Day 1 And We Are Off

We met Bill and Sandra Venable at the McDonalds on Kent Island at 7:30 AM and were on the road by 8 making pretty good time. Lunch in Orange VA at our favorite restaurant at the intersection of 15 and 20 and then we arrive at the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway by 2:30 PM. The temp was 70 when we left home and had climbed to sweltering by noon, but as we entered the Parkway and began climbing the mountains the temps dropped by at least 20 degrees. I am never disappointed when I get on the Blue Ridge; the soft breezes, sweet smells of the wild flowers floating on the air and the sunlight dancing through the openings in the canopy of green leaves over the ribbon of asphalt winding its way over the top of the most beautiful mountain range. Every once in awhile the canopy opens to reveal a stunning view of the valley below and you can only steel a quick peak while riding because this ribbon is barely more than a path through the wilderness with no guardrails or shoulders. The speed limit is 45 but with one curve after another turning you left then right then left again you seldom reach speeds above 40. Plus you want to watch for the residence – deer, bear and turkey to name a few. Didn’t see the deer or bear today but we did see the turkey. The parkway is not the most challenging of roads to ride even though it does have some very sweet curves with some so tight you cannot see through them and wonder if there is even a road on the other side but it seems to extend a sweet southern invitation that you cannot resist as it rocks you back and forth. Covering over 350 miles today we landed in Bedford for the night. A nice dinner and shower to remove the road dirt and everyone is ready to retire and plan for an early start in the morning.