We arrived at the KOA campground here Friday evening, and we're pleasantly surprised to learn that unlike many large commercial campgrounds, this KOA is located amongst forest and streams and is relatively pristine. We have a great site, and although we are in what appears to be wilderness at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we do have Wi-Fi Internet! Hurray!!
Yesterday we spent nearly the entire day driving the Skyline Drive that cuts across the ridge-line of the mountains, and forms the backbone of Shenandoah National Park. We travelled about half of the more than hundred mile drive, and were in awe of the natural beauty of this area.
The day was hot and humid as we left the lowlands, but the weather cooled a bit as we rose to the ridge (averaging about 3500' above sea level). The views of rows of mountain ranges that fan out from the main ridge were spectacular; and as the day progressed and some brief thunderstorms rolled in, the views became even more beautiful. Dawdling along the Skyline Drive, listening to the 'Shenandoah' CD that Donna bought at the Visitor Center, left us both immensely inspired at the beauty of this part of the country. It's sometimes hard to believe, that here, so near to where early settlement of this country began, there is still so much unspoiled natural beauty.
Donna took a lot of snapshots, and you can see a small sideshow of these shots by clicking on this link:
We have found the folks here in Virginia to be extremely warm and friendly. There are a number of families camping at sites surrounding us who, although they live very near to this campground, come here every few weeks as a group. We had some interesting conversations, and managed to get a shot with Tracy, one of the gentlemen, for our 'Bounder Across America Tour' album. We took the photo so Tracy could show his friends a picture with 'Dick Butkus'. :))
at Mountain Valley KOA
Tomorrow morning we head out of Virginia, and will make our way to Woodbine, MD, where we will be staying for five days. We will use Woodbine as a base for visiting Baltimore and Glen's cousin, Stephen; and also for visiting Washington D.C. and our niece Erin.
Leave a comment so we'll know you were here!
Donna & Glen
6 comments:
Hi you two, glad to hear things are going well.
Enjoy your website very much.
It sure has been pretty warm here.
Our grandson has a girls fast pitch and the tournament was this week end so we have been at the games all day.
Your pictures are very interesting. It is just beautiful in the mts.
Be careful and keep in touch.
Gene & Shirley
Chuck and I have really enjoyed your accounts and pictures of your adventures. Wish we could be there too. Some of the places that you have mentioned we have been to and enjoy reliving and seeing them again. Your accounts also remind us of what we missed and how much this country has to offer. Keep up the good work!
Chuck and Carol
Keeping track of you. You indeed are in a beautiful part of the world.
Betty
Love your blog - and the video and pictures of the mountains were great (of course I'm partial to mountains). I'm definitely traveling vicariously with you and now I don't ever have to get an RV. Hugs, Karen
I love the photos of the GREEN layers of the Blue Ridge Mountains.Thanks for calling from the DC Metro....real sound effects! It's fun to think that the Smithsonian Museum belongs to all of us. Enjoy the jazz concert, the US Botanical Garden and the American Indian Museum. Have a great day in DC today and give Erin lots of big hugs from us! She's very excited to see her auntie and uncle on her "home turf".
Hi Donna & Glennie:
Say "HI" to cousin Stephen & Joanne. How cool that you will be visiting them in Baltimore.
XO Alan/Kathy/Big Sis/MM
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