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...

Monday, August 9, 2010

Peaks of Otter, VA



We are home ---and I am here to say that this may have been the best Birthday trip I have ever had.. George had it all planned ---and I just thoroughly enjoyed every minute of our four days. We only took about 600 pictures----so it will take me a few days to share them all... Ha Ha Ha....

On my birthday (Thurs), George took me on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia (north of Roanoke) to the Peaks of Otter. The second day, after visiting the top of one of the mountains (peaks), we drove north into the Shenandoah National Park -on the Skyline Drive, stopping at most every overlook along the way. We spent that second night in the Shenandoah National Park at the Skyland Resort--where we had a room with a view (looking down into the Shenandoah Valley).

The third day (Sat), we continued on north to the end of the Skyline Drive at Front Royal, VA. We then took country roads through the Shenandoah Valley on our way back south. We spent that night at a Holiday Inn in Staunton, VA ---and spent the evening visiting special blog friend GINNY and her husband Phil. What a JOY that was!!!

Then, yesterday, we reluctantly drove home. Sniff Sniff!!! One thing which made this trip SO perfect was our weather. After the storm passed throughon Thursday afternoon, the temperatures stayed in the 70's during the daytime --and went down into the 50's/60's at nights... That was FABULOUS --after all of our horrible heat this summer here at home (which incidentally is STILL here --now that we are back home)... Baaaaaa!

I cannot tell you a highlight of our trip because every minute seemed to be a highlight in itself. I will talk about the trip in various posts --and it may take a long time... That's why I have started a new label called BIRTHDAY 2010--where I will keep all of my posts.

Today, I will show you some pictures from the Peaks of Otter---beginning with the sign above telling a little about the area. Below are more.




We ran through a storm while driving up the mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Aren't these mountains just magnificent, especially with storms all around?




Our room at this resort (we were in the middle building) looked out onto a gorgeous lake--with mountains and PEAKS surrounding us. The place was well-maintained with lots of walking paths --so we took some walks along the lake and to the restaurant.



This is the lake (in front of our room) --with a picture of one of the three peaks in this area.. This peak is called Sharp Top---and I will have a story to tell you about us going up there tomorrow!!!!! Isn't the reflection beautiful?




Here is the Birthday Girl sitting on our patio (after a delicious dinner of Prime Rib and the fixings)---waiting for a beautiful sunset (after the rains).




Do you think this gorgeous sky was worth waiting to see????? WOW---what a fabulous birthday!!!! Thank You, George... You are my EVERYTHING!!

More to come!!!! Hope you all had a great weekend... I will begin (somehow) to catch up with your blogs this week....

Hugs,

65 comments:

Big Dude said...

Gorgeous area and I think George did good - I need to take some lessons from him. Our kids have a time share up in that area that they seem to really enjoy.

Jo said...

Wow, Betsy;) what a WONDERFUL birthday gift. And we fellow bloggers get to share it with you and George. May you be blessed for the rest of your year and more. (((Hugs))) Jo

Jane said...

So very glad that you were able to get away and celebrate your birthday in such style. Have a great week,

Jane

Neal said...

Beautiful pictures Betsy. That is a beautiful drive.

Where did you see that "leaning" lake in front of your room....just kidding. :)

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

You are sooo very Blessed as is George to have each other my friends. What a wonderful B_Day gift. Wishing you a happy week...m...

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Betsy, It truly sounds like a marvelous birthday trip. The pictures are out of this world! What a special treat to have the cooler weather while visiting. Can't wait to see more.

Joe Todd said...

Happy belated birthday.. What a great trip. Looking forward to more photos

Arkansas Patti said...

George just never disappoints does he? What a marvelous trip in some really beautiful country. So glad you had your camera ready.
Looking forward to more Birthday 2010.
Ya done good George.

Ginny Hartzler said...

I'm so glad you had such a wonderful birthday trip!! And I'm glad you posted that flyer about The Peaks of Otter. Because I had been meaning to ask you how it got that name, but I don't think I ever did! Sharp Top is very sharp, indeed! Now where was it that you had this great meal? I will have to try it! This week, your blog will be EXTRA fun looking at, because it is all about our valley!! I am so glad you are doing several posts. I cannot wait to see each and every day.

MadSnapper said...

glad you are both home safe and that you had such a wonderful birthday. not your averave birthday gift for sure. and i am jealous because you met Ginny face to face.

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

WOW! The scenery is gorgeous and yes,that sunset is worth waiting for.I am so glad you had a wonderful time,because,you so deserve it.
Blessings,Ruth

Anonymous said...

