Leaf Peepin’!

Road trip! Even after driving from Florida to Virginia, Karen got behind the wheel, once again and off we went to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive for a Sunday leaf peepin’ day. This is a road trip we were unable to make during our last Virginia residence so we wanted to be sure to see it and hopefully some fall colors.

We started at Front Royal entrance, closest to us, where the colors were basically green and brown. Our first stop was at Apple House for some apple cider donuts. Still mildly warm, we sat on the back of the car and enjoyed them with the Virginia sun on our faces. This was a nice stop before continuing on to the park. Restaurant had a wait line a mile long. Clean restrooms with interesting things to read on the walls. Pretty great gift shop – but I felt the prices were a tad high.

My National Park Senior Pass saved us $30 in entrance fees and we bypassed the long line of paying visitors. The winding roads of Shenandoah reminded us a little bit of the Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii. Lots of curves left and right, hairpin curves and switchbacks to traverse. The fall colors started to show up around Thornton Gap. There’s plenty of places to stop and enjoy the overlooks. Also plenty of restrooms along the drive. We stopped for a late lunch in Skyland, the highest point in the drive. Another entry into Karen’s Beers of the World file, with a local beer, was made.

The weather was windy and cold for this Florida blood. I can see I need to dress warmer! The day started out with sunshine and then became overcast. But we, of course saw several people in shorts and t-shirts. Karen jumped out of the (parked) car and was ready to take some pictures. A few pictures are ‘window shots’ as she drove along. She does a great job capturing all types of things, from leaves to fence posts and scenic shots too. All told, between 35mm and iPhone, 177 pictures! This was her first time on Skyline Drive. I remember a family vacation many years ago, when we visited the area and took the drive through the park. It’s always a different perspective to see something through adult eyes.

Lots of “Halloween” trees throughout the area. I can just imagine them with spider webs and ghosts! The fall colors weren’t like you sometimes see in published pictures, but they probably will pop in the next couple of weeks. Maybe next year! Note: Best viewed when the sun is shining!

Shenandoah Fun Facts:

1. Skyland Resort has hosted weary urbanites for long stays since the late 1800s.
2. Presiden Herbert Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover built their Rapidan Camp as a retreat to escape the stress of work andsummer’s heat and humidity in the Nation’s Capital.
3. Mary’s Rock Tunnel was built in 1932 and cuts through 600 ft. of mountain.
4. Rangers are available for impromptu talks. We learned that approximately 600 black bears have been recognized as residents of the park.

Your favorite explorers are back at it again. More travel blog posts to come!

Go forth and see nature’s beauty every chance you can!