New Stanton, Pennsylvania to Ashland, Virginia

Travel Log – 9/09/2007

Today’s travels were a mix of landscapes and cultures. We left rural southwestern Pennsylvania and traveled east along the PENN turnpike until heading south on I-70 at Breezewood. We headed south into Maryland. We were at the point where West Virginia squeezes Maryland into a narrow area amidst the Allegheny mountains. The landscape is one of beautiful rolling hills plush with deciduous trees. We continued southeast along Maryland passing Hagerstown, Frederick, and heading into Washington, D.C.

Then the landscaped changed! Roads merged in from

left and right and before we knew it, we were in the city! Rick did an excellent job of driving the Beltway while staying calm. We were pleased that we made this part of the trip on a “lazy” Sunday afternoon. Once outside D.C., we were back to a slower pace in northern Virginia until we arrived in Ashland, about 25 miles north of Richmond.

After setting up and relaxing a bit, we drove into the quaint town of Ashland. They boast a local college, founded in 1830, with 1,200 students! they have a working railroad running through the middle of town (on Railroad Avenue, of course) and lots of well maintained older homes. Tomorrow, Monday, is a “catch up” day with many activities planned: house cleaning, grocery shopping, exercise, email, and preparing for a week with our customers in Virginia.

~ Lisa and Rick

A large blue sign reads Welcome to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and stands just off the shoulder of the road

Three lanes of highway stretch out in front of the truck, trees line both sides of the highway

A trestle bridge spans over the Potomac river through the driver's side window; Rick Gifford is driving the truck

The Potomac River stretches out with tree lined banks, a cloud filled sky overhead

The Potomac River stretches out of the passenger window, rolling hills covered with trees line both banks

A neighborhood of upscale houses, mostly brick, stands on a small hill between two groups of trees, blue sky above

A yellow sign on the shoulder of the road reads "KEEP ALERT"

The pointed roof of a building peeks out over the shoulder of the highway; trees cover the rolling hills behind it

A traditional red barn with silo stands in the middle of a field behind some trees, blue skies stretch out overhead

A white building with a green copper dome stands on a hill overlooking other buildings in town

Wind turbines stand in a row, tall above the trees surrounding them, all are in motion

Lights illuminate a darkened tunnel - at the far end, the light from outside glows

The road winds through low level hills that are covered with trees; blue skies with white clouds stretch out overhead

A green freeway sign reads "Baltimore, Washington D.C." and stands off the shoulder of the road

The highway is lined with various business including gas stations and fast food; stretched over the freeway are directional signs for I70 East to Washington D.C and Baltimore

A white and yellow sign stands on the should off the road and reads "Maryland Welcomes You"

Ashland, Virginia

Ashland Facts

Ashland is a town located just north of Richmond in Hanover County, Virginia. The population was 6,619 at the 2000 census. Ashland is home to Randolph-Macon College (1830).

Originally known as Slash Cottage, it was located on the Old Washington Highway (a stage route between Richmond and Washington, D.C.) and the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad, a busy north-south route now owned by CSX Transportation. The tracks run through the center of town, and the area near the Ashland train station is a popular train-watching site for railfans.

New Stanton, Pennsylvania to Ashland, Virginia

Travel Log – 9/09/2007

~ Lisa and Rick

Ashland, Virginia

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