

I regret to inform you all that Augusta County, specifically Waynesboro, is not a very pleasant place. I arrived here around 2:30, checked in to my hotel, and headed out to see what this town has to offer. And what exactly does Waynesboro offer? Angry, loud, bothered people. Cold, foggy, damp weather. Starting with my check-in, I had to wait while the front desk lady finished up what I think was a personal phone call ("I don't care what she told you, she left him all alone and that ain't the way to watch a kid."). She was sweet enough while she gave me the keys to my room ("Damn keys hardly ever work. Just bring 'em on back if you can't get in."). I asked her if there were any good walking trails around the area and she looked at me like I had three heads. So I just smiled and told her I'd be happy to find a Target (since the weather was cold and dreary anyways), and so she smiled and pointed me in the right direction. At Target I ran into a few more colorful sorts, including one end of a phone conversation that went along the lines of "Being fat is no excuse. You get off your *** and do it." A separate phone conversation included a threat that I don't feel comfortable typing on my blog. I also received a minor injury from two young boys (younger than 10) who were fighting kung-fu style in slow motion, and I guess it was my fault for walking into a slo-mo roundhouse kick while I was looking for toothpaste. I made it back to the hotel to check out the fitness room (which was wonderful because apparently I am the only guest at the moment), prep for teaching tomorrow, do some paperwork, and watch election coverage. Not only is today Election Day, but apparently also Free Food Day!!

Leaving Williamsburg, I got a free chicken sandwich from Chik-Fil-A!!
I also got a free cup of coffee from Starbucks (this is just one of the four cups of free coffee I got all day--some were decaf, don't worry!)
The weather the whole way was dreary, overcast, and rainy in spots. It was an absolutely gorgeous drive though because the grey clouds made the colors on the trees just pop out in every shade of red, orange, yellow, and gold. The most exciting part of the drive when headed out to this part of the state is what is called Afton Mountain. It offers breathtaking views of the Shenendoah Valley (which is what is so exciting if you are the one trying to keep your eyes on the road driving). More exciting is when the weather is overcast like this and a blanket of fog covers the roadways. This sign as I'm about to start driving up says "Dense Fog." I remember hearing about a 114 car pile-up (yes...one hundred and fourteen) on the mountain caused by fog, so I started to get a little bit of anxiety mixed in with my excitement.
All was well. No pile-up, but very heavy fog! The breathtaking view was invisible, but I was just happy to head back down the other side!!

I'm off now to pick up my dinner from the Outback Steakhouse next door. Their curbside service is perfect for tonight. I will stay in with a delicious steak, mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, and a cup of soup...hopefully watching OBAMA votes roll in as the polls close!!!!