Reading where you traveled to this past weekend, I know you had a great time. I believe I've been to all those places (except the hotels) at one time or another. I would love to travel along Skyline Drive again one day. I did that ride with my mom eons ago and with Bob more recently, but still a long time ago. Like you, we stopped at every overlook.

Bob and I went on an extended weekend vacation this past weekend as well. I took around the same number of pictures as you :-)

That sunset was lovely, perfect ending to what sounds like a great birthday.

Anonymous said...

Your trip sounds wonderful. Can't wait to hear all about it and see more pictures. These photos are great. Love the sunset one. George sure did a good job. Have a great week.

Susie said...

Looks wonderful Betsy! I'd say George did a great planning job! Glad ya'll had such a good time and glad to see your knee is doing good.

RoeH said...

I've been on the Blue Ridge Parkway and what a beautiful drive it is. I only wish I could've stayed longer or can do it again. Such gorgeous photos.

Catherine said...

So glad you made it home safe and sound and that you had such a wonderful birthday weekend Betsy! That George seems to know how to show a gal a good time! ;)

Have a Happy Monday friend!
xo Catherine

Mary said...

With your attitude, I just know that every trip you take is "the best trip ever" :-) I'm glad George succeeded in giving you another great trip and we will await the photos. Gorgeous sunset! Wow! I like that Sharp Peak...very appropriate name! Interesting about the name of the area...Peaks of Otter.

Fred Alton said...

Great post, Betsy! The Blue-Ridge is one of my favorite areas to visit. Happy Belated Birthday wishes.

Glenda said...

Wow! What a special birthday! Isn't it great that you don't have to travel too very far to see such magnificent sights? I love the pic of the peak and it's reflection in the water.

Have a great week!

Karin said...

Absolutely delighted that George's surprise birthday celebration for you was so special! Glad that the weather cooperated and you both had a fun time! What a blessing! Looking forward to further posts! Hugs!

Busy Bee Suz said...

That George of yours is something isn't he? Treating you to a perfect birthday weekend is priceless!!!
I am so glad you had fun.
Hugs, Suz

Cicero Sings said...

Sounds and looks like one fantastic time. What a very blessed gal you are in George! I' m so glad you found each other! Of course we know He had his hand in that!

Barbara said...

Well my sweet friend it sounds like you had a fabulous birthday, I am so happy for you, and the photos are just surpendous, heehee.
We have been all up in there too, and in Shenandoah there are caverns we went through it was amazing too, to see all the beauty underground as well as above ground, God sure has created some magnificient things for our eyes to enjoy, thank you for sharing with us, who have been home all week while you were out having fun, giggles, hugs my friend.

Rose said...

What a great birthday...and what gorgeous pictures. I can't wait to see the rest! George did good!

Dorothy said...

Beautiful area! Love the lake and reflection! That George is a good planner! Looking forward to seeing the rest of your pictures.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Welcome home, from a super Birthday Holiday trip! Sorry you're back to heat, but so glad you had lovely weather on your trip.

And what photos!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That sunset is "good enough to eat". ,-)

KathyA said...

Betsy, That first picture literally took my breath away! What a beautiful place to visit and a perfect birthday for you!

KathyA said...

Let me clarify that -- the first picture that YOU took!

I Am Woody said...

What a wonderful birthday trip! That George is one fantastic guy!!

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

After such a long, hot and painful summer you deserved this holiday!!! I'm just a little, no a lot jealous of the low temps...whew...I'm tired of these temps...but happy you had a wonderful time...the photos are gorgeous!!!

Jen said...

Certainly worth turning another year older I'd say.
That is a pretty area and you did a great job of capturing some of the sights for us. You sure do look like a HAPPY Birthday gal. ;)

~from my front porch in the mountains~ said...

Happy Birthday, Betsy!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, that George is a keeper! What a wonderful trip he planned. I look forward to your pics!

xo, misha

nanny said...

The weather was worth the trip/ha
And then to have that wonderful scenery....wow. Yes that reflection is magnificent!!!!!

Snap said...

Beautiful country, Betsy. I'm going to enjoy your Birthday trip! :D :D

Janice K said...

What a nice surprise! I haven't been there for quite a while, but have always enjoyed it there.

Anonymous said...

Awww! Sooo sweeet! I've said it before & I'm gonna say it again... THEY DON'T MAKE EM LIKE GEORGE ANYMORE!!! You lucky girl, you =)

Pat Tillett said...

I love your photo tours! The narratives and little stories with the pics are also great!

happy birthday!

Chris said...

You lucky girl. What a great bithday treat. I love the shot of Sharp Top, the reflection is wonderful. Can't wait to see more.

Kay said...

Betsy,
You and George are so lucky that you get to travel so much. I'm hoping that in a little less than 2 years, Ben will be able to stop working his part-time job and we will be able to travel more.
Kay

imac said...

