A Much-Needed Getaway to Virginia

Peaks of Otter -- where we stayed (Sept. 13-15,  2016)

My Facebook Friends know (since I talk about it constantly) that our area has been in a horrible DROUGHT --including very very high temperatures also....We have had a HARD summer --at least those of us who try to garden and keep a nice yard.... Consequently,  our stress levels have been higher than usual lately...

In order to 'find our souls and our HOPE again'  ---we decided to just walk away from everything for a few days and get some rest and relaxation,  and some new scenery...George got a great deal on a room ---so off we went on September 13 to Virginia....  We spent two nights at the BEAUTIFUL    PEAKS of OTTER along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Bedford, Virginia.....  To see their webpage,  click HERE.

We took a gazillion pictures ---so I picked out a few to share with you today..... Hope you enjoy some of the things we did ----remembering that even though we DID do some hiking and walking,  we also found time just to relax and enjoy our time there together.    Hope you enjoy the pictures!  You can click on them for enlargements.

Look at the beauty we saw from our ROOM..  This is Abbott Lake at the Peaks of Otter (9/14/15).  I loved seeing the REFLECTIONS.

We also enjoyed driving along the gorgeous BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY all three days! There were lots of wildflowers in bloom.

Abbott Lake (beside our room) was so gorgeous.   That mountain is named SHARP TOP --and we went to the top  on Sept. 14.

We rode the bus up the mountain part of the way and then hiked up the last 1500 feet.... We are now on the top of SHARP TOP Mountain.. (A nice couple we met took our picture)

From the top of SHARP TOP,  you can see Abbott Lake and the Peaks of Otter where we stayed... It was gorgeous up on that mountain  (at 3875 feet high--one of VA's highest peaks)

REFLECTIONS on Abbott Lake at sunset one evening --as we walked around the lake;   Walking around the lake both evenings was one of my favorite things to do...  Talk about peaceful!

The first night (9/13/16) we walked around the lake at sunset,  the sky was clear and there were no clouds...  BUT---we enjoyed an 'almost' full moon over the water...  (Very ROMANTIC as we walked around the lake)

SUNSET the next night (9/14/16) --showing lots of pretty, colorful clouds--as we walked around the lake;

Another picture showing a very happy woman ---along the Blue Ridge Parkway;  OH how I love being on 'top of the world'.

It had been many years since we had been to the NATURAL BRIDGE in Virginia --so we decided to check it out again...  This is one amazing natural bridge (215 feet high and 90 feet wide).  A website to read more is  HERE.

We hiked on Cedar Creek Trail and checked out a little Indian Village (Monacan Indians).  

Of course,  we just HAD to check out LACE FALLS (along Cedar Creek Trail) --which was a new waterfall to add to our long list  of waterfalls we have seen since  2001.

Beautiful MABRY MILL (along the Blue Ridge Parkway on 9/15/16);  We walked around the area enjoying the grist mill,  sawmill,  blacksmith shop,  old Appalachian homeplace, etc... VERY nice history and demonstrations!! For more information about MARBY MILL,  click HERE.

We enjoyed the Mabry Mill area ---and seeing and reliving history!  We also ate lunch at their CAFE ---and I had one of the best Fried Green Tomato, Bacon and homemade Pimento Cheese Sandwiches on Sourdough Bread that I've EVER had.... YUM.

Hope you enjoyed seeing a few of our pictures from this great little trip to Virginia... This picture was taken on 9/14/16 as we enjoyed just sitting by the lake having fun together...

The bottom line is that we DID come home refreshed and feeling MUCH better... Sometimes,  we ALL just need a break from life ---to relax and enjoy new surroundings....

Have a wonderful week, my Friends.

Hugs,