Moving Trip (Part 1) - Day 3

We woke up early - but with breakfast and baths for the kids, we didn't leave until 1130. After checking out of the Hampton Inn (1115), the drive west from Martinsville was through pretty farm country. Eventually, we were climbing some big hills. Passed an unbelievable vista at Lover's Leap (elevation 3000'). Stopped for some fudge and produce at a market near the Blue Ridge Parkway (top of the mountain range). Kids really enjoyed riding in the truck. We had fun listening to the radio - there were some good serial radio shows: biographies and stories of adventure told in the first person. Reception wasn't always good, but when it was, the kids didn't want me to change the channel. We had fun with the walkie-talkies we brought, too. One went dead about halfway through the day. Mollie was with Nicky and I had the twins, so they talked back and forth for most of the trip (used the cell phone when there was reception). We stopped for gas in Wytheville (VA) at 1345 and made it to I-77 around 1500 - whew! Using this route saved about 45 miles and avoided the worst traffic on I-64. Still, I'm sure climbing 3000 feet and turning on all the country roads used up much more gas. Used I-77 to get to I-81 and then drove south into Tennessee.  We later intercepted I-40 and had made good time after that. After stopping for gas (1715)  in Crosville (TN), we missed most of the rush hour traffic in Nashville and made it to our lodging for the night, the Double Tree Hotel in Jackson (TN) by 2115. This is our second day with our cat travelling in his carrier - I'm sure he is going to bite me by the time this is all over... When I have to get him in and out, he tries to squirm away. We bought a little leash, but it is all I can do to hold him while his claws are scratching. We had a good room and everyone should get some good sleep.