Mason Dixon Debut

Day 49: Pickerington OH to Fayetteville WV

I can't believe that I'm actually hungry when I wake up. I fell asleep feeling like a snake who just swallowed a coyote whole. Within minutes of opening my eyes I'm on the computer planning the day's route. I'm excited; another day of seeing parts of Ohio that I've never seen.

We give big goodbye hugs to Aunt Meem and Uncle Frank as they head off to Columbus to work, and Ben comes to whisk us off to breakfast. We head to tiny downtown Pickerington to a new crepe place called Village Crepes. They have an extensive menu of fantastic sounding things, sweet and savory. We go for the special sweet crepe, sea salted caramel, and a fritata with bacon and goat cheese. The food is beautiful and delicious, as is the coffee. We enjoy breakfast and talk about travel. Ben and I must share the gypsy impulse that comes with being half Hungarian.

After breakfast we're quickly on the road, passing rolling Ohio corn fields and sweet little farms. Soon we are in hill country, following streams and feeling the Appalachian foot hills for the first time since Tennessee. West Virginia is not far away, and once in this birdie-finger shaped state, I am reminded of its poverty. There are coal mining villages every 10 miles or so, all marked by a small gas station and a Dairy Queen.

Thus, we are grateful to discover Fayetteville. The town seems fueled by the outdoor recreation scene along the Gauley River. There are rafters and hikers and climbers everywhere; Patagonia makes bank in this lil' town. It's obvious that this is a demographic that likes to eat, because the restaurants in this town look promising. We choose a Cajun place and feast on creamy she crab soup and a fantastic brisket po'boy. Though we are still feeling the feast of last night, I order us a slice of their house made pecan pie. Don't skip this pie, it's the best pecan pie I think I've ever had. Whole pecans are suspended throughout the condensed milk base, not just on the top. The crust is thin and crispy and wonderful in its own right.

Though delicious, this feast is bitter sweet. I feel an unexpected sadness when the Pirate raises a glass to “our last night on the road”. I have loved this trip like it was a person, and I'm sad to know it's ending. There will be other trips, probably sooner than later, but it won't be this trip.