We had always wanted to do an overnight trip on a train. So we finally got the opportunity to take the car-train from Orlando, Fl up to Lorton, VA (near Alexandria). The two meals we had on the train were delightful. Dinner was delicious and our table mates were entertaining. Morning breakfast was simple cereal and fruit and coffee, but served on a linen table cloth with cloth napkins makes that simple fare seem so elegant!! We didn't sleep as well as we'd like; actually it was miserable! I suppose it is one of those things that you could get used to.
Got the car and we were on the road by 11am on Saturday morning; short time on the beltway and we headed west towards the hills. "The Scenic Drive" was a $15 fee for the Park entrance so we turned around and did the less crowded and cost free route through small towns and two lane highways. The fall colors were maroon, gold and amber brilliant. So many of the houses along the highway were decorated with pumpkins, scarecrows and tons of mums. We figured we'd be in Roanoke, VA by dinnertime so we mapquested a Sheraton in Roanoke and were able to get some discounts via Ben. Thanks Ben, roomservice was a total luxury since we were so tired from the night on the train. Lou slept while I drove most of the way. It made me happy he was so relaxed. I had coffeed up at Breakfast so I had plenty of energy that slipped away by the time we got in our hotel room.
Early morning for us at 9am, on the road with our 1/2 priced starbucks, thanks to Ben's discount at the Hotel. We drove about 5 miles and got onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. We had one of those perfect moments driving down the tree lined parkway, the brilliant morning sunshine, the sunroof open and our hot drinks in hand....so perfect!
There were open meadows with grazing horses and cattle. Often crossing rock bridges made in the Depression era, still gorgeous and strong. We came up on two white burros that were wearing head harnesses, but had clearly escaped their fenced pasture. We slowed down as we passed them on the right side of the road walking towards us. They stopped as we crept the car by and they looked at us with what Lou and I agreed was a very guilty look on their faces. We laughed and drove on. They probably do that on a regular basis, they looked like they knew what they were doing!
We decided to eat lunch and then just head on home. We always seem to need a recovery day after being away, so getting back to Brooksville last night late was a bit of a push, but we were able to wake up and eat and then head down to Safety Harbor.
We lounged around all day and napped enjoying our stolen Monday holiday at home. Walked downtown for dinner then back home....then we needed an ice cream cone so we walked back to town and got one, walking around town to wear it off before we got back just in time to see the sun set on the dock.
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