Day two of our journey took us from Nashville to Cherry Hill RV Park just outside Washington, D.C. – a ten-hour drive that tested our endurance but rewarded us with unforgettable views.

We started the morning with a quick breakfast and coffee, then hit the road after topping off our tiny gas tank. The route along I-80 was absolutely stunning. This stretch of the Appalachians is a masterpiece in the fall – one of the reasons we planned this trip for October. Winding roads, vibrant foliage, and sweeping vistas made the drive feel like a moving postcard. The road itself was smooth and well-kept, which made the journey even more enjoyable.

We made good time… until we hit the DC metro area. Traffic was brutal, and we arrived at Cherry Hill almost an hour later than expected. That meant parking in a back-in spot in the dark – a challenge we wouldn’t have tackled without the help of a friendly attendant who guided us in safely.

Once inside the cabin, we were ready to unwind. But first: the freezer. Again. The door fell off again. At least this time we knew what to do, and had it reattached in just 10 minutes – progress!

Dinner was simple and satisfying: roast chicken, ranch beans, and cob corn, lovingly prepared by Cliff. We ended the evening with a couple episodes of The Diplomat, followed by the late local news. Then we dropped into bed, completely spent.

This leg of the trip reminded us that even the most beautiful journeys come with their own bumps and breakdowns. But with a little patience, a lot of humor, and a shared sense of adventure, we keep rolling forward – freezer door and all.

Three things we learned worth sharing:

1. The Appalachian views are stunning – just don’t let D.C. traffic ruin the mood.
2. Backing into a campsite in the dark is a test of patience, marriage, and spatial awareness.
3. Freezer door reattachment time: Down from 30 minutes to 10. That’s progress!