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Along the Crooked Road: The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival

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The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail.

An idea that started in 2003, the 300 mile route now includes ten counties, three cities, ten towns, five regional planning districts, four state agencies, two tourism organizations, and a large number of music venues. http://thecrookedroad.org/

The Blue Ridge Institute and Museum is a  major venue along The Crooked Road and hosts the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival.

The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival has been an annual event for almost 40 years and is held on the campus of Ferrum College every fall http://www.blueridgefolklifefestival.org/.  For various reasons, even though I have lived in the Appalachian Region for over 15 years, I was a first timer this year.

The Appalachian Region, as defined in ARC’s authorizing legislation, is a 205,000-square-mile region that follows the spine of the Appalachian Mountains from southern New York to northern Mississippi.  Forty two percent of the area is rural, compared with twenty percent of the national population http://www.arc.gov/appalachian_region/TheAppalachianRegion.asp.

  

The folks who have long lived in Southwest Virginia are used to hearing the assumptions, misconceptions and distortions of life in Appalachia.  Geographic isolation from more populated areas and poverty have led to the persistence of some of the stereotypes.  Despite progress, Appalachia still does not enjoy the same economic vitality as the rest of the nation.  According to the Appalachian Regional Commission, the region still battles economic distress, with concentrated areas of poverty, unemployment, poor access to healthcare, and educational disparities.  But oh the beauty …

  

The region is rich in heritage and tradition and the Blue Ridge Folklife Festival celebrates it.  Coordinated by The Blue Ridge Institute & Museum, “the festival features artisans, foods, and activities not found at typical craft shows, fairs, and festivals” http://www.blueridgeinstitute.org/index.htm.

I encourage you to check out the links in this blog to learn more about the heritage, music and beauty of the region and if you’ve never visited this neck of the woods, I encourage you to do so.  I think you’ll like what you see!  http://www.visitappalachia.com/

It was quite the rainy morning, forcing me to change my plan to ride the bike.  Of course, the rain was gone only twenty minutes down the road, and I did not see a drop the rest of the day.

Shooting Creek Road, which runs through the counties of Floyd and Franklin in Virginia,would have been a blast to ride on the bike!  The road twists down through the mountain, crosses over the creek a few times, and not surprisingly, I found myself stopping frequently to take pictures (most of the previous pictures were taken along Shooting Creek Road).

By the time I got there, the grounds of Ferrum College and the Ferrum 1800 living history farm museum on both sides of State Route 40, were filled with spectators and participants – musicians, moonshiners, craftspeople, cooks, motorheads, mule jumpers, horse pullers, coon dog racers, antique tractor buffs, and old-time gamers.

  

    

There was so much to see and even though I stayed for more than 5 hours, I somehow missed the Mule Jumping (but did get to see the Sheep Herding).  I wandered through the antique engine and tractor area,

   

watched molasses, apple butter and moonshine being made,

  

  

yarn was dyed using natural ingredients,

  

cornmeal was ground,

  

and crafters were hard at work.

  

  

  

Children played while musicians prepared to perform.

  

  

Judging by the crowds, some of the most popular events are those that include the Coon Dogs.  I couldn’t get near enough to watch the dogs “treeing” the ‘coon, but I was able to photograph them as they waited their turn.

  

  

It was standing room only around the lake as folks prepared to watch the coon dog races.  The dogs are enticed by the smell of the racoon and when the doors are opened, the dogs leap into the water and give chase.

  

  

Quite exciting!

Music is a big part of the Folklife Festival and features Bluegrass, Old Time, Gospel and Rockabilly performances on 3 different stages. One of the main reasons that I came to the festival was to hear my friends perform as the Dr. Pepper All Stars.  Their show is a re-creation of a portion of a 1940s radio show featuring Roy Hall and the Blue Ridge Entertainers.  The radio band played popular hillbilly tunes of the day and host “Cousin Irving” Sharp promoted Dr Pepper like it was snake oil.  The Dr. Pepper All Stars also perform as The Java Brothers and gather with others at the Monday night Fiddle Jam at Radford’s River City Grill, an affiliated partner of The Crooked Road.

