Drove down to Schuyler, boyhood home of Earl Hammer, creator of the Waltons. Brought a can of coke in Ike Godsey`s store and visited the local elementary school, now home of the Waltons Mountain Museum. Heard the Rockfish train hooting in the valley, very evocative. Then down to poplar forest, hideaway home of Thomas Jefferson. Beautiful weather and gorgeous autumn colours.

Miles driven: 172

Travelled south from DC taking in the wonderful Mount Vernon on the way. The home of George Washington for many years. Visited on my first visit 12 years ago. This time his false teeth were on display so well worth a second visit. Drove down to Charlottesville in the afternoon but got caught in the veteran`s day holiday traffic.

Miles driven: 135