The covered bridge in the photo is at McDonald's Mill, near Blacksburg (north of Christianburg). I believe that's the mill in the second photo.
On the road today I met John and Jon, a father/son team riding across the country and raising money for the American Lung Association. Turns out we stayed at the same motel in Christianburg, but they left earlier than I did. John had one of those BOB trailers. Total weight with front panniers and bike was near 120 pounds! That may be the best argument against trailers: All that available space encourages you to take too much stuff.
I'm following the 1976
BikeCentennial route much of the time. In Virginia, it is well marked
with "76" signs with a bicycle symbol on them.
I had planned to stop at a motel just north of Buchanan, but it was full due to some AAU meet. So I pushed on to Natural Bridge, where there is a hotel. Actually, I stayed in their cheaper rooms across the highway. Natural Bridge is a "company town" with no independent lodging or eating establishments. There are three places to eat. The dining room in the hotel was booked up until 8 PM. The deli in the gift shop was closed. So I ate at the cafe at the entrance to the Natural Bridge. It cost $12 plus tip for a sandwich, chile, fries and Coke.
I decided not to spring for the $8 to see one rock formation.
Heck, I've seen the Grand Canyon and it was free!