FL 4-9-15

We left enchanting Asheville NC Tuesday morning. I felt brave after reading a few reviews concerning I 26 to Tennessee and off we went. Yes, there are at least three 6 or 7 degree grades to negotiate. Gracie's 350 Cummins did just fine, even with the Burb in tow. Two of those grades slowed us down to 35 mph but we still made them. Water and Trans. temperature Both stayed in the normal range and between the Exhaust brake and the Burb's brakes at work downhill, I was able to keep Gracie within +or- 45 mph. Once we hooked up with 81 north I set the cruise control at 60 and other than a few downpours, made it to a rest area just north of Lexington on schedule. Considering it was almost 5 PM we chose to stay there for the night. That wasn't one of my better ideas. When trucks were not coming or going, trains were with zealous engineers pulling on the whistle. I always get what I pay for!

Yesterday was a short but challenging drive. During the last 10 miles we found ourselves climbing and descending a two lane mountain road complete with 10 plus degree grades and those wonderful switchbacks. Just to add to the excitement, the fog was so thick I could barely see my own windshield wipers. Another passing grade for Gracie and her driver.

Our destination was the Outlander RV park in Luray VA. When we pulled up to the office we were greeted by a closed sign. No wonder they had not returned Ruth's voicemail left as we were leaving the rest stop. As we were formulating a plan B, a man arrived on his four wheeler. He introduced himself as the owner and assured us they were open year round, but his office assistant had called in sick that day. With Kelly's guidance we were shown to our site and soon ready to hook up. This is a lovely setting of grass and bordering corn fields. The camp ground is bounded on one side with the Shenandoah River and beautiful rolling hills and mountains on the others.

The balance of our day was spent grocery shopping and doing laundry. Tomorrow begins another site seeing adventure.

4-10 took us to Luray Caverns just a few miles from our CG. I know these are underground, but it always amazes me that you never see them coming. As we pulled into the parking lot I say to my self "where is it?" Not even a mound or other hint. We found the ticket booth inside a building with the gift shop. It also contained the cavern entrance. Through the door and down a long flight of stairs and there it was. After seeing the cavern in Flordia, I knew what to expect but had no idea the scale would be so grand. This place was awesome! Except for the uphill climb and the 50 plus steps to exit. Sure gave the knees a work out.

After a small lunch we wondered over to the auto museum. Yah, I've seen a lot of these but you never know what you may find. This place was a treasure trove of prewar automobile excellence! So many fine specimens. Those I had only read about or ever heard of for that matter. Most of the displays were either older restorations or marvelous preservations. We were told as we were leaving all but two were good enough to drive. I can't believe I saw a Rolls Royce Woody and an early Benz in the same place. Today was a good day.