  

My friend, Ralph Berrier, Jr, in addition to heading up the Dr. Pepper All Stars, has written a book about Clayton and Saford Hall, his grandfather and great uncle.  If Trouble Don’t Kill Me tells the story of a “vanishing yet exalted southern culture, and shares the devastating consequences of war, allowing the reader to experience the mountain voices that not only influenced the history of  music but that also shaped the landscape of America”.  The book is sold at various venues along The Crooked Road and is available for purchase on line as well (If Trouble Don’t Kill Me: A Family’s Story of Brotherhood, War and Bluegrass, 2010, http://www.amazon.com/Trouble-Dont-Kill-Brotherhood-Bluegrass/dp/0307463060).

It was a full, fun day in Ferrum and even though I could have taken a quicker and much straighter route home, I chose to wind my way back up the mountain, enjoying the colors of fall and the beauty of  this beautiful region that I call home.

 

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The Search for Authentic Chinese Food in SWVA

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The Last Chinese Chef by Nicole Mones (http://www.nicolemones.com/) offered the members of our book group an opportunity to venture out in search of an authentic Chinese meal.  As we read our way through the book, most of us began dreaming about some of the foods that Ms. Mones had written about.  She tantalized us with her descriptions of Pork Spare Ribs in Lotus Leaves, Eight Treasure Dongpo Pork, and Beggar’s Chicken.  We originally thought we might make our own meal or bring Chinese Take Out to the discussion, but Karen and Janet suggested we seek out an authentic meal at a local Chinese restaurant.

Many large cities have restaurants that serve authentic Chinese food, but most Westerners are more used to American Chinese food.  According to Mones, Chinese chefs find that “American tastes” dictate that “Chinese-style dishes be prepared with a limited range of pre-mixed sauces, usually no more than 5 – 7 per restaurant”.  The “American taste” has “evolved into a cuisine whose flavors are always reliable and already well known to the Western diner” whereas “Chinese taste” means dishes are prepared from scratch, no two alike.  American taste demands sameness; Chinese taste showcases diversity and complexity. (http://www.nicolemones.com/for-food-lovers/you-can-have-great-chinese-food/).

Many of us were enchanted by other aspects of Chinese cooking – the thought, history and theme put into each meal; the focus on community and companionship, and the freshness and texture of ingredients.  Of our group, only two had traveled to China, and most of us had not had the opportunity to enjoy a truly authentic meal.  In hopes of finding such a meal, we were referred to the owners of Charlie’s Chinese in downtown Christiansburg, a town with a population of 21,000 in Southwest Virginia.

Karen made the arrangements, noting that the owners were very excited that we wanted to partake of an authentic Chinese meal.

14 of us gathered around a large table, with a “lazy susan” in the middle.

     

First, some of us (me) had to learn how to use chopsticks.

  

Then we learned how to fill our pancakes.

  

We were served a large variety of dishes including Spring Rolls, Spicy Beef, Shrimp in Sweet Sauce, Chicken, Tofu, Duck, 5 Spice Soup, Crispy Garlic Green Beans, Bok Choy and a Whole Fish (bass).

  

Several members of the group took time to share their thoughts about the evening.  Cindy commented that the sense of community and friendship that we enjoyed while sitting around a large table seemed consistent with what we had learned about Chinese tradition.

  

Janet noted that what seemed most authentic about the meal was that the fish was served as a whole and that the green beans and bok choy were each cooked as individual dishes, rather than marrying them with meats.  Debbie enjoyed the family type gathering and especially liked watching our individual reactions to the dishes.

There was quite a variety of dishes and one less positive note was that they came out rapidly.  Those present would have liked more opportunity to learn about each individual dish and to savor the different tastes and textures.  As it was, the initial conversation with the owners had occurred just 5 days before the event with our final RSVP coming in one day ahead.  Perhaps if we had given them more time to prepare or we had arrived earlier in the evening, the dishes would not have had to come to the table so quickly.

