Weather – Temperatures ranged from the high-80s in the valley to mid-70s in the mountains. It was mostly sunny until late afternoon when storm clouds passed overhead and dropped a few sprinkles.
Today was packed with scenic, fun, exciting, curious and surprising events. There are probably too many to describe, but here goes.
Before Leaving Staunton KOA
We met a young family who had the same size and model Airstream as ours. It’s a year newer. We congratulated them on the wisdom of their selection and swapped travel stories. We were impressed that they are full-timers at such a young age … with an 11 month old baby and a dog to boot.
A bunch (6 to be exact) of ducks decided we needed help connecting the trailer. They marched up to the open door and started quacking instructions.
Blue Ridge Parkway
We drove 90 miles on the parkway from Waynesboro to Bearwallow Gap. It was very scenic and quite different from Skyline Drive … poorer road surface; more curves; steeper grades; fewer guard rails; and more historical/educational signs.
 |
| Greenstone Overlook - 3,000 ft |
 |
| Rock Point Overlook - 3,115 ft |
 |
| Fork Mountain View - 3,250 ft |
We saw no other RVs (motor homes, 5th wheels, pop-up campers or trailers) on the entire drive. It’s curious … did we miss a memo?
 |
| Parkway view: tree-lined and pastoral |
 |
| Parkway view: includes a tunnel, too |
Carol saw more deer and a brown bear.
Carol became excited to see Peaks of Otter when she noticed it on the route. She visited there with her family many years ago. The area was not as she remembered it. Here are views of the lake outside the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant.
We left the parkway by going west on VA 43. This was a fast and very exciting way to get to I-81. The warning sign at the entrance to the route said not recommended for semi-trucks, RVs or trailers. It was 4 miles of switch-backs, steep descent and sharp turns. A number of semis have tried it and have paid $7,000 to get towed out of trouble. We saved 30 miles of driving, but wouldn’t try it again with a longer trailer.
Campground
Storm clouds were building when we got to the Natural Bridge KOA. We decided to check-in and get set-up before exploring the area. It’s a nice campground just off I-81. It’s hilly and has lots of trees.
Natural Bridge
We toured the Natural Bridge, the Toy Museum, the Butterfly Exhibit, and the Monacan Indian Village.
 |
| Carol begins the 137 steps down to the Natural Bridge |
 |
| This Arbor Vitae was 1600 years old when it died in 1980. It was the oldest and largest in the world. It is 56 inches in diameter. |
 |
| We drove over the Natural Bridge while driving to see it. |
 |
| Natural Bridge |
 |
| Women's work area |
 |
| Monacan lodge (called an Ati) - exterior |
 |
| Monacan lodge (called an Ati) - interior |
We had a fun, tasty dinner at the Pink Cadillac Diner (a 50s-style, family restaurant).
We travelled 129 miles in 8 hours today. It wasn't fast, but it was very full.
I want to see the picture of Carol AFTER finishing the climb UP!!!
ReplyDelete