Harrisonburg, VA
It’s been an emotional day. Sadly, I packed up camp for the last time on this epic journey this morning. While I’ve got a few more days on the road to get back to Ottawa, I have had the trailer winterized and so I’ll stay in motels from here on.
I got on the road early and put in a day twice as long as usual. It was a beautiful sunny and warm day, and a lovely drive. I traversed several Interstates, from 826 to 26, to 77, to 81 and through South Carolina, through North Carolina and through a good chunk of Virginia.
Virginia is really lovely from what I’ve seen from the Interstate. Rolling hills, pretty bucolic vignettes everywhere you look and a point of historic interest at every exit. I crossed over the Blue Ridge Parkway several times as it follows along Interstate 81. It’s definitely on my bucket list to explore. I expect to spend more time in this area before long.
It was especially nice along the way to watch spring happening practically before my eyes. In South Carolina, spring is in full swing with the azaleas already finished and the trees in full leaf. In North Carolina the trees are starting to get foliage and in Virginia the trees aren’t greening up yet, but the grass is and the pink blossoms on wild trees along the countryside were beautiful.
For the first time since I returned from Europe at the end of September (and for only the second time since I started the NANFA Tour) I’m tucked into a motel tonight. I have to say that I am enjoying the “luxury”, and we’re talking the Holiday Inn Express. It’s all relative. I just grabbed my backpack, registered and walked into my room and there it was, all set up. No un-hitching the trailer, putting down the stabilization legs, plugging in the electric cord, hooking up the water and sewer. The shower is only 10 steps away, I don’t have to wear flip flops in to the shower and 10 other people haven’t already used it today. And I don’t have to put my jacket and shoes on to go to the toilet. And WIFI – it’s lightening fast.
So yes, those are some of the downsides of trailering for 10 and a half months. But my view from my motel is of a parking lot, not a cute little lake or under the live oak trees. I couldn’t smell cooking bacon while I ate my toast and peanut butter at my picnic table this morning because I ate it in the car on route. I don’t know if I can sleep indoors tonight after sleeping in the fresh air for so many months. I haven’t seen any of my neighbours never mind had great conversations with them. I certainly haven’t been invited to enjoy fresh fish with three couples from western Georgia. I saw the signs for some interesting things today, but didn’t go see any of them. And I don’t have far to go to the restroom, but I won’t be able to look up at the stars in the dark sky on the way there.
So, yes, the NANFA Tour is winding down. Two or three more days on the road, but just getting from point A to point B rather than experiencing it. I’ll have some final comments when I have the time and patience to sit down and write it.
P.S. Oh and I have a TV in my room! And watching CNN talking about Trump’s lack of a ground game despite his strong air game and chuckling. His team not knowing the system, etc.
Lois' Adventures 