Spend Thanksgiving weekend 2013 in historic Staunton, Virginia

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF2CsT5ZntjeVfI2GyaJpw0EZvaTAmh2Y9sMWnAUNcov_ku8vrjc0LSev3sQ2d38NL3C6UQeNCg8Ilij19J_mJBeSHZkR90Twi-sgm3wNKvQcXk_Eef-z_Hr_vZV97wbQlP_Xz6uCEas/s1600/Thanksgiving+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsF2CsT5ZntjeVfI2GyaJpw0EZvaTAmh2Y9sMWnAUNcov_ku8vrjc0LSev3sQ2d38NL3C6UQeNCg8Ilij19J_mJBeSHZkR90Twi-sgm3wNKvQcXk_Eef-z_Hr_vZV97wbQlP_Xz6uCEas/s400/Thanksgiving+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />There are few places as quaint and picturesque as the city of Staunton in the central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains, this community-oriented small town celebrates holidays in style, and Thanksgiving is no exception. For a fun and exciting adventure, spend the long weekend enjoying all the area has to offer. The calendar of events is packed with activities to celebrate Thanksgiving and welcome the holiday season.<br /><br /><b>Wednesday, November 27:</b><br />- Playhouse Tour, 2:00 pm, Blackfriars Playhouse<br />- Trivia, 7:00 pm, Zabbs Beach Day Cafe<br />- "She Stoops to Conquer," 7:30 pm, Blackfriars Playhouse<br />- Live jazz, 7:30 pm, Mill Street Grill<br />- The Level, 8:00 pm, Clocktower Restaurant<br />- Brent Hull & Joe Tyree, 9:00 pm, Byers Street Bistro <br /><br /><b>Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 28:</b><br />Enjoy your Thanksgiving meal at one of the local restaurants that will be open:<br />- <a href="http://www.kathys-restaurant.com/thanksgiving-buffet/">Kathy's Restaurant</a>, 11:00 am - 3:30 pm, reservations available<br />- <a href="http://www.stonewalljacksonhotel.com/media/docs/ChristmasCalendar2013.pdf">Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center</a>, 11:00 am - 2:30 pm<br />- Rowe's Restaurant<br />- <a href="http://www.crackerbarrel.com/restaurant/thanksgiving#OpenForThanksgiving">Cracker Barrel</a>, 6:00 am - 10:00 pm<br /><br /><b>Friday, November 29:</b><br /><b>Black Friday"</b> offers the opportunity to check out the local stores and shops of downtown Staunton and the surrounding vicinity. From unique gift items, jewelry, clothing, handmade chocolates, and domestic goods in Staunton to the shopping availabilities of Waynesboro's Target, Books-a-Million, and Kohl's, there's plenty to keep everyone happy. Check out local restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as unique coffee shops throughout town.<br /><br /><b><a href="http://www.gvbookfair.com/">Green Valley Book Fair</a></b> will open Friday, November 29, for its last two-week run of 2013. Open daily, this Mt. Crawford book retailer is known far and wide for its deeply discounted deals on books, audio tapes, and more. It's a great spot to pick up gifts for everyone from children to grandparents. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.frontiermuseum.org/"><b>The Frontier Culture Museum's gift shop</b></a> offers imported items from Ireland, Scotland, and Great Britain as well as America -- nutcrackers, Christmas ornaments, glassware, historical and cook books, and other just-right gift items for that special person. Don't forget the Museum's famous fudge that comes in a variety of flavors and is always a favorite with visitors.<br /><br />Staunton's world-known <b><a href="http://www.americanshakespearecenter.com/">American Shakespeare Theater</a></b> kicks off the holiday season on  Friday, November 29, with a variety of offerings<i></i> in the authentically recreated Blackfriars Playhouse as well as tours of the theater. The playhouse can be found on Market Street beside the Stonewall Jackson Hotel.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.oxeyevineyards.com/our-tasting-room/"><b>Ox-Eye Vineyard's tasting room</b></a> is located in a renovated 1910 building in the historic Wharf District of downtown Staunton which offers an inviting location to taste this local wines crafted by Susan and John Kiers.<br /><br />The <b><a href="http://www.stauntondowntown.org/">Staunton Christmas Parade</a> </b>will add a magical touch on Monday, December 2 (always the first Monday after Thanksgiving). The route will begin at Frederick and Augusta Streets, turn down Market Street, and then turn right onto Beverley Street. Thousands of tiny white twinkly lights, Christmas decorations, and inviting window displays will entice visitors to step into shops and dine in restaurants before and after the parade. Bundle up for a fun evening in the brisk December air, followed up with a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Meeting friends downtown is a must for this annual tradition.<br /><br />Be sure to check the <a href="http://www.visitstaunton.com/stauntonontap.htm">Visit Staunton</a> website for more activities as well as lodging and dining opportunities. Come to the Shenandoah Valley for Thanksgiving and stick around to kick off your holiday season.