  

  

The joy and enthusiasm of our gracious host was another treat.  Carol commented that she very much seemed to enjoy teaching us about Chinese food and she encouraged us many times to come again.

Several book group members wrote to tell me that they would indeed return again.  Heather was glad to know that if she wanted to enjoy the delicious whole fish again she would need to call 5 hours ahead.  The picture below shows the remains of a lovely meal and evening.

Karen thought the book was a wonderful look into the Chinese culture through its food, while Molly enjoyed the parts that were set in the past, particularly the letters written by the relatives of the characters in the book.  I enjoyed reading about the history of cooking and the excerpts from the fictional 1925 culinary masterpiece, also called The Last Chinese Chef.

NPR Weekend Edition’s Liane Hanson noted that the book explores “Chinese culinary history, language and tantalizing descriptions of fine cuisine” and that “Mones shows how food can both nourish the body and the soul. Her extensive research takes readers into the philosophy and artistic ambitions of Chinese cuisine – and leaves them hungry for recipes”.  While the plot may have been predictable, the read was a pleasure for the majority of book group members.

Nicole Mones notes that in order to find great Chinese food, “start with the restaurant in your town that attracts the most Chinese diners, however small that population”.  Then “use your human skills to communicate that you are genuine about wanting food that has Chinese taste not American taste”.  She quotes Chef Henry Chang: “to get a good meal, be willing to try something new”.  While the meal may have been more to American taste than Chinese taste, several members of our group, myself included, were able to experience new foods or foods prepared differently.

Considering that, I believe we followed the counsel of Chef Chang.

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Reminders of Summer in the Middle of Fall

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I have loved seeing this begonia continue to bloom well into fall … bright colors that surely fit into the oranges, reds and yellows of the changing leaves.

The blue, while not a fall color, is a lovely contrast against the brown leaves.

The afternoon sun brightens the yellow leaves that have fallen into the juniper.

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The R Word

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Please take a moment to read this short letter in response to Ann Coulter’s use of the R word. Whether the R word or the N word or other derogatory words, we just have to consider how our words impact others … And what those words say about us and our attitudes.

An Open Letter to Ann Coulter.

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Southwest Virginia – My neck of the woods

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Southwest Virginia … home of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a part of the larger Appalachian mountain range, and also of the New River, considered to be the oldest river on the North American continent.  My current home in the City of Radford (http://www.radford.va.us/)  is located in the New River Valley.

On any given day, I travel down roads that, especially during this time of year, are arguably some of the prettiest around.

In the summer, my friends and I kayak along this stretch of the New.  During this time of year, I scramble down the river bank to shoot the old train trestle against the backdrop of the evening light and the changing leaves.

While visiting friends to drop off fresh baked bread or cookies, I’m rewarded by the beauty that I see outside their homes.

                      

The ride to work takes longer than it should during the fall as I stop multiple times to capture the scenery.  The first picture was taken from my office parking lot, while the next is the view over the houses near Radford University (http://www.radford.edu/).

The taste of  a microbrew at The River Company (http://www.therivercompanyrestaurant.com/) across the New River is even better when this is what I see from the deck.

This gorgeous oak stops me on my way down to Main Street …

… while this is the view that greets me as I drive home from work in the evening.

Sure, there are things that I miss by living in the rural part of Virginia (restaurant diversity for example), but views like this one taken from Attimo Winery (http://www.attimowinery.com/) sure help to make up for it!

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Light and Shadows

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My camera and I are bound at the hip.  I often stop when driving to and from work to photograph something.   Sites that others may think of as mundane, to me are beautiful.  My friends and family are patient with the vast number of pictures they receive from me … and they are never surprised to hear me say (during the middle of a phone conversation) “I’m out of the truck taking a picture”.

All photographers, including amateurs like me, know about light.  Morning, evening … it’s all about light.  But I am also intensely attracted to the shadows that objects and light create.

