13 June 2023
NC to Wisconsin
Stopped to pick-up a recent map at the Virginia Welcome Center. Still love the VA tourism “I Love Virginia” theme.
Virginia is thin here, so it was just an hour before we stopped at the West Virginia welcome center. We didn’t really need to stop, but did want a new paper map of the state. Despite having multiple electronic mapping devices, we still like the overview available in a big paper map. Later in the day we did both chuckle when Beth spread her thumb and index finger apart trying to zoom in on the paper map.
Interstate 77 is a very pretty drive through the mountains of both the Virginias. It can be miserable during bad weather or a holiday rush, but on a weekday in good weather the views are terrific. We were fortunated that traffic wasn’t backed up at either of the tunnels in West Virginia.
Stopped in Princeton WV to see their Railroad Museum. It offers a pleasant, free, tour of the station and a caboose.
Beth liked the nicely restored yellow rail speeder or railcar. Some folks buy them and get permission to ride on abandoned rail lines. There is, of course, an association web page if you are looking for a new hobby.
The Virginian Railway had a major shop complex here where locomotives and cars could receive major repairs. The only equipment they didn’t service were electric locomotives. You can see the extensive trackage, shops, and roundhouse from the heyday of steam in the mountains. Norfolk & Western bought the Virginian in 1959 and closed the Princeton Shops in 1991.
Also inside, there are several exhibits, including this nicely detailed, operating, O-gauge three rail model railroad.
On the way out of town, we stopped at Evan’s Sweets, a cute, 1950’s themed, Frozen Custard shop.
Pulled into Tamarack Craft Center where we often boondock on the way north. Turned the propane switch on and heard a hissing sound. Inspected the underside of our Lexor and found the propane hose damaged between the tank and the regulator. This happened two years ago, so we need to investigate a way to protect that hose from road debris.
Changed plans and headed over to the campground at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Campground so we could plug in to keep us cool and our food cold.
The campground sits high above the mine complex.
We had site 12 of the 17 sites in a loop. The nightly fee is $35 + tax.
Today’s Route