Wednesday, 10/27
Interested in what did happen during the night? We thought so, because we sure were!
Essentially, the weather produced nothing of concern. Some heavy rain about 5 a.m. that ceased within the hour, never to return. However, to the southwest is Chattanooga, Tennessee which took a major hit, as well as other locations on a line to the west of us. Our friends, still in DC reported that they had more rain than we, but nothing more. We're lucky. Tornado warnings are given when the wind and storms are ripe for producing tornadoes, and did, but not for us.
Unfortunately for us, our refrigerator began failing at 5 a.m. That meant we had to find a repair service qualified to work on it. Not an easy task, but we succeeded and headed for a small outfit further toward our destination. Weather cooperated and abundant sunshine made for more spectacular foliage sightings in the mountains of southwestern Virginia. This was to become the best part of the day, as the fridge problem cannot be fixed until a part arrives tomorrow morning, and then we're not totally sure if the issue will be resolved. Grrrr!!
Now, it's another overnight in another Walmart parking lot. As you know by now, we find these locations to be safe, quiet and convenient for shopping. This time, there's an "Outback" steakhouse across the street that will satisfy our need for a good time on this day.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The Shenandoah Valley & Tornado Watches
Tuesday, 10/26
After waiting for the notorious DC Beltway traffic to abate, we headed west to the Shenandoah Valley and I-81 southward toward North Carolina. While the sky was overcast, there was no doubt that Virginia's foliage was peaking in these soft, low-rise mountains. When the sun did shine, the colors were among the best of the trip. Rolling through rich farmland, on a smooth interstate was quite a break from previous freeway travels of late! Definitely, this highway is a great way to move toward the southeast. Fine roads and less traffic.
Tonight? Another Walmart parking lot experience. As we always do, we called ahead and received permission to park. However, on arrival, "security" told us to move on. "No RV parking allowed. Ever!" Sooo, another call to management and again, we were confirmed as desired "tenants". So much for effective corporate communication, even the printed memo that the security officer had in hand. However, the incident also confirmed the need to ask management for permission, regardless of what the websites and other sources tell us to do.
After inspecting the mall across the street, filled with several interesting restaurants, we returned to our coach to learn that severe weather, even tornado "watches" were in effect until 3 a.m. That news certainly energized us! What to do? Not much. We closed the front slide, made sure awnings were fully retracted, and slept fitfully.
After waiting for the notorious DC Beltway traffic to abate, we headed west to the Shenandoah Valley and I-81 southward toward North Carolina. While the sky was overcast, there was no doubt that Virginia's foliage was peaking in these soft, low-rise mountains. When the sun did shine, the colors were among the best of the trip. Rolling through rich farmland, on a smooth interstate was quite a break from previous freeway travels of late! Definitely, this highway is a great way to move toward the southeast. Fine roads and less traffic.
Tonight? Another Walmart parking lot experience. As we always do, we called ahead and received permission to park. However, on arrival, "security" told us to move on. "No RV parking allowed. Ever!" Sooo, another call to management and again, we were confirmed as desired "tenants". So much for effective corporate communication, even the printed memo that the security officer had in hand. However, the incident also confirmed the need to ask management for permission, regardless of what the websites and other sources tell us to do.
After inspecting the mall across the street, filled with several interesting restaurants, we returned to our coach to learn that severe weather, even tornado "watches" were in effect until 3 a.m. That news certainly energized us! What to do? Not much. We closed the front slide, made sure awnings were fully retracted, and slept fitfully.
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