Sunday, September 1, 2002

We left the KOA about 7:45, drove toward Fredericksburg, stopped at a Race Track for fuel.  Then up XA1 to VA-3.  We traveled west for a few miles, then southeast to Charlotteville, then west on I-64 to Waynesboro and the 340 North Campground. 

We arrived about 10:30, set up, then ate a bite of lunch.  We went over to Skyline Drive to the North about 2pm.  We made quite a few overlook stops.  We also ran into a guy flying his RC Glider.  We checked out the campground on Loft Mountain.  It was a really nice, no hook-ups, but only $14 per day.  Being a National Park, Golden Age Passport Holders camp for only $7 and free admission.  We drove on Skyline drive for about 35 miles, then got off on VA-33, to US-340, then back to the camp.

We walked over to the pavilion at 7:30 for a gospel music concert.  The group was actually pretty good.  Oh, before the concert, the guys won the 42 game 3-2.

Monday, September 2, 2002

We both slept late today, 7am for me and 8am for Donna.  We didn't leave camp until about 9am or so.  Breakfast at 'Weassie's Kitchen", a local flavor grill type cafe.  I had eggs, link sausage, home fries and toast for $2.75 - unbelievable!

We got on the Blue Ridge about 10, real foggy and cloudy but after about 10 miles it cleared up on top of the mountain, but still lots of clouds below.  We ran up on some rock climbers, visited with them for a while.  Mac was really fascinated.  While we watched them, we spotted some more climbers, teen boys with their dad watching.

We stopped at several overlooks, as the clouds cleared more, then visited a campground, but were not impressed. We crossed over the James River, then drove back across to the visitor's center and took a short walk.  Donna and Lena walked across the river on a foot bridge that was hanging underneath the highway bridge.  Mac and I sat on a rock wall and watched.

We then got off the parkway, went to Buena Vista where we spotted some interesting sculptures on a big hill.  We drove up the hill to a city park and learned the statutes were Lincoln, Tyler and McKinley. We then got on I-81 and returned to camp with a short stop for Donna to get a hamburger.  We got back about 4:45.  Donna is now taking a nap, and I have instructions to wake her up at 6pm for the 42 game.

Ladies won 3-2

Tuesday, September 3, 2002

Today was all driving.  We left about 7am from camp, down I-81 through Virginia, into Tennessee, through Tennessee, a slice of Georgia, and just into Alabama - the northwest corner.

In Chattanooga we got on I-59 headed southeast to Birmingham where we will hook up with I-20 toward home, but will not try to make it in one day.  Too much chance of getting tired and making a mistake.  Plus, the 500 miles today was pretty rough on Mac.

We talked to Abe this afternoon, his brother Davy has bought the 'Fifth Wheel Truck Stop' in Lufkin and is taking over this afternoon, according to Abe.

Ladies won 4-2

Wednesday, September 4, 2002

Again, another day on the road.  From about 7am until about 3:30, over 450 miles.  We are in West Monroe, La, about half-way across Louisiana.  Actually we are at mile marker 112, so 112 miles from Texas, then about 90 - 100 miles to home, maybe a little more.

We all decided to be in no hurry leaving in the morning, just whatever time we stir.  Donna talked to Michelle this morning, told her we would be home in time to help with moving Maw.  Sharon is going to Maws on Friday, hopefully to pack a lot of things.

Donna also called Bailey's about putting a receiver hitch on the Dakota.  They were supposed to have ordered it before we left.  Jay was not in, and Donnie said could not do it until next week.  We needed the hitch to pull a trailer to move Maw this week-end.  So, we called Allan and arranged to borrow one of his trucks.  No problem.

Game tonight was 3-3 tie.  Since tonight was the last night on the road, Donna tallied the games.  Men - 32;  Ladies - 29.  Pretty close.

Thursday, September 5, 2002

Just travel today.  Arrived home without incident.