The ride from Ashland was quick and easy. I’m so glad to be out of those hills. The sun popped out as I rolled into Richmond. One of my long-time surfing buddies, Jon Angot, was kind enough to take me in. Raised in Hawaii, he knows how to take care of visitors, and this time was no different.

I made it just in time to watch the Skins lose, and I also got to clean my clothes for the first time in days. Because I cut back on so much extra stuff, pretty much everything stunk–I also got to hop in the shower.

We met up with his two buddies: Steve the Pilot and Torey the Chemist. We had a blast, and it was great to learn about their hopes and dreams. The three of them were awesome tour guides, and we soaked in the local Richmond scene. I also got to stop by my friend Caitlin’s pad. “RVA,” as they like to call it (which I figured out stands for Richmond, VA), is literally all over the place. Outside of those stickers, you can tell the city is trying to form an identity, and it was pretty cool to see.

From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, the weather was beautiful. You may say I have a small sample size, but I say I’d definitely come back.