10/17/2026 -landed in Staunton VA

 Mr Charley & I landed safely in Staunton, VA. We kept changing our mind between Staunton & Charlottesville (and I’m sure the “Hey Google” guy was quietly shaking his electronic head, but we decided to land in Staunton. 

I had no idea there was a Shenandoah National Park (which is 1 exit up from where we landed), so guess where  we’re going tomorrow‼️ That puts us over the 40 mark in our National Parks count. ☺️ 

It was a relatively nice drive. Traffic wasn’t too bad, except for my little rant about Charlotte, NC stealing 2 lanes of I-77 for their own “NC Quick Pass”!  

I was surprised the Fall colors just aren’t there. There were a few places along the way, but nothing like Upstate SC/N.GA “changing of the leaves”. Maybe on our way back. 

Here’s a few pics along the way:

I always have to read signs and keep Mr Charley “entertained” when he’s driving . Here’s a couple of my Google searches: 

Did you know there’s a Natural Bridge in VA?

That’s it for today. Not sure how the pics are gonna turn out. Blogger won’t let me upload my pics straight from iPhone, I actually have to Copy/Paste. So we’ll see once I “publish”

10/17/2026 DC ROAD TRIP‼️

 So….Mr Charley & I are planning a road trip to DC & Philly. It will be our first trip since 2023, and our first one without “the girls”. It’ll be different since we won’t be RVing, but….thats cool, we still split everything which makes it affordable for both of us. 

President Trump has made it a mission to “clean up” our Country & specifically, our Capital,  Washington, DC. So, I have had it on my heart to go visit the new, cleaned up version. Mr. Charley is ALWAYS up for a new adventure so, we’ve planned a Road Trip to drive to DC and Philadelphia, Pa. Although we’ve both been there, it’s been a long time since either of us has seen it. It’s also America’s 250th Anniversary year.

Here’s our Itinerary: 

Sat 10/17: 

Leave SC,  stay over in  Staunton, Pa 

 Sun 10/18:

1. Check-in after 3:00

Holiday Inn- Washington Capitol- National Mall 

550 C St SW Washington DC  

 2. Monuments at Night Tour                                            790 Pennsylvania Ave NW (booked on Viator)               7:30-9:30 pm

Mon 10/19:

Smithsonian Air & Space Museum       10:00-5:30                           650 Jefferson Dr SW  (free pass booked) 

Tue 10/20:

 1  Arlington Trolley Board @ Arlington Welcome Center 

1 Memorial Ave Fort Myer, Va 

Booked on Viator 

2 National Archives Tour (free passes)  10-5:00

701 Constitution Ave NW 

Wed 10/21 : 

CHECK OUT & head to Philly!