Appalachian Mountains Blue Ridge Mountains Central Shenandoah Valley Christmas Historic Downtown Staunton Lynn R. Mitchell Thanksgiving western Virginia Spend Thanksgiving weekend 2013 in historic Staunton, Virginia

There are few places as quaint and picturesque as the city of Staunton in the central Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Surrounded by the Blue ...

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November 'Full Beaver Moon' /Frosty Moon setting over Appalachians

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPllfBKPiNYEVrVvin2_8wLHESn01ZM53kpN3hAfUCh9fXBqB5v1JSz0t-dgjvoCp2M8yI5s6f2iqRQLtVTLQjLrzoGA8rq6lxSeX1et-G6o4J811xaFhHKdjEHcBQ3X78mPRJ5S9XsdZP/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPllfBKPiNYEVrVvin2_8wLHESn01ZM53kpN3hAfUCh9fXBqB5v1JSz0t-dgjvoCp2M8yI5s6f2iqRQLtVTLQjLrzoGA8rq6lxSeX1et-G6o4J811xaFhHKdjEHcBQ3X78mPRJ5S9XsdZP/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The view out our window this morning toward the western Appalachians as the full moon began setting at day break. November is known as the Full Beaver Moon because it was when pioneers set up their beaver traps before the swamps froze. It is also referred to as the Frosty Moon. (Source: <a href="http://www.farmersalmanac.com/full-moon-names/" target="_blank">Farmers Almanac</a>)</div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />November 18, 2013

Appalachian Mountains autumn in Shenandoah Valley November Full Beaver Moon November 'Full Beaver Moon' /Frosty Moon setting over Appalachians

  The view out our window this morning toward the western Appalachians as the full moon began setting at day break. November is known as the...

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Appalachian sunset

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYvsC6aWjL7iTpSXl3tvIn7QMykUjzNOvAcguzagflzxLcwMBKywqx-qttyBi6mRkYTz6qz8BSbaXOuNObZQYN9kU0ixo8reUSn0QwDfVkY0przLhaEo2rmOz8qtK9ZFgKDbj_THUeqkM/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlYvsC6aWjL7iTpSXl3tvIn7QMykUjzNOvAcguzagflzxLcwMBKywqx-qttyBi6mRkYTz6qz8BSbaXOuNObZQYN9kU0ixo8reUSn0QwDfVkY0przLhaEo2rmOz8qtK9ZFgKDbj_THUeqkM/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sunset over the Appalachians Tuesday evening at Buffalo Gap.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNl7IFlXazph7GogLbF8r2E1_KTmy-9I3WFSDKfTAjoy6afy3RCdWSJHwhqqjbn3VQMSc5kAUGOyC9jPAKWn1P2-R0QQDQKxboaKIkI-HFclMcDRZfYgxD60ZACgrQUoLL7J1hhCd0MPp/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNl7IFlXazph7GogLbF8r2E1_KTmy-9I3WFSDKfTAjoy6afy3RCdWSJHwhqqjbn3VQMSc5kAUGOyC9jPAKWn1P2-R0QQDQKxboaKIkI-HFclMcDRZfYgxD60ZACgrQUoLL7J1hhCd0MPp/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />November 12, 2013

Appalachian Mountains photos by Lynn R. Mitchell Shenandoah Valley sunset Virginia Is For Lovers Appalachian sunset

Sunset over the Appalachians Tuesday evening at Buffalo Gap. Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell November 12, 2013

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Photos #2: Fall in George Washington National Forest's North River Multiple Use Area

