Nov 23, 2008 - Leaving Gaithersburg, MD

en route to Central Virginia

Start of day: 38752
End of day: 38833
Day Total: 81
Total Trip: 562 miles
States: (7) Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia
Gas Prices: around $1.79 in Central Virginia

I had a great time visiting my brother, his girlfriend, Vicki, her charming daughter, Cara and their friends for a couple of
days. They were great hosts letting me relax, feeding me, and giving me a place to sleep. We watched a few movies, ate
peanuts, drank a few beers, and even played a few friendly games of darts. It was very good to be able to decompress
and enjoy the heat and smell of a wood burning fire. Thank you very much.

Today I left Gaithersburg, MD en route to Central Virginia. But first, I have the opportunity to spend the morning with
my brother and some members of my extended family. Traditionally he spends Sunday morning with his "kids" eating
breakfast at a local Bob Evans restaurant. This morning there are six of us. We enjoyed talking and laughing while filling
our tummies with eggs and pancakes.

Breakfast club

From left to right, Mike (Randy's son), Brittany (his step-daughter),
Jason (Brittany's boyfriend), Vicki, Randy, and me.

After I left the Breakfast Club, I took the scenic route towards Leesburg, Virginia. I remembered a narrow peaceful remote
road I took a few years earlier, crossing the Potomac on a small ferry. I found White's Ferry Rd heading west out of Poolesville, MD.
There were numerous horse farms, both for riding and racing along the way. Beautiful area, the grass was still very green.

Ferry - Maryland side

When I got to the ferry, they were already loading and I was the last
vehicle on. I had no time to take any pictures from the river bank.
This is a picture looking back at the Maryland side of the Potomac.

Potomac looking north

Looking north off the ferry you can see that the river is not very wide
at this point.

Potomac looking south

Looking south off the ferry.

Ferry banner

I believe the ferry's name is the Gen. Jubal A. Early

Ferry on the Virginia side

Pulling up to the west side of the river on the Virginia side. A line of
cars waiting to board. It cost $4.00 for one way.