VA to NC

We had rain all night but there was enough of a break from it this morning to pack up and leave Luray, VA.  There was fog over the mountains as the pictures show as we were leaving the campground toward the interstate.  We did have some rain on the way along with some sun and clouds.  We went 260 miles in 5 hours to arrive at Enfield/Rocky Mount, NC. Some areas to the north have issued flood warnings and we see there is a tropical storm possibly heading toward Florida.  We are watching its progress.

More from Shenandoah N.P.

Today was overcast as predicted although we haven't had the scattered showers that were forecast.  So it was not a good day to go back the mountains.  Instead we topped off the gas tank, went to Walmart for some supplies and did laundry.  The weather forecast is for scattered showers tomorrow and more rain on Friday.  We will be heading to North Carolina tomorrow so we hope to miss the heavy showers.  Here are more pictures from Shenandoah National Park as promised.

for Jeremy

Shenandoah National Park

We had a clear day in Shenandoah National Park today!  We were able to cover half of the Skyline Drive stopping at most scenic outlooks and some visitor centers. I took lots of pictures and will post some tonight and more tomorrow.

WV to VA

Yesterday was another travel day. We were moving slow so got a later start than usual to travel 300 miles in 6 hours which was more than I had estimated.  Guess it was the mountain roads! We were surprised that the VA welcome center on I-64 was for cars only - no parking for rv's!  There was a truck stop about 50 miles up with no facilities. We pulled in and ate lunch in the camper and used our own facilities!  It was overcast when we arrived in Luray, VA and rained last night.  The forecast is clearing out and sunny today with a high of 75; last night was down to 56.  More rain coming Wednesday so we are hoping the fog lifts and we have a sunny day in Shenandoah National Park.  Look close  for fall colors in picture from the highway!

Flatwoods-Sutton WV

We pretty much chilled out today.  We went to Flatwoods Factory Outlet Stores and found a couple things. Then we visited the closest Walmart.  It has been in the 60s at night and 80s in the daytime so very pleasant with clear skies.  We are only getting 2 tv stations here both public broadcasting.  We have seen some children's shows, cooking, quilting, painting, British shows, a local college football game, history, some world news and such.  Interesting but no Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy and no college or pro football games. Another view of our campsite and of the amphitheatre in the campground which is not used much any more.

New River Gorge

Today we ventured out in the opposite direction for about the same distance.  We spent our time at the New River Gorge National River and Bridge.  We found that the waterfalls were spaced out too much to see them and the Gorge so we chose the Gorge.  We had our lunch at the Grandview overlook area far above the river.  We made it to the bridge which we had actually driven across with the camper on our way to the campground and will drive across it again when we leave this area.  It is amazing to see the bridge from underneath and the river far below, The boardwalk with steps goes down 200 feet; my fitbit counted it at 14 floors!  The river was 600 feet further down.

Blackwater Falls

We went to Blackwater Falls State Park in Davis, WV today.  I had seen it on Pinterest and we thought we might go there last year but there was a lot of rain in the area so we didn't go.  We packed a picnic lunch and took the 2 hour drive there.  There is a boardwalk down to the falls with many steps;  my fitbit registered 15 stairways today!  The falls are beautiful and so is the park.  We were there about 2 hours and then a 2 hour drive back with a stop to pick up some groceries.  There are more waterfalls to see here of course and we will head in the other direction for those.  We chose a campground in the middle so we wouldn't have to deal with setting up the camper as often.

TN VA WV

Today was a travel day from Sevierville, TN to Sutton, WV.  We traveled 322 miles in 6 hours.  Our GPS wanted us to go in a different direction from what we had mapped out so we went our way and eventually it got on the same page. In the meantime I used Google maps on the phone just to confirm our route.  I sure do love that app; just discovered it when we made a wrong turn in Cleveland, TN (I know I'm late to the game on that!! go ahead and sigh "duh"!!).  The weather is a little cooler here in the mountains and of course it is officially fall!

Sevierville TN

Today was about beans and apples!  The campground recommended a visit to Bush's Best Visitor Center Museum and General Store.  It was interesting to see the history of the family owned company and their plant.  Admission was free which was a plus but the store had several items calling our names so they make their money.  A short film showed some of the history and the current production line. When we here about 25 years ago we had gone the Apple Barn and decided to visit it again.  Of course they have added much to it including a candy shop, an ice cream parlor, and a winery. There is also a restaurant where we enjoyed lunch with complimentary apple fritters.  Again there was no admission charge but we managed to spend some money there as well. We just felt like we needed to buy one of their apple pies among other things. The only picture from there is the sign.

Great Smoky Mt National Park

We started our day in Gatlinburg riding on the sky lift up to 2300 feet on Crocket Mountain. There's a gift shop up there and great views.  We walked around a bit when we came back down and then went to Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  The ranger suggested that we make our way up to the highest point at Clingman's Dome which is 6643 ft. On the way we stopped at the Chimney Rock picnic area for lunch which was nice.  Approaching the top we saw cars and trucks parked on the side of the road coming out and quickly realized that the parking lot was full! So we drove around the parking lot and headed back down not wanting to park the truck on the side of the mountain.  It was pretty up there.  Coming back down we stopped at Newfound Gap and were able to park safely and walk around and take pictures.

this should be first picture

Dollywood

We spent the day at Dollywood.  It has expanded a lot since we were here about 25 years ago! No real surprise there.  We mostly went to the shows and rode the train which was just put back in service today.  It wasn't so hot today. There is so much to do there it would probably take a few days.  Of  course we did take time to have lunch about 2 so we really don't need dinner tonight.  There were also a few stops at the shops.  All in all an enjoyable day.

Tennessee

Today was a short travel day.  We took our time packing up since we had some rain and left Harrison Bay State Park at 10:45.  It is a nice park with plenty of campsites but most are not level. They have a big marina on a large lake as well as a nice swimming pool which was closed for the season.  We had more rain along I-75 and I-40 but when we arrived at the Riverside RV Park in Sevierville, TN around 1 it had stopped.  After we set up and had lunch the rain came back and it was steady (no wind tho) all afternoon.  We went for a short walk after dinner when the rain had stopped.  Of course it is football season and we have cable so had good reception for the games this afternoon. This is a nice campground on the Pigeon River. We'll be here for a few days. The weather report was that the rain is moving out of the area and it cooled off a bit!