Salem to Louisa
Left reasonably after a good night sleep and decided that if we kept our head down, depending on our stops we could make Lancaster County in the Amish territory.
We drove the motorway to reach The Natural Bridge back near the Blue Ridge Parkway and after seeing the price they wanted to view the Bridge we passed on it. The natural bridge was similar to that that we saw on our journey along the Great Ocean Road some years ago. We rejoined the Parkway and were given magnificent views over the surrounding valleys until we reached the summit which turned into open alpine pastureland similar to the Snowy. After a short period we commenced our descent to the commencement of the Blue Ridge at the junction of the Silverridge highway and meandered through back Road. We then called into a country store selling antiques and were advised of a little country town about 10 miles away which we visited with disappointment as there was nothing virtually there although we did have a pulled pork sandwich there and I spoke to the owner getting valuable tips for my rib cooking at home.
Onwards then to a small campground were we set up for the night and discussed breezing through Washington DC tomorrow and gaining a day so that extra time could be spent in the Amish region.
At that campground was a weekend gathering of an afro American Van Club from Washington which owned Ford type van which had all been “pimped”, these included upgrades such as disco lights and fish tanks.
Early start with breakfast at a local diner in Orange County in Virginia before rocking into Washington DC. Had Baraks address in the GPS but couldn’t see it until rounding a corner with the million other people walking by so after ringing the front doorbell to have a BBQ with him we find out that he has gone to a winery for the weekend. Name of Marthas Vineyard or something. We then decide to press on with the incentive of lunch at the Cracker Barrel. After lunch we took the back roads towards Lancaster and saw some magnificent farmland. Each house and surrounds were pristine. In fact with a few small city and poorer areas the grounds and houses are a complete credit to their owners. Manicured lawns are everywhere and patriotism shines through.
Well, we finally arrive at Lancaster and are disappointed as we did not expect the size of this town. We passed through heading towards Bird in Hand and should I say it Intercourse and as we travelled further the built up areas subsided until we came to open farming land with paddocks of grain and tobacco and the first of many buggies. Buggies, bloody buggies are everywhere and what’s with all these quilt shops. Do you know that accident that Lib nearly had when she saw her first bear? Well I think she went further this time.
It was getting late and we nearly got to the campground when we came to a bridge under repair. After backtracking 7 or 8 miles we found an alternative route and arrived at the campground. It was packed due to the 62nd Annual Threshermans Reunion. This involved a large display of steam powered engines and devices and unfortunately it was over before our arrival. Booked into the campground to find the wi fi is shot from a lightning storm and won’t be on until Tuesday and the laundry is under renovation til Monday.
Anyway we are booked in here for four or five nights to round off the trip and give Petal the chance to plagiarise all the Amish quilts on display.
One decision may turn out interesting. We have decided to pack up everything in the Luvshack on Wednesday and leave early early on Thursday and drive through New York and Manhattan to our motel in Queens where we will dump the bags before driving back through New York to the rental base in NJ to sever our ties with the Luvshack.
This will enable us to not look like Nepalese Sherpa on the NJ and subway lines. We will also be able to spend some time in Manhattan on that day
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