Shenandoah National Park

Day 4 

Temps remained in the 40°s last night so we didn’t even have to cinch our mummy bags tight last night. After having cereal in the van, we drove back into Front Royal for coffee and started our 105 mile, 4 hour tour of Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park.  Last year it was rainy & foggy so we couldn’t see much, but this year we had partially clear skies so the views were breathtaking.  There are 70+ pullovers along the drive, so there are lots of opportunities to stop to enjoy the views.  We saw lots of deer and tons of squirrels along the way, and fortunately we didn’t hit either.

Exiting the park we drove to Charlottesville for lunch where we took Nick’s suggestion and had pizza at the Mellow Mushroom.  Nick’s a pizza connoisseur, and his reputation is secure; we ordered two small pies and they were both outstanding!

We exited Charlottesville driving through the UVA campus, which was even more beautiful with all the flowering trees.  Stopped at Ben & Jerry’s for some cones; the 63°F temp demanding we indulge.

We had a short drive to our campsite for the night at the James River State Park where we had our first outdoor dinner, black bean soup (from the J-Town Deli) and bread from the Gettysburg Baking Company.  We’re really getting in full camping mode.