Jewels on the Virginia Nile by the Cupful

Aside for the much needed change of scenery and time to re-center, this past week brought some pleasant surprises along with the rain that hung out there for the whole trip.  I am a coffee appreciator and lifelong fan. I happened by this robust and flavorful caramel noted brew at the supermarket in Clarksville, the town on the bustling Buggs Island Lake.  

This is a superb place for relaxing, water skiing, wakeboarding, camping and the fisherman alike, from leisure to pro sport, walking or by boat, the activities of this area are bountiful and the atmosphere is magical.  The above is a picture of the coffee I discovered and just had to try.  I am an advocate of local, small businesses and believe in doing my part, when and where I can.  The object in the front is a piece of driftwood I found on the shore behind our cabin. I find it full of character and as a piece of natural water/nature made art.

The coffee itself is from a small batch roastery called Lake Gaston Coffee Company, situated in Littleton, North Carolina.   Lake Gaston is a manmade lake with about 35 miles of shoreline.  It is situated near Buggs Island Lake or John H. Kerr Dam, which is a  50,000 acre reservoir. It was constructed between 1947 and 1957, as a means of hydroelectricity and flood control.  This massive lake extends into North Carolina. I admiringly call it The Virginia Nile.

Lake Gaston Coffee Company offer both Arabica whole bean and ground roast in an array of flavors and intensities brewed from beans from all over the world, including South and Central America and East  Africa.  They also offer teas, wine slushies, Lattes to go, Farm Sciences CBD oil and much more! They even have a small coffee shop located in Littleton.  

I have fallen in love with this fabulous bag of coffee and I am eager to try more.  Good news should not be kept to oneself, so I thought I'd share it with you.  Stay tuned for more updates on products and coffee talk.  This roast was indeed as described with a satisfyingly hearty flavor and true notes of caramel chews and toothpicks made from cherrywood.  

Anytime is a good time for coffee in my book and the constant cool showers and uncharacteristically, inclement weather, presented the perfect storm for trying a new hot beverage. 

 I generally go for medium roasts, since I drink quite a bit of it, but this Buggs Island Lake Columbia grind, with my skimmed down amounts, was just a darling!  I've provided a link for your discovery and enjoyment.  This micro-roastery is a real gem.  https://lakegastoncoffee.com/ 

Cooking up Disaster

The bread aisle at the Altavista Walmart

 These photos were taken at the Walmart, on one of my many trips, in my hometown. They are a startling reminder of what's going on in our country, our states, our towns.  In all the melee, please remember to be courteous of others and considerate of quantity limits set by the stores to ensure that more shoppers have an opportunity to pick up the items they need for their families too.   A sweeping 'hoarderesque' effect has taken hold during this Pandemic, on our people, somewhat forcing others to follow suit or miss out.
Do not forget, we are only  as strong  as our weakest teammates.  Yes, we would like to acquire the goods offered at the stores. True, we don't want to run out. Yes, some states and cities are under quarantine and had to hurriedly find staples before the lockdown.  It is good to be proactive during this time, but the unfortunate part of this scenario is that we are not yet even under quarantine or facing the tribulations of some cities.
 Some of the town's residents have embraced an attitude of 'no one matters, except my family'  and that is most unfortunate. It seems as if they have lost regard for fellow mankind in an effort of self preservation. 
Please be considerate of others during this time.  Lastly, treat others as you would have them treat you and use this as your guide to humanity and gauging your moral compass.  Together, we're better! Just make sure you are limiting your group numbers and practicing social distancing, so we can do our part to help thwart the enemy and force it into dormancy.

Frozen Foods aisle (Pizza) at Walmart, Altavista VA

Cold Cuts/Sandwich meats aisle at Walmart, Altavista VA

Cleaning products w/Bleach and Detergents aisle, Walmart, Altavista, VA