Day 13. Harrisonburg, Virginia.
Another day of sweeping roads and beautiful scenery through West Virginia. Sort of a cross between Wales in the sun and northern Spain - forest covered hills/mountains and steep river valleys. WV has been a real surprise. Unfortunately it's also one of the poorer states, with little opportunity for farming and little sign of industry or other types of jobs.

Stopped off at Seneca Rocks around mid morning, and then continued onto Shenandoah National Park, back in Virginia. More Amish, Menonite, Lutheran communities spotted on the way. Have also seen quite a few confederate flags today as WV and VA both played a key role in the Civil War.

We're staying in a camping cabin for a couple of nights now at Shenandoah Kampground, which is very cosy. Unfortunately we weren't able to rent bed linen as expected, so had to pay a visit to Walmart to buy some sheets and pillows ($5 for two!). Must have looked a bit strange motorcycling back with them strapped to Mark's passenger seat! Not sure yet whether we are going around the rest of America like this!!

Have now completed our 1350 mile loop around the northern states, and will be heading south-west down the Appalachian mountains in a couple of days time. It's been a great start to the sabbatical and we've crammed a lot in. The next couple of weeks should be a little more relaxing...(but Mark doesn't believe me!).

P.S. Thank you for the birthday wishes for yesterday - see Messages.