2013 Lap around the USA

[DonnaR57]

FWIW -- hubby and I did the Skyline Drive from Staunton VA to Front Royal VA in about 5 hours. Going north from Staunton, we went as far as the visitor center at Big Meadow stopping at most of the scenic views. Then we realized what time it was, and that we needed to get into northern NJ by a decent hour -- so we only stopped at two or three more scenic viewpoints before Front Royal and getting back on I-81.


Donna

[john.waters]

Thanks Donna.
It looks to me I just have to see what time we have used up by the time we get to Cherokee and go from there. Me loving the slow pace I think Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Dive will fit in nicely. I know there will be times where I will have to get the miles behind us and hit the interstates.

[john.waters]

Well it think that once a trip is planned, the computer should be turned off or at least google. Its so easy to find more beautiful places to add to the trip or want to see as well.

I just happend to be on facebook and a friend pointed out where she lives in West Virginia. What a beautiful place it is. How do I fit more in. Thinking about a diverting off the Blue Ridge Parkway for a while to have a quick look in WV and back on the Parkway.

I cant see us fitting the whole itinerary in so just going to keep looking until we run out of time and have to go home.Always trip 3.

John

[Lifemagician]

John, what I do is write everything in an exercise book, by State. Even things I see on telly, which might interest me. Have recently added some spots which I saw in Meteorite Men. The Pickers programs are great for that too.

Then when you are in that area you can decide which you want to go and check out; see which you have time for.

The rest are the makings of..... Trip 3. (I told you it becomes addictive.)

Lifey

[john.waters]

Thanks Lifey.

I thought I had the tripped planned,But really all I have is a start and finish day and time in between. The route we have mapped out is what we want to do ao anything else will be a bonus.There is always trip number 3.

Its hard to get the perfect plan.My only concern with this trip is the big distances between stops or major stops.

I think Ill just go with the flow and go by my itinerary,I can speed it up or slow down if need be.
My passion for photography and landscapes is what gets me into trouble when using google.

John

[Lifemagician]

John, here in my collection I have something which I feel almost sure would interest you. It is a post card of a scene in western North Carolina, entitled Railroad at 17 Points.

On the back the description is:

Some of the most marvelous feats known to railroad engineering are to be found near Round Knob in the "Land of the Sky". The railroad in winding and rewinding and making its numerous loops in order to reach the summit of the great Blue Ridge, can at one place on the line be seen at seventeen points.

Now, wouldn't you like to get a photo of that? I have never yet made it there, but plan to sometime.

Lifey

[john.waters]

Thanks for the tip off Lifey.This should be an easy detour off the Parkway. The Railway is very much still flowing through my veins. I wont be missing this place. Im even planning on going to to Tehachapi to photograph the rail loop this trip.Just depending on time.

Thanks
John

[john.waters]

Just looking on the web for ideas of places to visit in Pennyslvania. Well what did I find.Another great Railway attraction. Horseshoe Bend Park near the town of Altoona. Well thats another to the list.

But what I really would like to know is about visiting an Amish community. I have heard about Lancaster,but dont get me wrong but from what I can see it comes across like a tourist attraction /theme park the way it is advertised. Is it worth the visit or should I be looking for quiter locations off the beaten track so to speak.

Id like to be able to just drive around and do my own thing without the buggy rides or bus tours and not get in anyones way. I noticed Pittsburgh area but a little out of the way.Id like to visit the communities but not wanting to impose.
Any ideas.
Cheers

John

[Lifemagician]

John, you could spend most of your trip seeking out the wealth of railroad sites in PA. There are so many historic and architecturally magnificent sites. One of the reasons why I love PA. Fortunately I need to cross it almost every time I head to MA.

If you have not already done so, check out two of my favourites. Kinzua Bridge - I stumbled upon this in 2001, did not get a chance to go back in 2004, and learned later that it had been taken down by a tornado in 2003. In 2007 I went back, and could have cried, seeing it there, lying on the valley floor. Still a great site. Still worth visiting as all the historical data is still there, and you can walk out onto what is left standing of the bridge.

The other is Tukhannock Viaduct (Nicholson Bridge). I can see the photographer in you being stuck there for much longer than you'd planned. Another I just stumbled across. Right there, where route 11 intersects with route 92, not all that far from Wilkes Barre.

There are lots more.

Lifey

[glc]

Lancaster is a city - not exactly a small community like what you are looking for. However, it's a good place to "base" yourself for touring the countryside. PA-340 from Lancaster to Coatesville would be a good road to drive and explore, there are tourist facilities in the small towns along it. US-30 is a lot more congested.