Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Friday, April 11, 2014

Oh those Fantastic SHENANDOAHS!!!!!!

"Ma and Pa" at an old cabin in the Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area;  (I WANT that cabin!!!! ha)
What----ANOTHER TRIP???? YES---this is the 5th trip for us since the end of February... Life is GREAT ---but we 'am' TARRED..... ha....  First we went to Arkansas;  then it was Ohio;  then it was North Carolina;  then Georgia;  AND---this time we went to VIRGINIA (April 6-9, 2014).... We were staying at a quaint little Victorian Hotel in Strasburg,  VA  (had a Groupon coupon) ---and while there,  we visited the Shenandoah Valley;  the Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area in the George Washington National Forest in the Massanutten Mountains;  beautiful Fort Valley;  and the Skyline Drive area along the Blue Ridge Mountains!!!!!  What a fantastic few days we had!!!

Today,  I'll share just a tiny piece of that trip with you---with more details to come I'm sure in the future... Above is a photo of George and me on the steps of a fantastic old cabin (Elizabeth Furnace Cabin).



Me on the Swinging Bridge near the Elizabeth Furnace Cabin (on a rainy, damp day)
Here is another photo of that adorable cabin --along with the swinging bridge (which I also loved)...  This was on April 7, 2014 ---and it was a COLD, RAINY/DRIZZLY, and FOGGY day in Virginia... BUT--we didn't allow the weather to dampen our spirits.... We still got out and hiked and had a great day.




George taking water photos along PASSAGE CREEK
PASSAGE CREEK was a neat little creek which we enjoyed while in the Massanutten Mountain area.  Of course,  since we love water photos,  we just HAD to stop and get some photos along that raging creek.... I always enjoy taking pictures of my Sweetheart when he is hard at work taking great photos.



FORT VALLEY --- with the Massanutten Mountains in the distance;
We had never been (nor even heard of) the MASSANUTTEN Mountains before this trip.  The Massanuttens are a group of mountain ranges dividing the Shenandoah Valley in half for about 50 miles.  The Blue Ridge Mountains are on the Eastern side and the Appalachian Mountains are on the left.... We had never been here before..

SO--after leaving the Elizabeth Furnace area,  we headed south into this fantastic little valley,  FORT VALLEY.  Note photo above... Also---note the fog at the far end of this photo... We traveled across the mountain there (heading for Skyline Drive) ---and we encountered that fog.... Photo of the fog below!!!




Beautiful Fort Valley Church,  the Dry Run Christian Church
BUT--first,  while we were still in FORT VALLEY,  we just had to stop and take a picture of this beautiful little church, the Dry Run Christian Church.   Pretty,  isn't it???




Fog as we traveled across the Massanutten Mountains
NOW----see what we encountered while heading OVER the Massanutten Mountains???  Pretty,  isn't it????  I do like FOG---but up on Skyline Drive that day,  the fog was so thick,  we couldn't see much at all from the overlooks... We did however see LOTS  of DEER out eating on that foggy afternoon.  I guess they felt safe in the fog!




Our Victorian Inn/Hotel in Strasburg,  VA
We had a Groupon coupon to stay here ---and loved it.  Everything inside was decorated using antiques... I recognized many items as ones I remember from when I was young.  All of you antique-lovers would LOVE this old hotel... I took lots of photos which I will share sometime.  The hotel originally was a hospital in Strasburg.... Strasburg is a really cute little town along the Shenandoah River... We took a walk and saw some gorgeous, old homes in Strasburg the first evening we were there.  SO PEACEFUL.




The Shenandoah River;  Love seeing the train trestle and fog in the background!
Remember the song,  "Oh Shenandoah"---I long to see you...????  I sang that song all week... Love it!!!!  Anyhow---this is the Shenandoah River near Strasburg,  VA... We passed by or crossed the Shenandoah several times during our travels.... Beautiful river!




"On a Clear Day, You can See Forever" ---the Shenandoah Valley from an overlook on Skyline Drive, VA
The next day brought gorgeous SUNSHINE and VERY clear skies---as we traveled back on the Skyline Drive.  Neither George nor I have ever experienced the views as CLEAR and CRISP as we had on this day (April 8, 2014)....  We usually find lots of haze in that area --so this was a fabulous surprise,  making it one of the favorite memories of our entire week... We both took lots of photos that day.

Be sure to click on my photos for enlargements.  These photos from Skyline Drive that morning are SO clear...  Don't you love seeing the shadows also????




