2011 Trip across the US
2012 Trip across the US
2014 Trip across the US
2015 Trip to Alaska
2015-16 Southwest Trip
2016 New England Trip
2016 - 17 Southwest Trip
2017 - 18 Trip to Pick Up a New Escape 21 Trailer & More
2018 - 19 Trip to Winnipeg & the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
2019 - 20 Trip to the Southwest
Sunday, October 24, 2021 - Natural Chimney County Park, Mt Solon, VA - 229.1 Miles, 521.5 Miles for the Trip
For what ever reason, I didn't fall back to sleep after my 7:00AM eye drops to my usual 8:30 up & out of bed. By 7:30 I was wide awake. I got up, made the bed, and breakfast. It was 45°F outside & 62°F in the trailer. I decided to save my walk for the Natural Chimney park.
After breakfast I read on the computer for a bit, then packed up the trailer. It was a 3 1/2 hour drive to Natural Chimney County Park, all except the last 15 miles on I 81. I filled up in Virginia which is the cheapest gas of the trip so far at $3.30 per gallon. This will be a more expensive trip compared to 2019 - 20, at least for fuel since the most expensive gas for that trip was $3.00 per gallon.
I arrived at Natural Chimney County Park around 2:15 and checked in at the office. The sites are interesting - the only ID is stamped on the power pedestal, with back to back sites on each side, ie I'm in site A4 & behind me is site A17. According to the attendant, your site goes from 1/2 way to the previous site number to 1/2 way to the next site number. Site A4 is interesting. There is no way to get to it through the 10 2' diameter trees scattered between it & the road unless you back in 50' weaving through the trees. I drove around the loop, and pulled into the site from the entrance to site A18. As long as my neighbor in site A5 doesn't park his truck at the edge of his site next to mine, I should be able to weave my way out on Tuesday. It is on grass/dirt, water & electric for 32.65 per night. A very beat up picnic table (labeled A17 - site A17 has a picnic table labeled A4. I guess they got here first!).
I decided to walk around the campground, making notes on which sites are suitable. The campground on line map doesn't show the trees or the sites that are heavily sloped. I think it would be a good idea to do this for all the campgrounds I plan to make repeat stays & keep it in the notes section of my computer & phone. That will make on line reservations work better.
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| Site A4 | The Trees | The Trees | Possible Path Out |
That said, it is a pretty site with lots of room between the trees. There was even a fire going in the fire pit. There is one minor problem - all those trees are dropping fall leaves. While the shade would be appreciated in the middle of summer, right now sitting outside results in leaves falling on your head. Sitting outside is nice otherwise - sunny (outside of the shade) and 72°F.
I sat around the fire reading until 5:00 or so, and made dinner (an Impossible Burger & Bush Bourbon & Brown Sugar Beans.
After dinner I headed to the park's namesake, the Natural Chimneys:
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| The Natural Chimneys | |
Until Tomorrow -
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Last Update:
October 25, 2021