Whether it be the shadows of trees on the wall of the carport as I get into my truck on a lovely fall morning,

Or the view of a street sign as I pay my bill at the dental office,

and afterwards, while driving down Main Street.

The morning sun streaming through my lovely screened in porch creates wonderful shadows …

as it does for the wall near my kitchen door,

and the outside wall of a friend’s office.

Whether practicing my macro shooting …

or preparing to walk into my office each day …

the merge of light and shadow brings me joy.

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My Guys

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Well, that’s what I call them, anyway.

Becoming a biker has introduced me to many things – pure joy and lots of  thrills, little towns and bigger cities, curvy country roads and long straight interstates, and some really great folks.   I’ve met and gotten to ride with many people, several that I now hold dear.  Life would not be near as much fun or as meaningful without them.

Dave and Michael are two of my favorites.

       

I call them my guys, but they haven’t given me permission to call them that.  I call them that because they’ve been my mentors and my companions on  many rides in my short history of riding.  They’ve each been riding for over 30 years; I’ve been riding on my own for 3; they’ve each got well over 100,000 miles under their belts; I’ve got 15,000.

They may not actually LIKE to be called my guys (I haven’t even asked them), but  in my heart and in my mind, that is what they are.  They teach me and are patient with me; they laugh with me and tease the hell out of me.  I would follow them just about anywhere, knowing that all will be well and as safe as can be, and we’ll always have a whole lot of  fun.

Michael introduced me to riding in December of 2007, and I met Dave and his wonderful wife Martha, another biker and a woman I adore, soon after.

     

Many of the miles I’ve  ridden have been accumulated when following these guys, and the order is almost always Dave, then Michael, then me.  Sure we ride with others, and they ride a whole helluva lot without me, but I can usually count on them wanting to ride when I do.  They are used to getting an “I want to ride” text  from me on any given weekend morning …  even on a beautiful, 40 degree winter day.

  

I get to see beautiful parts of  Southwest Virginia, as Dave knows every road and never gets lost …

… and Michael knows every biker and has never met a stranger.

They put up with requests for group photos and then they laugh at me as I race to get into the picture before the timer goes off.

A friend gave me a special camera strap (it has been dubbed the “magic strap”) so that I can wear the camera while riding and can quickly stop to take pictures without getting off the bike.  I focus on the shot while the guys ride out of view but I never have to worry as they are always waiting at the next intersection.   Thankfully, those waits having gotten shorter as I have gained confidence and nowadays they don’t have to wait as long because I’m usually right there with them … then again, maybe they’re just being nice.

Can you see their expressions?  “Come on LD, hurry up and take the picture”.

I can and do ride with others.  I enjoy a big group ride and solo rides as well.  But I just love riding with these guys and I am so glad that they’ve welcomed such a novice rider into their biker world.

I never miss out on a chance to hit the road and love it when I get to do it with them.

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The Changing

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Life is full of constant change …

moving from one season to the next

and with it, the passing on of wisdom from a long time caregiver to those who will carry on.

The beauty and the bittersweet are captured here.

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Fall in love with Fall … all day long

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I am always surprised when someone tells me that they don’t like fall.

The fresh air, the cooler temps, the energy … but mostly the colors!

I want to take my camera with me everywhere I go.  And when I do leave it at home, I regret it.  The beauty of fall surrounds us at all times of the day.

Morning sun…

   

Mid-morning Color …

   

Late afternoon light …

   

Evening Sunset …

  

Don’t mourn the passing of summer and end up missing all that is fall!!

Let yourself enjoy!!

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Layne Creed Part 2 – The 2012 Memorial Ride

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When Billy Nunn says be there at 9:45, kickstands up at 10:00 or get left behind, you’d best get there on time.

We met on a cool, cloudy morning, 17 bikes, most with riders on the back, pulling into the parking lot two or three at a time. Considering that we’d had an unplanned party at Sharkey’s (http://www.sharkeyswingandribjoint.com/) the night before, more than one biker was feeling the after effects on Saturday. Just like the carb loading pasta dinners that cyclists have the night before a big ride, this group of bikers enjoyed a slightly different type of pre-ride carb load.