She just keeps climbing higher and higher!!!!!
George snapped this photo of me --as I tried to get on 'top of the world'...




ROSE RIVER FALLS (67 feet) --along Skyline Drive
Besides getting photos along Skyline Drive that day,  we also hiked to a new waterfall,  the ROSE RIVER FALLS (67 feet), which was not far from the Meadows area of the parkway.   It was a nice hike -- with an elevation change of about 700-800 feet DOWN-DOWN-DOWN to the river and falls....  We sat on some rocks admiring that waterfall for a long time.  NOBODY else was there (which we loved)---so we had the waterfall all to ourselves!!!! The hike back up---up---up  was a little hard,  but we stopped and relaxed along the way... GREAT hike  (one of many waterfalls along Skyline Drive we would love to see sometime)...




The Fantastic Shenandoah Valley---with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance (where we had been);  Photo taken in the late afternoon of April 8--as the sun was going down...
After our waterfall hike,  we were hungry (of course)---so we enjoyed dinner at SKYLAND RESORT along the parkway... YUM!!!!!  Delicious!  THEN--we headed back to Strasburg late that afternoon driving along the back-roads (which we love)...  The sun was going down---so we were able to get some fantastic shots of the Shenandoah Valley that evening... Talk about PEACEFUL... Wow!!!!




Taken on Skyline Drive, the morning of April 8th,  with the Shenandoah River and Shenandoah Valley in the background
I'll close with a picture we took using our tripod... We were both so happy to be on Skyline Drive that day since the weather was nearly-perfect...  We did have a stiff wind --but that kept the haze away,  so it was all worth it.

As you can tell,  we had a busy 4 days (2 days on the road and 2 days making memories)...  We did accomplish one of our goals --which was to get alot of hiking done.  We finished the 7th --with about 3 miles on our pedometers and on the 8th,  having gone 4 miles... That was great considering all of the other things we got to do.





Home Sweet Home ---Photo taken during the early morning on 4/10/14
We came home on the 9th---only to find this waiting for us!!!  Spring is finally SPRINGING in Fairfield Glade... I'll share more Spring photos from here next week.  Even though the big trees haven't gotten their leaves yet,  things are beginning to turn green---and many flowers are blooming.  Oh --how wonderful it is to be back home!!!!!   (Now---it's back to work in the yard!!) ha

Hope you had a great week... I'm not sure how much time I'll have to visit you --but I will do my best!!!!  Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you on MONDAY.

Hugs,

63 comments:

Ms. A said...

Betsy, I love ALL the photos, however that fog photo is AWESOME!!! Who would have thought a fog photo could be so captivating!

Ann said...

Another fabulous trip. Love the looks of that Victorian Inn and the river shot with the fog is awesome. I think I could live in that cabin too

Anonymous said...

Wonderful trip. Enjoyed seeing all the photos! That old cabin looks good. I too like to give a company for you!

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Joy And George, another lovely trip with beautiful photos. I have also explore the S. Valley a wee bit the Mts. Are gorgeous. Loved seeing you climbing to the top of the world. It is always great to come and especially to a very pretty blooming garden. Hugs Judy

Neal said...

Wow, you got some beautiful photos. Of course you are in an area that supplies a lot of opportunities...I love that part of the country.

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

What fantastic photos! What a wonderful time you two had and thank you for sharing.

Such a treat to come home to, spring blooms.

Happy Easter ~ FlowerLady

RoeH said...

Went through there back in '95. Would love to do it again only slower this time.

Arkansas Patti said...

You all really do go the neatest places. Now that song is in my head. Thanks--I think.
I once bought a cabin like that to fix up but the termites beat me to it.

George said...

What a wonderful summary of our trip. Your photos are wonderful. For the record, I had heard of Massanutten because Stonewall Jackson used the mountain to hide his movements during the Valley Campaign of 1862.

The Furry Gnome said...

Oh, you bring back such great memories for me! We had part of a day of fog on Skyline Drive last April too. But spectacular views for you the next day. Look forward to more photos.

From the Kitchen said...

I love it all--from the fog to the cabin (well, I don't like the swinging bridge!!) to Ma and Pa sitting on the wall. Sweet memories.

Best,
Bonnie

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Looks like another great trip. That old hotel and the church with the blue door were both neat shots. Love the new waterfall, too, and the vistas from Skyline Drive. You two pack a lot into a short time!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Hi Betsy. Wow! 5trip since February and this trip looks brilliant. Love the little cabin and church and the fog shot is really lovely. have a great weekend.

