23May2008 Beginning our drive across America

23May2008 Baltimore MD
It was the day after Romina's graduation. Had a superb breakfast at the Blue Moon Cafe with Ro and Ben. We were introduced to scrapple which tasted like liver after it had gone through a blender and fried. We started our drive and reached Front Royal, the town at northern entrance of Shenandoah NP, where we bedded down for the night at Quality Inn. Since it was the Memorial Day weekend, the place was packed. Many walk-ins were turned away, including a group of ageing bikers on their immaculate Harleys. The receptionist at the front desk was thrilled to have guests from China (HK)!
We slurped down our instant noodles in our room and quickly slipped into bed, in anticipation of an early start the next morning.


The backbone of Shenandoah NP is the Skyline Drive which runs from north to south for 105 miles along the crest of the northern Appalachians. There were four entrances to the park. Holiday makers were relieved from being cramped up inside their vehicles with 75 scenic overlooks along the way. To engage the energetic traveller - there were umpteen trails which ranged from easy to strenuous. Points of interest - waterfalls, lakes, mountain peaks, campsites - on either side of Skyline Drive can be accessed by short detours. So visitors had to know what they wanted to see in advance and how much time they can spare, novices like us just had to learn as we proceeded.

distance travelled 109 miles