Day 4/5 Roanoke to Fancy Gap milepost 199

Leaving Roanoke yesterday left little doubt that we were not riding on the parkway anymore. The traffic was very heavy but manageable. we were supposed to take a 29 mi detour to get us back on the parkway but Charlie and I found a quicker route. The Parkway crosses over one of the roads we were taking for the detour and we decided to make the climb up to the parkway and get back on the closed section. We unloaded the bikes and made a couple of trips up and down with gear. It was definitely worth the effort because once we got to the parkway we had it all to ourselves. 

 Yesterday was a great day for riding and stealth camping. Charlie said it was a great improvement over our first attempt on night one! It was! Beautiful picnic spot, open restrooms and a shelter to pitch our tents under. 

Today we did about 45 miles of modest climbs. One thing you learn quickly about the Blue Ridge Parkway, everyday you're going to climb. We met a lot of nice people today. A few cyclists who were out for day rides. One couple we talked to today were nice enough to take some pictures of Charlie and I and send them to us. Thanks Deb!

We also had a wonderful treat today when my daughter and son-in-law stopped by on their motorcycle trip. Caley and TJ brought us some much needed Gatorade and stayed with us for a while at the KOA campground tonight. It took them one day to do what we did in 5. 

Here's some pics from the last couple of days:

Me and Charlie making the climb to the parkway yesterday

beautiful views on the clothes section of the parkway

I have a water filter so I'm stopping at any place that looks possible and filling up. This was a great little spring house on the side of the road. 

There's so many picture opportunities. 

Me and Caley

This is the picnic area we camped in last night. You can't get much better than this!