Serenity Cove said...

Betsy... I almost can't keep up with all your trips:)
Your pictures are wonderful and what a view!
The last time I was in the Shenandoah's it was completely fogged in. I think fog is beautiful but I really wanted to see the views too.

linda m said...

What a beautiful area. Love all the photos. I got my waterfall fix on I-24 in TN this past week.

Jim and Sandie said...

Now I can hardly wait to get to VA this fall. We will be in the Roanoke area where a lot of Jim's family lives. I cannot believe how clear the air was and the fantastic photo ops it gave you.

Joy said...

What a wonderful way to enjoy your season of life. I admire you both:)

Pat - Arkansas said...

What a wonderful mini-vacation you had! Loved your photos.

Beatriz said...

Beautiful places to spend days in absolutely peace!
Congratulations to your choice, Betsy!

Have a nice and peaceful weekend

Bia

Tabor said...

So who manages that lovely yard when you are gone, gone, gone?

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

What a cute place. I definitely wouldn't want to stay in a place full of antiques like that with my 3 boys though! I'll save that for when I'm retired like you ;-)

Betsy said...

Hi Betsy!
I have a serious case of "I want" with that log cabin. It is the cutest little thing. Did you get to go inside? And your Victorian hotel is quite beautiful and charming too with it's long history. All of your pictures are stunning, the rivers, the mountains, the fog and the waterfall. You do get a lot of traveling in don't you? A wonderful way to live.
We still don't have any blooming flowers or trees but it's coming soon and then we'll all be so happy that winter has left it's grip on us.
Blessings,
Betsy

Ginny Hartzler said...

You got three excellent and colorful pictures overlooking the valley! I love the fog picture! And the little church, it is cute and perfect. But my best fav today is YOU on that dang swinging bridge in front of the adorable little cabin!!! That IS picture perfect!

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

Oh, my, Betsy, what awesome photos. I love, love, love all of these photos especially the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. I love the cabin, and lovely church, too. That is also a beautiful photo of you and your husband.
Thanks for sharing these wonderful pictures. I felt like I was traveling with you.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I love all of your photos- you and George have such fun! I have Virginia on my list of places to go when Mark retires! I'm glad you are back- can't wait to see all of your spring flowers.

Peaches McGinty said...

Hi Betsy!
Coming home is the best isn't it? I bet you two must be exhausted! it's been lovely looking at your amazing photo's, the swinging bridge looks so pretty but sounds a little scary, does it move in the wind? eek! but it does lead to a beautiful cabin, it's so idyllic! I love the Rose river falls (Rose is a much loved name in my family!)and the fog pic is so eerie yet inviting, you capture such wonderful moments in nature - and you know how much I love pics of you and George! have a great weekend Betsy x x x

Miss Debbie said...

As usual...another great adventure for you two!! And your yard looks lovely!

happyone said...

Wow fantastic photos. Sounds like you had a wonderful time. It's so nice that you can travel around so much to enjoy our beautiful country.

DeniseinVA said...

That's another fantastic trip you and George went on Betsy. Loved reading about it and looking at all those marvelous photos :) We always love to get into the Shenandoah's when we can. It's about as close to Washington DC and feel very lucky that we have the best of both worlds. Have a great weekend my friend and thank you so much for sharing your adventures.

Anonymous said...

What fantastic scenery and photos!

Nellie said...

We must have passed one another on this trip, Betsy! You were in a beautiful section of Virginia!

Out on the prairie said...

That bed always feels good when you get home. Love that swinging bridge, a real charmer. Welcome Home!

Shug said...

OH..Oh....the places I've been and the places I've seen!!! I'm thinking that you and George need to go ahead and buy yourselves a new motor home!!! I can just see you traveling to all these places in your own little hotel. so happy that you all have this opportunity to enjoy life the way you do!! It's wonderful and you are Blessed....
hugs..
shug

Our photos said...

Very nice photos. I love the one with the white church.

eileeninmd said...

Welcome home, Betsy! You have been doing a lot of traveling..That is great! Love the Shenandoah Mtns, gorgeous scenes and photos.. Have a happy weekend!

Linda G. said...

I have to remember to do what is planned, while we are on vacation, regardless of the weather (reminder: pack rain gear!). Your photographs during inclement weather are just as beautiful as those you took when the weather was picture perfect.

Kay said...

Looks so beautiful.

