Weather – well, it really depended where we were. It was in the mid-90s in the valley and the high-70s along Skyline Drive.
We tried to avoid some of the heat by getting connected early. We were on the road by 9am.
Today’s drive of 132 miles was mostly in the Shenandoah National Park on Skyline Drive along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We started at the Front Royal (N) entrance and exited at the Rockfish Gap (S) entrance. Turnouts, photo-ops, and a 35mph speed limit combined to make this a 5+ hour drive. Unfortunately, many of the views were muted by haze.
The Road is in excellent condition and offers frequent turnouts for overlooks.
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| There are many tree-lined stretches |
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| This wild turkey (and babies) enjoyed the road , too (we saw turkeys, deer and rabbits) |
Valley Views
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| Shenandoah Valley Overlook |
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| Gooney Manor Overlook |
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| Jenkins Gap Overlook |
Ridge Views
How many ridges can you see through the haze?
Marys Rock Tunnel
Some have questioned whether the tunnel was needed, or just added for tourist appeal. |
| Entering the tunnel |
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| Looking back |
Mountain Laurel
Carol was impressed by the mountain laurel in bloom along the highway.
A little history
Campground
We ended the day in a very nice, large campground. Walnut Hills KOA Campground & RV Park is in Staunton, VA.
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| Site #75 - Staunton KOA |
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| They have a lake, many cabins and tenting sites (Kerplonken Lake is for fishing only) |
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