By Rich Schott
The journey to Syria, Virginia bluegrass music festival, an approximately three-hour drive from our Maryland home, began with an unexpected and significant disruption. Two hours into our trip, while navigating on Rt 29 south with our 40-foot fifth-wheel RV, we encountered a substantial pothole. The impact was extremely jarring, and though the immediate consequences were unclear, we recognized the need to stop after we blew out a tire and assess the situation.
Our first stop was at the Southern States in Brandy Station, Virginia. It was here that we discovered the extent of the damage: a broken leaf spring on one of our axles. The situation presented a considerable challenge, especially given our remote location and the impending bluegrass festival. It was at this moment of uncertainty that the kindness and resourcefulness of strangers truly shone through.
We had the good fortune of meeting Greg Harpine, the owner of Street Eats, a food establishment located within the truck stop. Mr. Harpine, upon learning of our predicament, immediately demonstrated a remarkable willingness to assist. He proactively made numerous calls to repair shops in an effort to secure the necessary assistance for our RV. Beyond his logistical support, Mr. Harpine extended a gesture of genuine hospitality. He prepared hot sandwiches for us for dinner and graciously refused any form of payment, embodying a spirit of selfless generosity that is deeply appreciated.
As the evening progressed, around 7:30 PM, our search for a solution led us to T&C Trailer Repair. We contacted the owner, who, despite the late hour and the challenging circumstances, offered a solution. He stated he would personally wait for us to carefully maneuver our RV to his shop, even though it was 14 miles away and we would have to travel at a significantly reduced speed of 10-15 miles per hour. This commitment to wait for us, a complete stranger, was a profound demonstration of their dedication and customer service. Consequently, we spent the night at their shop, unable to proceed to the festival as planned.
The following morning, T&C Trailer's team worked diligently to address the extensive damage. Our RV underwent a comprehensive repair, including the installation of four new leaf springs, four new brake assemblies, four new bearing sets, four new dust covers, and all necessary new hardware. By approximately 3:00 PM, the repairs were completed, and we were finally able to resume our journey to the bluegrass festival, albeit significantly delayed.
This experience served as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that small-town communities and their residents can have. It was incredibly refreshing to encounter individuals who genuinely cared about the well-being of people they had never met, offering assistance without hesitation.
Upon finally arriving at the designated free-form camping area for the festival, we located what we hoped would be a perfect spot. After disconnecting and leveling the RV, we encountered another unforeseen problem: none of our five slide-outs would extend. This setback, immediately following the previous day's extensive repairs, was disheartening. However, once again, members of the camping community, individuals we did not know, rallied around us to offer help and support. Through their collective efforts and shared knowledge, we were able to diagnose the issue. It turned out to be a blown fuse, caused by a dead short in one of the solenoid valves within the hydraulic system.
Finally, just before dusk, we were able to fully set up the RV, a process that had been fraught with challenges. To unwind and embrace the festival atmosphere, we took a walk around the camping area, enjoying adult beverages and listening to the impromptu bluegrass jam sessions occurring at various campsites. We reconnected with a few friends we had met at previous bluegrass events and shared some authentic, locally sourced "back mountain moonshine," truly the real deal.
Over the subsequent days, we thoroughly enjoyed the Graves Mountain Music Festival, which featured an impressive lineup of talented artists, including Hurt Hollow Bluegrass Gospel Band, Brothers Young, Rose River Ramblers, Valerie Smith & Liberty Pike, Gold Top Country Ramblers, Mark Templeton Band, Dark Hollow, Country Gentlemen Show, Nothin’ Fancy, Cedar Run String Benders, Big Country Bluegrass, Red Camel Collective, Junior Sisk, and Lonesome River Band. The quality and diversity of the musical performances were exceptional, providing a constant source of entertainment.
One evening, our friends RJ and Mike organized a remarkable feast, smoking 70 pounds of meat and generously sharing it with numerous festival attendees. This act of camaraderie and abundance further enhanced the overall positive experience. The festival provided a much-needed opportunity to relax and immerse ourselves in the captivating melodies emanating from the main stage. Jen, in particular, found a tranquil spot sitting on a rock in the middle of the river, absorbing the music in a serene setting.
Throughout both the days and nights, the camping area was alive with the spontaneous and joyful energy of small jam sessions, a testament to the shared passion for bluegrass music among the attendees. These moments, set against the backdrop of a picturesque valley river and surrounding mountains, fostered a sense of peace and deep enjoyment.
Graves Mountain, the venue for the festival, consistently offers a peaceful and enjoyable retreat. The Graves family, the proprietors, are an exceptional group of individuals who are dedicated to ensuring that all visitors can experience the full beauty and tranquility of their mountain paradise. We eagerly anticipate our return to the next festival, confident that it will be another memorable occasion.
Graves Mountain Campground Bluegrass Jam
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