We left Gettysburg on a rainy Sunday.
Jim led the way and we chased him down the highway as we
drove deeper into the Appalachian Mountains.
We crossed the Potomac River at Harpers Ferry - made famous for the raid on
the federal arsenal by John Brown.
The fall colors were still muted and the cloudy skies cast a pall over the day
but our spirits remained high in anticipation of our new port of call and
the beautiful fall colors yet to come.
Chasing Jim & Kristi
We arrived at our next stop - Shenandoah River State Park
just north of Luray,Va.
The weather was raining but the next morning held the promise of
better weather yet to come.
Our site in the State Park.
There are numerous hikes in the park.
Today we took a several mile hike along the river, then back
up the side of the mountain back to the campround.
One of the vistas along the way.
Yesterday we visited Luray Caverns.
Luray Caverns is the 4th largest in the US and quite
beautiful even in spite of the fact that they are a commercial cavern and
the emphasis is more on the almighty dollar vs preservation.
Green Algae on the roof of the caverns is an indicator of that emphasis.
Here Kate & Kristi strike a subterranean pose.
Is it live or is it Memorex?
A reflecting pool in the cavern.
A great shot...
Such a beautiful cavern.
This type of formation is called Bacon.
Can you guess why?
We've seen it in other caverns thousands of miles away.
This room is called The Cathedral and has an organ that uses the
Stalactites as the organ pipes.
We pose for a group photo over 100' below ground.
Part of the Luray Caverns Complex contains an Auto Museum.
It was one of the most impressive collections of old automobiles that I've
had the pleasure to view.
There were vehicles ranging from the late 1800's thru the 1940's
Back at the shack, the leaves have been slowly changing. The color of the
season creeping towards its peak.
Our morning hike today.
Tomorrow Kate & I are going to Monticello - the home of
Thomas Jefferson outside of Charlottesville, Va.
Gracies Breeder is the director there - the person in charge - and we are going to get to
see them plus Gracies littermate sister Lilly.
The Doodles are coming so it should be a fun doggy day.
The day after that we continue our trip south.
We will drive about 400 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway and are hoping for
a real colorful time.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is beautiful during any season but really shines
during the Fall so stay tuned. We should have some real special treats in store.
For a taste - here is a picture we took a few years ago along the Blue Ridge.
Huzzah!
