It was a pleasant drive from Williamsburg to Front Royal, VA at the northern end of the Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah National Park. On a Thursday following the morning rush, traffic was very manageable, the construction sites were as expected, white knuckle driving a 48’ bobbing rig through a temporary narrow lane with concrete barriers on one side and semi-rigs on the other side, Linda handled these tight spots today.  We had a couple of cards to mail and needed stamps and as luck would have it, there is a PO on US-17 W with adequate lanes for the rig, and a Wawa next door. Wawa has come a long way since the 1970’s convenience store in Connecticut that I knew. Those errands taken care of, continue onward to the foot hills of the Blue Ridge Mountain range. Exiting I-66 and approaching the campground, it is clear you are off of the beaten path, distant banjo’s may be playing. The road provides a steep uphill approach to the NFC, the long rig balances on an apex of the hill at the security and check-in shack. Following confirmation, the down hill is steep, sites are to the left and right in sections.  The season is early spring, occupancy is light except for the river front where we have a reserved site. Today is another in a string of record breaking heat, it is 87 in the foothills and breaking 90 back in Williamsburg, the sun is hotter, it is humid as we set up. The North Fork of the Shenandoah River has active spring flow, and while silted, the cool of the water and rapids below site #147 look inviting. Set up seems easier each time, it is becoming automatic, we both have our tasks, it does not take long. We explore part of the campground on bikes, except for the steep up hills. The outdoor shower is an acceptable substitute for a dip in the river, Linda tries it and agrees.

• 2019 Spring