Lunch Cruise to Big Meadows Lodge

Friday, October 18th

We'll head out Rt 211 West, then up the wonderfully twisty roads at Thornton's Gap, then cruise Skyline Drive to Big Meadows Lodge and Campground for lunch. If you plan to join us, please register so we know you're coming. NOTE:  Our web as a service provider has changed how they format event pages. The registration link is now at the very bottom of this page.



Bring a picnic lunch, or buy food at the lodge. (Bringing your own is probably a better bet!) We'll sit outside in the picnic area and enjoy the fall weather, fall colors, and the company of friends. 

We will meet at our usual spot for trips west:  7-Eleven on Webb Dr. in Gainesville at 9:30 a.m. and leave at 9:45 for the cruise to Skyline Dr. Our route is highlighted at the bottom of this description.

NOTE:  The National Park Service charges admission for Skyline Drive. If you have a national park pass, like the Senior Pass, don't forget to bring it. If you have a military or veteran's ID, you can show that for free admission as well. 

If you don't have a pass, admission to the park is $30 per vehicle. But note that you can buy an annual Senior Pass (65 and above) for $20, which will get you and your passenger into the park. You can also buy a Senior Lifetime pass for $80, which is a good deal if you'll visit National Parks in the future. You can buy passes at the entrance station at Thornton's gap, or in advance at the locations shown here: 

https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/pickup-pass-locations.htm?s=VA&t=Annual%20Pass,Senior%20Pass&a=NPS&p=1&v=0

Veterans can get free admission by showing any of the following:

* Department of Defense Identification Card
* Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
* Veteran ID Card
* Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. driver’s license or identification card

This is probably the last weekday wanderers cruise of the year, so drag your retired butt out of bed, or play hooky from work, and join in on the fun.


Google Maps link:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/8NaLgstuEEu3dNQm8

If you use an iPhone, you can download Google Maps from the App Store and send the above route to your phone.