Fall Trip 2018- Day One

“…its about the journey, not the destination…”     

Lockkeeper's lived in a lockhouse near the lock to be available day or night.

     Every fall and spring my college roommates and I take a motorcycle trip together. Well, we travel by bike to meet up, and then they hike daily while I ride around the area. Lately we have been renting a house in Brevard, North Carolina for 3 nights  or so. My birthday is September 30th, so we generally go around then. 

Lunch in Eldersburg Maryland. A great grilled chicken salad with balsamic vinaigrette. 

Another find while wandering around.

     I travel on US 15 around Frederick, where US 15 merges with US 340, which is an old friend that I have taken many times over the years on the way to Front Royal Virginia, and the northern terminus of the Skyline Drive. Today, however, I am on  the way to my buddy’s house in Chantilly Virginia, which is on the western side of Washington DC. When US 340 and US 15 split, just west of Frederick, I stay on US 15 south towards Leesburg Virginia. 

My bike sitting above what was Lock 29 of the C & O Canal. 

     Today, as I ride south, I notice a historical marker for the C & O canal. I have the time, so I decide to do a little exploring. Winding down several back roads I come to a turnoff which crosses train tracks, and then becomes a gravel road. Undaunted, on the mighty GS with its HUGE amount of suspension travel, I press on. Soon I come to a National Park sign, with a dirt road leading over a wooden bridge and into the woods. What the heck; I press on. 

The Potomac River was just about out of its banks. Notice the mud!

     This dirt road is muddy from the recent rains, and has a few potholes. I emerge from the woods to a dirt clearing on the banks of what I later learn is the Potomac River. The river is swollen, with muddy water flowing downstream rapidly. The clearing is VERY muddy and slick. I stop at the entrance of the clearing, and put the bike on the side stand for a picture. I didn’t want to go further, fall down, or get stuck! On the way back out I stop to take some pictures, and then find my way back to US 15 south and continue on my way towards Leesburg.

Interesting antique store in Lucketts Virginia.

     As I entered Lucketts Virginia I decide to stop and get a soda. Right next to the gas station is what I imagine is an antique store, with an old turquoise pickup truck out front as part of a display. I had to get a picture of that! After I bought my soda, its on to Leesburg, where I get on VA 7 east towards Falls Church VA. Then I hit VA 28 towards Washington Dulles International Airport, down to US 50. From there it is a short ride to Chantilly and my buddies house. Although I started out from home under overcast skies, I hit no rain and ended up riding in a t-shirt. We’ll see what tomorrow brings. 

     

Safe and sound at Curtis' house in Chantilly Virginia.