Blue Ridge Parkway - Day 5

 We planned to set out early with expectations of getting underway by 8:30.  At 9:30 we started rolling.  At least I didn't have any stops to make early on and the traffic was light enough that I didn't need to pull off very often to let others pass.  I was ready to pull off by 10:30 already tired and needing a break as the road was in poor condition and was fraught with tight corners and steep climbs and descents.  We had traveled 22 miles and my long travel day expectations were now gnawing at my patience.  An hour later we stopped again and I took a break, 24 miles this time.  We decided to go ahead and make lunch as long as we were already stopped.

Back on the road and making better time but soon we came across detour signs indicating construction ahead with that area closed to traffic.  Much needed construction if it was anything like the last 50+ miles I'd seen.  We got off the parkway at Hwy 16 and followed the signs.  A little relief knowing I could now drive 55 on most of the route although there were a few areas that tested me hard and I would highly recommend construction to repair the roadbed.

We re-entered the Parkway at Mile Marker 217, less than a half mile from the Virginia State Line, and OH, MY, GOD...   The Parkway was now as smooth and well constructed as the views.  The speed limit was still mostly 45 but every curve was rated for at least 45 and none of the grades were excessive.  Driving the next 50 miles to the campground was and enjoyment again.  Now it seemed we were going to arrive before the designated check-in time and so I was free to stop and get a few more of those beautiful photo opportunities.

We pulled into the Rocky Knob Campground at about 3:10 and made our way to the campsite.  Ugh, I spent the better part of an hour trying every option I could manage just to get the RV level.  I gave up after several failed attempts and proceeded around the campground loop again looking for another site that I could both fit into and get level.  Two other sites were promising but the first one was still not level enough and the second was reserved.  I drove back to the gate and chatted with the ranger.  I made one more round and found the perfect site. It's already 4:30 but I'm in, Level, and set to get started prepping for dinner. 

There are no hookups here and we are limited to running the generator until 10pm.  Nicely enough, at this elevation, it was nice and cool by 7 and we opened up the windows and I sat down to put todays post together.  Cell signal varies between 1 Bar of LTE and 3 Bars of 5G.  Hopefully, I'll get this uploaded before anybody thinks I've driven off the side of a mountain.

    We've only got about 100 miles to our next campground stop. It's a KOA Campground, so I'll probably have a good signal and update ya'll a little earlier.  Lynn and Toto said Hey!  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREA