A girl named Cricket.

Well, we have officially entered the South. We stopped at a visitor's center as we entered Virginia and got all the literature we needed to get through the state. The lady helping us was Jean and she had an awesome southern accent. I swear, the closer I get to Texas, the more I'm loving all of these little south-isms I've lived without for the past four years.

We took back roads all the way to Port Royal where we got on Skyline Drive through the Shenandoah National Park. It got mountainous pretty quickly and we wound our way up to about 3,600 feet. There are a ton of scenic overlooks along the drive, so we got lots of nice pictures. The leaves haven't changed here yet, which is surprising, because it was in the 40's all day with lows in the 30's tonight. I'm guessing they'll be changing soon. Overall, a very beautiful park with outstanding views.

We borrowed a book from Tim's brother Nathan - one that he used on his road trip. It is called Road Food. It is a book of all of the best food across the country, no matter how big or small the place. We went to Mrs. Rowe's Family Restaurant, a mom and pop place with some good country cooking (also the place with the girl named Cricket). Tim got pork chops, lima beans, and sauerkraut. I got fried chicken, lima beans, and mashed potatoes. Everything was very tasty (though my mom makes better friend chicken:)). I think we'd like to keep trying unique little places along the way, but we're trying to save money and eat cheaply most of the time. That's ok, we like hot dogs and PB&J too:)

Tonight we're staying at the Days Inn instead of camping in 29 degrees. I think we'll be staying inside until things are in the 40's.. which I'm thinking should be soon. Tomorrow we're headed further down the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Distance to Texas: 1,258 miles