We woke up early and hit the road by 8 am, realizing how much faster we move without the internet sucking up our time in the mornings.

Overnight, our fridge was the only thing draining our battery, but just before leaving, it shut off again. Looks like we’ll need a bigger battery. Mike plans to check the solar controller to see if that’s causing the issue.

The weather shifted from sticky humidity to cool mornings, prompting us to dig out our jumpers, a welcome change.

Today, we started our journey along the Blueridge Parkway, an 800km scenic drive through the Blueridge Mountains. Along the way, there are numerous pull-ins and overlooks, offering stunning views.

We took a hike up a steep hill to an overlook, treated to a breathtaking view of the mountains from the top. There were a couple of guys setting up a radio transmitter, a hobby of theirs to see how far they can reach using Morse code. They’ve even made contact with New Zealand.

Continuing our drive, we stopped at various overlooks, sometimes getting out of the car, other times just admiring the view from inside.

We reached the highest point on the Blueridge Parkway at 6053 feet, where we met another couple with a similar van. We bonded over our shared love for van life and they recommended a nearby campground where we decided to stay.

The campground, part of a national park, cost only $10 per night and offered a private spot. It was basic with no power, but they had showers which were much needed after a couple of days without one. I even managed to take a swim.

I appreciate the setup of camping areas in national and state parks. They provide the essentials like a firm surface for parking, a picnic table, and a fire pit. There’s usually water and a dump station, along with toilets, and sometimes even showers and electricity on your site. It’s a civilized experience while still feeling close to nature, and the prices are reasonable.

We plan to spend a few days exploring the Blueridge Parkway before heading to Virginia.