Congrats on your big day Betsy, it sure looks as if you enjoyed yourself, with these beautiful pics.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Happy birthday again, Betsy -- it looks like you had a wonderful trip! The Sharp Top mountain photo is fabulous. I look forward to seeing more of your photos!

♥ Pat

SquirrelQueen said...

What a wonderful birthday trip, George did good! The view from your room is absolutely gorgeous. It must have been wonderful to wake up to such a sight. And then there is that sunset.....wow! I'm looking forward to hearing about, and seeing, more of your adventure.

Cheryl said...

What a wonderful birthday indeed! George did a fantastic job with your gift! The photos are stunning and I look forward to more. And yes indeed, I would definitely wait for that sunset.

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, I am absolutely jealous! I sure do want to go there! Your pictures showed how much you and George enjoyed that special trip!

Deb from WhatsInMyAttic said...

Beautiful pictures! I lived in Front Royal for a while in the '80's. We loved the area; never a shortage of things to do and see. The Drive is beautiful any time of year...makes me want to take a quick run down there next weekend!

penny said...

What a fantastic Birthday surprise George had in store for you, Betsy. You couldn't have gone to a more beautiful place to celebrate. Its gorgeous, I look forward to more.

Roses and Lilacs said...

Hi Betsy, love the photo of Sharp Top. What a great scene. The mountains with the mists hanging in the low places is beautiful too.
Marnie

LV said...

I do not know how that birthday could be topped. That is wonderful you got to see so much beauty and great weather. As you know they do not make many like your George anymore. I would say he is a keeper. Best wishes to you both.

Diane said...

Sounds like a wonderful trip, Betsy. That George! He sure knows how to plan great surprises! Diane

Diane said...

Sounds like a wonderful trip, Betsy. That George! He sure knows how to plan great surprises! Diane

Diane said...

Sounds like a wonderful trip, Betsy. That George! He sure knows how to plan great surprises! Diane

ruthinian said...

I learned about your blog through Ginny's. And am glad I found another wonderful blog here. Happy Birthday, and yes, the last photo worth the wait. It's indeed a glorious sky... breathtaking.

Connie said...

Betsy, I'm so glad to hear you had such a nice birthday. Wow! That sky is amazing! Great pictures! I'll look forward to seeing the rest you want to share.

Carletta said...

I think we all knew George would make it perfect!
It sounds like you had a wonderful time.
We travel through Staunton when we go to visit our daughter.
Gorgeous country! So glad you had a good time.
Looking forward to more pics of the trip.
Hugs,
Carletta

carolina nana said...

So glad you had such a beautiful birthday weekend. Those pictures are gorgeous,looks like a place I'd love to visit.
Welcome home and hope you have a blessed tomorrow
Marilyn

Rose said...

what a birthday gift, your husband is great. i need him to talk to my husband about birthdays. the are that you visited was beautiful years ago we traveled in some of that area. loved your photos look forward in hearing and seeing more. thanks for your comment on my blog re my home and nature. Rose

Leedra said...

Gorgeous views, as usual George did good. Happy belated Birthday!

Sunny said...

Sorry to be late in wishing you a Happy Birthday. It looks like you had a delightful time. What a sweetheart George is.
☼ Sunny

From the Kitchen said...

I've been to the Peaks of Otter many, many times. And on the Peaks a few times. Love dining there! It's only about twenty miles from my home town and a lovely drive anytime but especially in spring and fall. Hope you are still have a happy, happy celebration!!

Best,
Bonnie

Love Of Quilts said...

Great pictures of your trip and of you....he wouldn't have you spoiled now would he. God Bless Trish

NENSA MOON said...

Hi Betsy,
You really blessed to have a such wonderful gift birthday.
Im glad to see have a lot of fun...
You're a beautiful and a very happy lady.. Im imagine when Im at your age...haha..
Thanks for sharing your wonderful journey with us..
Love all the photos.
God bless you
hugs, nensa

Cassie said...

Happy belated Birthday girl! Sorry I'm so late. Looks like a wonderful trip and soooo beautiful. Blessings, C

diane b said...

I knew your knight in shining armour would find somewhere special for you to go on your birthday. It looks a fabulous spot. lakes, mountains and sunsets as well as a nice meal. Glad to see the weather cleared up and didn't get too hot.

Tipper said...

What a wonderful surprise! After seeing the 2nd post-and this one-I think it's a place I would love to visit!!

So glad you enjoyed it : )

Adrienne Zwart said...

Way to go, George for planning the perfect weekend getaway! I'm so happy that you had a lovely birthday, Betsy! You deserve it. :)
Blessings,
Adrienne