In another similarity to a big cycling event, we had our own SAG support, the term the cycling community uses for “support and gear”.  These are the folks who ride in vehicles and are prepared to offer aide to a cyclist in trouble.  Jerilyn provided SAG for our group.  By following the motorcycles in her car, Jerilyn was certainly there for the fun, but also to offer space for a rider and as a place to stow over night gear.  While waiting for everyone to get there, Jerilyn made a new friend and I set up the tripod in preparation for a group shot.

  

In spite of the late night, we were a happy group that morning.

   

Soon enough it was time to pose for the group shot and get on down the road to Mt Airy, NC to ride in the 2012 Layne Creed Memorial Ride (https://lifeonthebikeandotherfabthings.wordpress.com/2012/10/04/layne-creed-the-reason-behind-the-ride/ )

The ride was chilly as we progressed slowly down through the mountains on Rt 52.  The slow pace was not purposeful, I guarantee (the pictures show the problem) but it allowed for the photo capture of our line of bikes.

  

Pulling into 13 Bones (http://www.eat13bones.com/) on a day threatening rain, the crew from Virginia was a welcome site to the team of organizers of the Layne Creed Memorial Ride for the Rescuers.  This was the 6th year of the ride and monies raised get donated to local rescue squads, fire departments, a children’s home and to support 2 scholarships. The owners of 13 Bones, in addition to being regular contributors to community events, were close friends of Layne Creed and they provide a great place to start the ride.

As soon as we got there, we lined up to get wrist bands, purchase T-shirts, pull a card for the Poker hand and buy tickets for the corn hole raffle.  This year, TW Signs (http://www.twsigns.net/), the company that makes the annual ride T-shirts, also made a Harley Davidson corn hole board that was donated and put up for raffle.

   

(photo: Velvet Creed Leonard)

It was 11am and everyone enjoyed wings, sausage biscuits and beverages at 13 Bones.

  

Meanwhile out in the parking lot, riders checked out Layne’s old truck,  and got ready to ride.

  

    

Folks looked at other bikes, reconnected with old friends and listened to pre-ride instructions.

  

  

  

  

60 bikes and many cars and trucks pulled out for the ride that honors the memory of Layne Creed.  Stops along the way included Dodge City in Elkin, the Yadkin Moose Lodge in Mocksville, Cooper’s Sports Bar in Pilot Mountain and finally the Elks Lodge in Mt Airy.  Each break offered food, beverages, and another card for the poker hand.

I’ve ridden in this Poker Run 4 times, but have no experience with any other rides.  All I ever hear from more experienced riders is that this one is the most organized that they have ever been involved with.  Every stop sign and intersection is monitored by someone from police, fire or rescue.  Traffic is stopped when necessary and the bikes ride on by.  In a few instances, folks in cars pull over out of respect for the ride and what it represents.

  

(photo: Velvet Creed Leonard)

We rode in pouring rain and chilly temps, but never lost the purpose, spirit and fun of the day!  Once wet, it really doesn’t matter … you just keep riding for the cause.

  

  

(the previous 5 photos courtesy of Velvet Creed Leonard)

Somewhere along the way, a key became embedded in Josh’s back tire and caused a flat.  Thanks to good friends on the road, the bike was safely loaded on a trailer and the ride continued on.

  

(photo: Velvet Creed Leonard)

By 5pm, a long line of wet riders pulled into the Mt Airy Elks Lodge.  Those who had them, changed wet clothes for dry ones and it was time to enjoy good food, door prizes and a silent auction.

Many pictures were taken, dancing was done, and in the end, $5500 was donated to the Children’s Center of Surry and Yadkin and scholarships were given to two Surry Community College students.

  

    

Even with a flat tire, a broken peg, and a couple of wrong turns and a dropped bike or two on the way to the hotel, it was a great day … rain and all!  The next morning dawned beautifully and it was a perfect day for a ride back home to Virginia.

  

  

We’re already looking forward to the 7th annual ride in 2013!