September 8th Princeton to Strasburg
I decided on Tas's advice to do the Skyline Ride which begins at Front Royal and goes across the top of the Appalachians for approximately 115 miles. It is meant to be one of the most beautiful roads in the country. If my memory serves me correctly it was built as one of Rosevelts New Deal projects during the Depression.
After my experiences the previous day with Tolls I decided to change my settings on Sally Satnav to Avoid Tolls. This worked great but most of the roads I was one had an average speed limit of 45 mph, so the 250 miles to get to Front Royal took most of the day, what with busy traffic and all. It was not a pretty journey passing through the outskirts of Philadelphia but Maryland looked quaint and rural with picket fenced farms with rocking chair verandahs. The numerous Trump posters spoilt the picture post card image. What was more worrying, was the only Hilary poster I saw was one asking her to go to prison!
It was unbelievably hot yesterday at one point the outdoor temperature registered 40 degrees and a very humid heat. On the bike it was like having a hair dryer blown at you. The heat from the engine was also being blown onto my legs. After a stop for a drink and an ice cream I decided my very thin jacket I was wearing would have to come off - it felt much better with just my shirt. I know in Britain most people would gasp at this reckless action, but in the States no one appears to wear motorcycle gear. I can see why! Until I get to the tip of South America I think my bike apparel will be redundant. My helmet is also a concern as being a full face one it seems to keep the heat in, so yesterday my head felt it was under a salty shower. Not a great image and shower a bit of an exaggeration but I'm sure you get the picture.
When I arrived at Fort Royal my Satnav located a campsite and only 2 miles away and on the banks of the Shenondah River. I quickly found it and it looked ideal the, grassy meadow with loads of room and views of the Appalachians. I was greeted by the owner standing outside his massive RV and I could see he wasn't best pleased to see a motorcycle on his camp ground. He was friendly enough but said he had no room for me as the Town Elders only allowed 30 pitches and they were all taken. I didn't believe him as on my departure a large RV arrived and i could see him directing it to a space! He had given me directions to another campsite which I duly followed even though it was some miles away. His direction were impeccable but on arrival I quickly turned around at the gate entrance, it was terribly run down and the signs advertising it were hand painted and informed me that there was Bingo on offer tonight. It looked like a Hillbilly shanty town - again there was not a tent in site. I decided to use Sally Satnav (SS) and she came up with another campground 11 miles away near the small town of Strasburg, after some navigational errors it took me there and this site made the previous one look like Butlins, I'd entered the campground and driven round but the looks from the not so happy campers glaring at me quickly made my mind up - so my hope of sitting by my tent with mugs of tea was quickly fading.
It was getting late now and I was so hot and smelly that in desperation I sought out a hotel. I found a very posh Marriot, but it was incongruous against the beautiful scenery and also very expensive. I headed back into the town of Strasburg and found the only hotel in town, this was quant and very American War of Independence - my family will know what I mean if I say it was very Nana Dolly.
Anyway after a good shower and a change of clothes I walked up the main street which took all of two minutes and it had more empty shops than Liskeard. Which is a shame as it really must have been quite pretty in its heyday. So back to the Hotel Room with a $5 Pizza followed by a beer in the Hotel bar. I was immediately drawn into conversation with the guy sitting near me at the bar, which was great.
After a good nights sleep in an air conditioned room Ill be off to start the Skyline Road, I'm looking forward to it, but again its going to be a long day as the speed limit is 35 mph! After yesterday's difficulties I have done 'A Miles' and booked up accommodation  in advance - some 250 miles away.

Tas and I saying Goodbye in the Carpark at Princeton