Reporting In

[Gentleladybear]

This parkway driving is not as bad as it has been described to me. You gear down go down a hill. I have gotten comfortable enough I take pictures out the window. When I get a bit more power on my internet connection I will post them. This has been a beautiful drive, some wonderful sights and glad that I am up where it is cool, especially during the holiday traffic.

Thanks to Liz I have taken a step and seen some areas I would never have traveled to. This has been one of the best decisions I have made. Sometimes you need to reach out, take the hand of a friend and try things you have never tried before.

Nan

[Bethers]

Nan, I'm thrilled for you - to have that beautiful drive (I love it) and such great company for this first real journey of this kind for you. You are both lucky to have each other. And I was so hoping you'd like driving the Parkway the way I do - it's so gorgeous. And the thing is, the next time you do it, you'll see it completely differently - especially if coming from the opposite direction or during a different season.

[bluepinecones]

Ditto to all Beth said.
Looking forward to your photos.

[cpatinjones]

Hi Nan

I am so happy you are enjoying your trip. And yes, sometimes we do need to step out. Enjoy your journey! Looking forward to your pics, too.

[carold]

Nan, so glad your journey is turning out well. Of course, with Liz by your side, how could it be otherwise. Looking forward to pictures of the rest of your travels. carold

[BirdbyBird]

Nan, you are so right. I seem to remember another forum sister, who volunteered to drive south down the Natchez Trace with me a couple of years ago on one of my first "wanderings", after the Nashville gtg. CArol demonstrated the art of traveling slow and exploring the pull outs and finding interesting places...oh and together we both met some interesting individuals in the campgrounds When in doubt of undertaking these new directions and adventures solo, I highly recommend, gtg's and traveling sisters as the best reasons to just "head on out." From there your own sense of adventure will do just fine! From there you imagination of possibilities can be you guide!

[Rufflesgurl]

Nan - Enjoy all your travels. If you're with Liz I know you will see beautiful areas & things!!

Linda

[AlmostThere]

Nan, you are so right. I seem to remember another forum sister, who volunteered to drive south down the Natchez Trace with me a couple of years ago on one of my first "wanderings", after the Nashville gtg. CArol demonstrated the art of traveling slow and exploring the pull outs and finding interesting places...oh and together we both met some interesting individuals in the campgrounds When in doubt of undertaking these new directions and adventures solo, I highly recommend, gtg's and traveling sisters as the best reasons to just "head on out."

I would love a traveling sister to do this with, but we are too scattered out here in the NW.

[HorizonSeeker]

I am eagerly reading your posts, Nan, and following Liz' blog. I would like to try the Blue Ridge Parkway on my way back from PA/NY this summer. Was worried about the 26' but if you can do it in 30' then I think I can. Plus there are lots of pull offs I see. Keep posting pix.

Vickie

[BirdbyBird]

Lenora.....the miles don't add up quite the same here on the forum. It starts by getting in the rig and driving to that first gtg even if it is "maybe a little farther" than your comfort zone. From there anything can happen. I always laugh when I remember Sharon saying something to the effect, "I'll be in Arkansas visiting family so what is another 500 miles to drive to Nashville...."

[sharon]

Yeah Tina, and I remember eating those words when it rained...hard!...all the way there! But it was soooo worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat! May have to if I want to see Mitch and Vicki this year.

[Bethers]

Yeah Tina, and I remember eating those words when it rained...hard!...all the way there! But it was soooo worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Let's see - I was to go from Huntsville, AL to Campbellsville, KY. Total miles: 253.

Then there was the women's gtg in Arkansas. Hmmm, is that on the way?
Huntsville, AL to GTG: 562 miles

Then, of course, since I already veered off course, went north and stopped to visit my sister in WI, on to Chicago to visit my old school friends, down to visit Kathleen in IL, on to visit Carol and the Driver in IN. Finally arriving in Campbellsville.

Total mileage the way I drove from AL to Campbellsville: 2876 (not included the extra miles put on going from WI to Chicago and back in the rv, then from Kathleen's to Chicago and back again in the car).

Was it all worth it? You bet.

And people wonder why my food budget is $100 for a month - have too many other things I want to spend my money on

[Gentleladybear]

I have been out traveling before, but always alone. Drove my first 23 foot rig to Michigan and back twice. Got off the beaten trails more than once and saw a lot. But this is just so much more fun. I am not sure I would have ever tried the parkway, but oh I am so glad I did. I see big 5th wheels up here, class A's and figure if they can do this so can I. I have been across the mountains, but never on top of them. The weather is perfect, the rain is welcome and the flowers beautiful...

[BirdbyBird]

Well,....maybe too because it is called retirement this time. You can go slow. You can speed up. But you get to decide how and when you want to travel and there is no "be back in 14 days...." If you see a sign and an arrow you get to decide

[dayspring39]

How much more fun can you have!! enjoy every minute...
Kathleen