TN4 Hop 5: Lorton VA to Gettysburg PA

97 miles via VA 242, I-95, I-495 (around Washington), I-270, US 15 and local roads. Truck miles: 224. Cumulative tow miles: 1236. Cumulative truck miles: 1409.

The trip itself was uneventful, but was on a dreary, rainy day. The drama came when we arrived at out destination – the Gettysburg Campground – where we were informed that they would be closing on Thursday (our departure day – just an overnight stop) due to expected flooding. They took my phone number and said they would call if the creek rose faster than expected. There was a slight chance that I would have to leave in the middle of the night. Fortunately that was not necessary.

There was also water-related drama during our 5 nights at the Pohick Bay Regional Park Campground but it involved our fresh water supply. I mentioned earlier that I accidentally booked an “electric only” site, so we had only the fresh water that we carried in with us – probably about 30 gallons. That would be 6 gallons per day. I tried to get moved to a water-and-electric site but was unsuccessful. So we conserved – I took a couple of showers at the bathhouse and the showers we took in the RV were limited to about 1 minute. We cheated a bit by using bottled water in the coffeemaker. We made it – 5 days on 30 gallons – but it wasn’t fun and I won’t do it again.

Pohick is becoming more and more popular and I will need to book a site far in advance. Hopefully Site 71 – the best site in the park. I probably shouldn’t mention that as my tens of readers will now know what to ask for when they head that way.

It was a rainy 5 days. While we did get some sun, every day ended with a thunderstorm. It was drizzling when we pulled out and I had to leave the firewood that I bought but couldn’t use. Not great weather, but at least I-95 wasn’t closed due to flooding as it was last spring.

Because of the weather most of our family activities were indoors, including a lot of restaurant dinners. I gained about 5 pounds. I will need to shed those before my softball game next Monday.

The rain is going to continue all the way to Massachusetts. The forecast for our arrival on Friday: rain, followed by more rain Saturday and Sunday. Welcome home.

We did get to see a lot of grandson Zachary, including watching him play a baseball game (a tough 4-0 loss). It is always a treat to spend time with this fine young man. And his parents and aunt and uncle. Thanks, all!