Rt. 495 around Washington D.C. in an RV

13 years ago

I am soooo glad I wasn't driving! I fianally had to just try to nap thru the worst of it. We hit it about 3 pm. in the Falls Church area. It was NOT fun. But we are safely in Gettysburg for the night. We haven't decided if we are staying more than that. Kathy_, if you see this, my cell phone number is the same as it was the last time we were your way! We got in around 6. Went to dinner and drove around a bit, then came back to camp and did two loads of laundry. Boy, were we surprised when we saw the old visitor's center gone! For those that have been here, but don't know, they built a new one and tore down the old one. Guess we will find out more tomorrow.

I'm beat, it's about bed time!

Tami

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Comments (13)

kacram
13 years ago
doesn't sound like fun!!!!!!
juellie1962
13 years ago
The traffic doesn't sound fun, but I sure do envy you...I LOVE road trips and would love to be on one right now!! :)
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azzalea
13 years ago
Wow--you made good time. Last time I was driving on the 495, it took me 4 hours to go about 10 miles. NEVER again!

Enjoy your vacation!
tami_ohio
Original Author
13 years ago
Actually, I guess the traffic wasn't that bad, I just don't like any traffic, and the idiots who are texting and cutting in and out of traffic, and slamming on brakes in front of you just as the GET in front of you in itty bitty cars that don't know rigs can't stop on a dime.........

I got tired of getting set on my nose as DH tried to stop and not hit anyone. If you leave room between you and the car in front, someone fills the spot. RRRR!

But we are having fun. Waiting for breakfast quiche to thaw and heat, before exploring Gettysburg.

Tami
Zipper_TX
13 years ago
Yup, most of them seem to think we're slow so they jump out in front of us, actually we're nearly always going speed limit and I'm thinking a train horn would be a good add on feature, either that or a P.A. system so I could "talk" to people :P

Glad you made it okay Tami!
paula_pa
13 years ago
The new visitor center charges admission too. I don't remember the old one charging anything.
bee0hio
13 years ago
Ooooo.... this brings back memories of several, several years ago when we too were headed to Gettysburg after leaving Myrtle Beach. DH was driving, pulling our 5th wheel @ the time & in that same area with HEAVY traffic. And even worse, it was in the middle of a deluge of a rain storm. He would never consider pulling over for a bit for the storm to pass. I was scared,,,, to say the least!!

Gettysburg is a neat place to visit. I wish we'd taken more time there. Have fun!
linda_in_iowa
13 years ago
You are doing what I would dearly love to do. I have been dreaming about RVing for years. Enjoy your sightseeing.
bearcat_va
13 years ago
I have lived on 495 for the last 34 years of my life (my entire life). Born and raised in Northern VA.

It's no fun driving on the beltway. I moved out to the "country" about 5 years ago in a more rural suburb of Northern VA and I have been happier than I've ever been out here!
bearcat_va
13 years ago
I meant to say I've DRIVEN on 495, not lived on it!
wanda_va
13 years ago
I was born in DC, and have lived in this area all my life. The traffic gets worse every year. The beltway used to be fine, but there's just too much traffic now.
tami_ohio
Original Author
13 years ago
It's not the first time we've driven it, and it won't be the last. We timed it just about right, I think. But after being in NC rural areas, it sure was a shock to the system! I guess I just need to go buckle in in the back where I can't see what's going on. If we have time next time we come thru, I'll have to let you girls know. DH has a cousin that lives in Falls Church, used to be in Springfield, so obviously we have been here before, but it might be the first time with the RV. In fact, he got re-married last April 4, just in time for his sister from Iowa to fly into Cleveland and ride the rest of the way with us and see the cherry blossoms! She had never been here when they were blooming. We took the long way back, and she was absolutely amazed. She hasn't seen mountains, either! And she's in her sixties.

Linda, get yourself a small class C, but not one of the "toy" truck bodies, and GO! You can find some nice used ones out there. Take the dogs and cat and go! You will have a blast. And if you have a laptop, and do your banking on line, you don't have to worry about bills, so can go longer. And if I can figure out on line banking I know you can!

We are starting for home tomorrow afternoon, but will still probably not get there until Sunday, even though the GPS says we're only about 6.5 hours from home! Probably won't be back on line until Monday, but we will see. We don't know where we'll stop tomorrow night.

Tami
kathy_
13 years ago
Hi Tami! You think I save phone numbers??
Hey if you can hang around an extra day, there is a horse drawn wagon train that goes into Boonsboro MD tomorrow (Sunday). I know you like history stuff.
My day (and life) are nuts these days. Wish I had seen this earlier. I was telling hubby the other day it would be nice to be around a campfire. Have a safe trip home!

Rt. 495 around Washington D.C. in an RV

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