Sun - 14 Dec/14

When we got up to leave in the morning most of our neighbours in the RV parking had departed. Their spots were already occupied by other RVs. This is the norm. Many RVers prefer to drive at night or in several phases with naps in between.

The morning fill-up was at $2.709 per U.S. Gallon. These are the best fuel prices since the big recession several years ago ($1.36 in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas). While I filled Charlotte picked up Cinnabon's (sinfully good) made fresh (starting at 6 am). Yes, the Flying J had a  Cinnabon Counter). This would be breakfast as we drove.

We only remain on I-81 for about 20 minutes before turning East on I-66. When we travel south by car we stay on I-81; however in the RV we go our "usual" way to avoid the more mountainous route crossing over from I-81 to I-95 through Charlotte, SC. This is OK in the car. It is more of a strain in a motorhome & toad. It also has more of a chance of snow and ice as well when compared to the more coastal I-95 route.

We then turn off I-66 to US-15/US-17 through Warrenton, VA then on to Fredericksburg, VA where we connect with I-95. We prefer this route as it allows us to bypass the major traffic around Washington, DC. It is a little longer; but we find it a less hectic ride.

The route around Warrenton has improved greatly over the years. The original 2 lane is now 4 lanes (still 55 mph with many crossings). There is now a Warrenton Bypass which saves time and is a lot easier. The usual left turn at the traffic lights has now been replaced with a "Flyover". To go left you now stay in the right hand lane through the lights and take a right hand loop onto an overpass. I find this much easier and safer than the frustrations of the past waiting through several lights trying to turn left.

The traffic slows down as the I-95 intersection is approached. They have been working on this area for the past few years. It will soon be 8 lanes wide and the residential/shopping area slow down is only for a few miles. Soon we are on I-95 going south enjoying the clear, sunny skies.

The traffic is heavy; but moves well due to the extra lanes. I usually travel at the speed limit one lane in from the "fast" lane. This means I do not have to pull over for merging traffic. I-95 is often at 70 mph except around high density urban areas.

We loop around Richmond on I-295 Eastbound. Again, a little longer in distance than staying on I-95; but an easier drive and not much difference in time due to the higher speed limit.

Our next Flying J stop was at Kenly, NC. The RV and the Del Sol (even more so) were filthy from the snow of the previous day. Charlotte picked up ham subs and a bag of small white powdered donuts which we ate while in line with the transports at the Blue Beacon Truck Wash.

A few other RV's w/Toads were in line as well. The 2 lanes through the truck wash moved a truck about every 10 minutes. The RV and car were washed and we were back on the road in a little over an hour.

Our next (usual) stop is the Walmart in Walterboro, SC. We enjoyed the lovely sunset as we approached. We try to plan so we drive in daylight. Even with the extra hour at the truck wash we still got in as dusk was almost at an end.

As in past stops here, we had supper at the China Buffet situated in the corner mall in front and to the left of Walmart.

Picked up a few items in Walmart and returned to the RV for the night.