FANCY GAP, VA.  Yesterday, Aug 12th, we drove over to Galax to try walking their track at the recreation center.  Along the road to Galax, we came to a cow crossing.  Apparently these are common in some rural areas, but I have never seen one.  Betty managed to get a photo just as the last cow was crossing in front of the car ahead of us.  As we drove on, we had to be careful not to drive over the two large cow patties. 

Cow Crossing

The recreation center is a large split-level four-story building with a track on the second floor.  The center of the track is open to allow viewing the basketball game below on the first floor.

Betty Takes Off On Inside Track

Closeup of Betty Making Tracks

A nice facility, and free to use.  After a few laps, we went shopping at Walmart.

Today, Aug 13th, we left for Mt Airy where Betty had an appointment with her hair dresser.  As we drove out of the campground area, we noticed hay being baled along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  We had no idea that any kind of farming was done along the parkway.

Hay Being Baled Along the Parkway

While Betty was having her hair done, I drove the Jeep over to Main Street to see the tourist area that we have enjoyed in the past.

Directory of Downtown Mt Airy

I thought I might get a World Famous Pork Chop Sandwich at the Snappy Lunch, but as I have done in the past, I forgot that they close daily at 2 pm.  It was long after that, since Betty's appointment was at 4 pm.  So I stopped at the Whit's for a chocolate frozen custard cone. 

Snappy Opens and Closes Early

Next door to Snappy Lunch is Floyd's Barber Shop, where I have gotten a haircut in years past, as recorded on this blog.  The last time I got my haircut there (was it last year?), the barber and owner of the shop was rather despondent because his wife had left him.  At that time I wondered what effect that might have on the future of Floyd's Barber Shop in Mt Airy.  Well, today I was saddened to see that the shop is for sale.  A landmark for years is gone.  I could see through the window that the photos that had covered most of the mirrors were gone.  Only a few on the opposite wall remained.  The shop was in disarray now that the former owner was gone.  Truly sad.

Floyd's Barber Shop Is Closed

View Through the Window

It was a hot afternoon, so I strolled the remainder of Main Street, looking for a store that was still open.  Many close at 2, 4, or 5. 

Unusual Items for Sale Along the Storefronts

I found a couple stores that were still open and (hurrah!) air conditioned.  They leave their doors open even with the AC running, so it was not nearly as cool inside as I had hoped.  One souvenir shop had some interesting items.  They truly reflect the local sentiments as well as hope to appeal to tourists.

For Those Who Grew Up With The Andy Griffith Show

Souvenir T-Shirts

Souvenir Hats (Note Ones for Floyd's Barber Shop)

Hats for Ultra Trump Fans

Candy and Christmas in August

By 5:20 pm Betty called, so I drove over to pick her up.  I told her about Floyd's shop, and we both reminisced sadly about times we had visited there.