Plan B Fell Into Place

Happy Monday morning to all you worker bees and foot-loose bees!  There's a hint of fall in the air here in the NC foothills and it feels divine!

Today's Story is all about taking a Plan B detour home from the MD DOG. Instead of returning back to the T@Bport along the same route we traveled to get here, we headed off in a different direction with a different agenda.  Our original plan was to travel Highway 340 out of Frederick down to Shenandoah River State Park for the evening.  Chef Elaine told us it was one of their favorites, but not to expect much shade.

The temperatures gradually climbed to 91° as we made our way from Cunningham Falls State Park down to Shenandoah River.  I wasn't crazy about the steep, steep road into the campground and I really wasn't a happy camper when I saw the total lack of shade.

Shenandoah River State Park in Bentonville, VA

One of many nice campsites to choose from

Hmmm . . . not too many trees in this newer state park

We made two loops around the campground so we could find a good site that might offer a bit of late afternoon shade.  Momma Sharon even backed into the one in the middle photo, but it didn't take long before we were all rolling in sweat for her to make an executive decision to leave!  She checked in the office and the ranger told us we could get a voucher for a return camping trip to Virginia so that iced our decision.

In another season, this would be a great place to camp and a good location for exploring the region, but not on this hot Sunday in August.  Plan B immediately went into effect . . . continue down Highway 340 to Waynesboro and stop at the North 340 Campground.  After a comfort lunch at Mickey D's, that's what we did, breathing a sigh of relief.

A familiar, friendly place 

Waynesboro North 340 Campground welcomed us

So did the big black bear!

The lady in the office remembered us from our overnight here while on the Gettysburg Caravan in 2010.  She asked Momma Sharon where everyone else was and Mom said, "I left them in Maryland!"  The lady laughed and said to take any site we wanted and to make ourselves at home.  So that's exactly what we did.

We pulled into a shady spot under the pine trees with a cool breeze that was mere steps away from the bathroom.  Priorities, priorities!  Aunt Becky and Mom were tickled to death with how Plan B fell into place.  A picnic supper out of the Yeti, a strong wifi signal from the office, and that breeze I mentioned made for a perfect evening in site #49!

Settled in the shade in a pull-thru site #49

Near the office, near the bathrooms . . . did I mention shade?

Aunt Becky was a happy camper!

My Camper Mom was a happy camper too!!

Ham salad sliders and Lime Doritos on Splish's tailgate

Journaling & internet-time were on the evening agenda

I really appreciate you dropping by for another Chapter in this continuing MD DOG Story.  I'll be writing one for you tomorrow too if you want to drop back by.  Until then, always remember . . . 

"Peace, Love, & A Successful Plan B"