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| Ominous view from the Bland Fairgrounds |
So off to the races: Let me explain the first part of my post title and I won't delve into details. Bella and I were out and about all over Virginia (or so it seemed like) yesterday and she got into some non-pareils chocolates. Yes, I put them away and no, I didn't think she could get to them. But I always forget that my dog is a genius and can do anything she puts her mind to so I come back after going in somewhere and there are white sprinkles all over the floor of the backseat and maybe like 7 chocolates left? Since that incident she has thrown up now maybe 7-9 times and 7 of those times have been chocolaty. You can imagine what I was referring to in my title now. Bella is on the mend- I know she's ok because she's still barking like a banshee.
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| Before chocolate |
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| After chocolate |
So the weekend scoop.
Saturday was uneventful, ran errands, took a nap. The usual. I was going to do my mini road trip (after all, what I am doing is largely a road trip anyway) but there was a forecast of snow where I was going. Whatever.
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| Mountains I don't know the names of... |
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| A beautiful view of the BR Mountains |
On the Lord's day, we got up early and set out for Shenandoah National Park- The West entrance is approximately 3.5 hrs away. I went in the West and came down at the South with the initial intention of going to Charlottesville (didn't happen). I called to check the damn park information again because apparently they close the Skyline Road at the slightest hint of ill weather. I understand why but it's annoying. So I paid $25 to drive down a freaking road, a road that would still be there even if I didn't pay money. It was pretty even though the trees were bare. Bella and I did a short trail (very short) and drove down and out- it's roughly an hour from the West entrance to the South Entrance. Since I'm no Sally Hiker, I took pictures and enjoyed the views and the day and then hustled out of there.
Visiting National Parks are no fun without my road dawg and bestie Jenny though.
Here's your National Park takeaway in 5 words- pretty. long. views. hiking. quiet.
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| Signs of winter linger |
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| Sometimes soon this will be green and full of bugs |
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| 'Heaven came down and Glory filled my soul (filled my soul)" |
When we left there I decided hell no I'm not going to Charlottesville- I mean if I want to go back and see Monticello, it will still be there. TJ's home isn't going anywhere. So it was more efficient to go to the Natural Bridge State Park on the way home than drive that distance again. As Pa Ingalls said "it's time to make hay while the sun shines!"
So the Natural Bridge is in, you guessed it, Natural Bridge VA. there are a lot of caverns and shit that would be cool if I had the time. Thank goodness I've been to Meremac Caverns in good ol MO and Carlsbad Caverns. You pay a fee (much more worthwhile than Shenandoah NP) and walk down towards the Natural Bridge on a trail that has other sights on the way.
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| Thar she blows |
So here are some NB facts that I'm not even going to pretend I learned there. These are from the postcard I bought (a preview of whomever I send this one to):
- Once owned by TJ
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- 215 feet tall
- carved out of limestone by the Cedar Creek
So there is a trail leading from the Bridge to other sites along the walkway including a salt peter cave (WTH is that), beautiful views of the creek, and a simulated village by a Native American tribe. I think the trail from here and back was about a mile? a little over? It felt like 500 miles and no, I don't want to walk 500 more. With BJL in tow, we explored and sniffed, this is also the siting of the first and second chocolate pukes. Lots of people out enjoying the day. Really pretty. More enjoyable than SNP.
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| At night they do a light show |
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| Look closely and you'll see me. Blink and you'll miss it. |
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| Cascade Falls, end of the trail |
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| A natural explorer |
Peace, love, and the Lord above,
LMJ 💖
BIG NEWS STILL TO COME !!!!
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