[MSCW list] MSCW 2025 Scenic Drive #8 - Fall Foliage

[Timothy Metzinger]

Our eighth scenic drive will take us from Leesburg VA, across the Potomac into Maryland, and through a mix of woods and open country to the Gathland State Park for a look at the National War Correspondents Memorial, and then on back roads to the Washington Monument State Park.  After a visit to the Washington Monument (which is a stone tower that reminds me of a large milk barrel) we will then head to Middletown for brunch at "The Main Cup", after which folks can head home on a route of their own choosing, or follow me back to US340 and then down Harper's Ferry Road to VA9 and VA7.

We can expect a cool-ish day, so be sure to have layers.  The walk to the Washington Monument is a short hike on a trail - it's not mountainous, but you'll want sneakers or other sturdy footwear (boots are not needed).  There's no telling whether the monument itself will be open to climb - when I scouted it, it was closed, but folks there said it had been open the previous weekend.  I'm getting the feeling that staffing for the area is a problem, and the recorded message that the park service provides says that the monument is closed for maintenance.  Basically , we should plan on only being able to walk around it and enjoy the views, and if we're pleasantly surprised by it being open, that will be a bonus.

Logistics:
Assembly - On Saturday, October 25th, we'll start assembling at 9:30 AM at the Leesburg Target parking lot (US15 and Edwards Ferry Rd NE).  Fuel and bathrooms are nearby
Departure - We'll leave the lot at 10:00 AM.
Time/Distance - less than 60 miles / 3 hours from Leesburg Target to the Main Cup, with stops at the monument(s) along the way.  Another 40 miles /  1 hour back to the VA9/VA7 intersection after lunch.
Fees - The state parks have a box to collect a $2 or $4 cash donation.
Food - The Main Cup (https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-main-cup-middletown/) has a wide range of foods (including a Reuben!) on a weekend brunch.
Car limits - Initially I'm setting 16 cars as the limit (parking can be a challenge), but if it fills up I will probably add more slots.
Rain Date - If the weather is poor on the 25th, the 1st of November is a backup.
Technology -  I will bring thirteen extra Midland GMRS radios.  If you want to bring your own GMRS radio, we will be using Channel 30 on Midland Radios, or 462.7000 MHz frequency and CTCSS 17 (118.8 Hz) for the privacy code.  In Glympse, we'll use the !mscw_cruise tag to keep track of each other.  I'll collect the radios at the Monument or the restaurant - just be sure to return them before you head home.

RSVP via signup genius at https://rebrand.ly/mscw2025-sc-08.  Don't use Facebook to indicate you're going. The signup will be closed on 10/22.
Visit www.midatlanticscenicdrives.com<http://www.midatlanticscenicdrives.com> for maps and GPS files.

Drive safely and HAVE FUN,
Timothy (Tim) Metzinger
Scenic Drive Coordinator - Mazda Sport Cars of Washington, DC
Current drive list - https://www.midatlanticscenicdrives.com/mscwdrives.html
tim.metzinger at outlook.com<mailto:tim.metzinger at outlook.com>
703.963.3015