Elizabeth Edwards said...

oh dearest Betsy - i love the blog changes. so springy & fun. i want to say this is the 2nd time you have been in my area (my stomping grounds) & not told me in advance so we can meet up. i am sad again. i will try & not take it personally. but??! oh well .. glad you had fun. have a nice weekend.

i enjoyed your post. later. ( :

diane b said...

You sure do have loads of beautiful places to see in your country. Great photos too of both the fog and the clear crisp views.

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Wow! Lovely pictures of your travels. I can see why you were singing. By the way, your yard is looking wonderful (as usual!). Have an especially nice weekend!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Beautiful,beautiful pictures. This are has so much to see and you make a perfect tour guide.

Anonymous said...

The hotel and the church are especially charming.
Glad you had a safe trip and that spring was waiting on you at home. Have a nice weekend.

amanda said...

I love everything about this post!
So much beauty, nature & HAPPINESS.
Especially love the photo of you & George and THAT CABIN! And the Inn where you stayed - how fun!!
And the fog. And the flowers as you returned home.
I love that song - I have the piano music for it and try to play it from time to time. I think I should make it a goal to GO there, too. :)
Have a wonderful weekend, Betsy!

Fun60 said...

As soon as I saw where you had been that song 'Shenandoah' was ringing in my ears. Beautiful scenery. As they say there is no bad weather for walking only bad clothes! How I would love to be touring though States but I suppose as I'm not , the next best thing is looking at all your fabulous photos.

MastHoliday said...

Sounds a fantastic place according to 2nd last photo!!
Nice trip and well photos..
Have a great weekend!!

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

Such wonderful pictures, as always. I'm really impressed with the fog picture; it turned out great. Looks like a wonderful trip. But I have to say, swinging bridges are scary!

Kay said...

Wow! That's a whole lot of trips in a very short time. Your photos are gorgeous, Betsy. I'd love to travel on the mainland again. Presently I'm still recuperating from our Southeast Asia trip and going over photos for my posts which begin on Monday.

Big Dude said...

I can see why you would be tired after all of that traveling, but it looks like you had a great trip. Loved the photos.

Small City Scenes said...

Ah it's always nice to get home and your home looks real good. The Shenandoah Valley is so beautiful. So is the song. My third daughter's name is Shannon and when she was a baby I sang that song to her. I had special songs for all my darlins'.
Your pics are beautiful. You and George look mighty happy. MB

Betty Manousos said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Betty Manousos said...

what a fabulous trip, betsy! looks like that would be a great place to visit. always present beauty in the world around you.. thanks for sharing these beautiful photos. when i look at them, i feel like my soul is nurtured a little bit as if i'm actually outdoors.

happy weekend!

big hugs~

Sally Wessely said...

Of all the places you've been, I think these places fascinated me the most. It is just great to see the rural parts of America. I loved the swinging bridge and the Elizabeth Furnace Cabin. I bet that place would be pretty in the fall.

Janie said...

What a beautiful trip! Your reminder of the Shenandoah song words has the melody going through my head.
It's always nice to get home, though, isn't it? And nice to find spring waiting for you.

Chatty Crone said...

Well I have to say you do travel a lot! 5 trips. If I remember a lot of them you had that raincoat on! It has been a rough winter. But now spring is here. I do enjoy your trips and photos. Love, sandie

Connie said...

Wow, you have been one busy gal, Betsy! Great pictures! It looks like you have been having a wonderful time.

Carletta said...

Another wonderful trip it looks like Betsy!
You and George are very blessed to be able to take so many trips to wonderful places.

MadSnapper said...

you two need an RV instead of your home, 5 trips in a couple of months is amazing

Anni said...

The Shenandoah Valley is Spectacular, ANY time during the year. And yes, home sweet home. Nothing like it.

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Keep on traveling! So fun to see the places you go. Do you just keep the suitcases packed?

Catherine said...

Hope you and your sweetie are having a terrific weekend Betsy!
xo Catherine

Small Kucing said...

I feel something similar too...after travelling long , i'll feel so happy to be home.

Unknown said...

Hi Betsy
Lovely photos, the views are even beautiful in cloudy weather. And how lovely to come home to such beautiful garden.
Enjoy your week and happy easter to you

Rohrerbot said...

I can only imagine the birds you find while on your hikes. This area looks like an epic trek full of wonderful birds migrating through the valley. I like to hike when there are discoveries at the bend of the path. Plus I always love sitting with my honey after our walks and having a nice meal. The best!