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpxi8AoFQ_oWhRY_1fxOc7N8ZdVg17yqXt9u2FaZ3MpyPj3kCRq1XpzsIywwLYs2ybuPzd1CzNUaMcK0UQUu_Zs_ln1zmJosnPilIkQv3RrISrblhZQQIgpURIfNCzDyzvacj5ZK0kmr7/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpxi8AoFQ_oWhRY_1fxOc7N8ZdVg17yqXt9u2FaZ3MpyPj3kCRq1XpzsIywwLYs2ybuPzd1CzNUaMcK0UQUu_Zs_ln1zmJosnPilIkQv3RrISrblhZQQIgpURIfNCzDyzvacj5ZK0kmr7/s400/16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> See also <a href="http://www.swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/10/photos-1-fall-in-george-washington.html">Photos #1: Fall in George Washington National Forest's North River Multiple Use Area</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil04BBxvU7eloWDEkl_cBX34UHzPc8eJNVmJpFiLQtqMQgeU4edx58oNlg-WkXi7TKebhW_y7M80A_-Fpxh3tWu9ywFs4BSzrCNLXsh2b74pdDeIzRGr4YQOSm3MeHBZWA8C38NOoJxf0U/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil04BBxvU7eloWDEkl_cBX34UHzPc8eJNVmJpFiLQtqMQgeU4edx58oNlg-WkXi7TKebhW_y7M80A_-Fpxh3tWu9ywFs4BSzrCNLXsh2b74pdDeIzRGr4YQOSm3MeHBZWA8C38NOoJxf0U/s400/17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFbqg0Fh5Qqu3eRL4HmNg-D4Fo_CSWAVkXDFz_U9bnD78FDfQ4JvaceUogTBr_0Tune8n3CpEZuDL8RrbXFkPNbW9BcpiCNw5i8S7iwcPMHS3wnSlBAuUZGlNMIFdISuXB8fEf8d6lFsi/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFbqg0Fh5Qqu3eRL4HmNg-D4Fo_CSWAVkXDFz_U9bnD78FDfQ4JvaceUogTBr_0Tune8n3CpEZuDL8RrbXFkPNbW9BcpiCNw5i8S7iwcPMHS3wnSlBAuUZGlNMIFdISuXB8fEf8d6lFsi/s400/18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVbW17fatzysWIhAC5rCImn9hyQq1r98gKOz_gnZLsEw9BSNWaQsn3aMoGEwm2XEantkVGWvrd7d_ifggBaer_7xCAOxYgyG-S7AMGf97Bs4DDsqrqWCYauITWZG4AcgcKwtCerGvGMdl/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVbW17fatzysWIhAC5rCImn9hyQq1r98gKOz_gnZLsEw9BSNWaQsn3aMoGEwm2XEantkVGWvrd7d_ifggBaer_7xCAOxYgyG-S7AMGf97Bs4DDsqrqWCYauITWZG4AcgcKwtCerGvGMdl/s400/19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczVoExhdrJFX_3XVV_1wyRy9gTms73_d2PhjhQB7zZagIS1O8Csj0RDUrS41E9fxmGGl4tn39eMguYZXk2kUjnlT627NDebGlyJ9i53lXZgJnraDwqXRme2pVpj5NAEDHssAhKROtFlKK/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczVoExhdrJFX_3XVV_1wyRy9gTms73_d2PhjhQB7zZagIS1O8Csj0RDUrS41E9fxmGGl4tn39eMguYZXk2kUjnlT627NDebGlyJ9i53lXZgJnraDwqXRme2pVpj5NAEDHssAhKROtFlKK/s400/20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcOirA6qSIc9hPrOGn5HJPXKCKs2z77v9kbjOo5TYrpTRF2ldyhfQ1006YFTCybl67bIS9gsvfM8GpRDM5skjEfky67hsVnE8Ckj0g4CEW_8MkUu3MxouXRR9yvdFqthF_mAUlWg3smog/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmcOirA6qSIc9hPrOGn5HJPXKCKs2z77v9kbjOo5TYrpTRF2ldyhfQ1006YFTCybl67bIS9gsvfM8GpRDM5skjEfky67hsVnE8Ckj0g4CEW_8MkUu3MxouXRR9yvdFqthF_mAUlWg3smog/s640/21.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1GkWeEYneqNqlEi8yuHE9Ta1EUQLGpbATLes4HMnhN2IoeiibM9lNaiJp8tXc15ZHl9nSup5ExDm5irlOhHw47ez_Wp9UzVy9QeE_sT8HQTud9uQeYrMWAGx0TnQz25tL3m0mIrmI-oI/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1GkWeEYneqNqlEi8yuHE9Ta1EUQLGpbATLes4HMnhN2IoeiibM9lNaiJp8tXc15ZHl9nSup5ExDm5irlOhHw47ez_Wp9UzVy9QeE_sT8HQTud9uQeYrMWAGx0TnQz25tL3m0mIrmI-oI/s400/22.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTB6Bwu7fN7fp8WOYMFNPzobH9F61lsT8zZr2xJpoHW7tTgxK9wXFdUiD7Wx2SnCcAIONkuKwoJQCsWSrxbTP00BRbFXoHDpRnxfsTfbJxnIjnRp6dWdp-7vwpady3Gj01J1ko0lM8oGDG/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTB6Bwu7fN7fp8WOYMFNPzobH9F61lsT8zZr2xJpoHW7tTgxK9wXFdUiD7Wx2SnCcAIONkuKwoJQCsWSrxbTP00BRbFXoHDpRnxfsTfbJxnIjnRp6dWdp-7vwpady3Gj01J1ko0lM8oGDG/s400/24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3QvdfZzBToELLhk_iSDsx7sO7bFvq3Yuvxp6GlRFQK-xF6MwC86uTpM3HvsZPAfjKML84Z9lc4AKpJ9_iOLkK_fEyoFZttEP2dm_mNDC0LRtowLPoiNqcN2Ffh1ia4Eu8Aly20iAmMVX/s1600/25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3QvdfZzBToELLhk_iSDsx7sO7bFvq3Yuvxp6GlRFQK-xF6MwC86uTpM3HvsZPAfjKML84Z9lc4AKpJ9_iOLkK_fEyoFZttEP2dm_mNDC0LRtowLPoiNqcN2Ffh1ia4Eu8Aly20iAmMVX/s400/25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2OGqBRTF4zrrd7u_c-p-Sxc_HwCW9PfrhzxwIBZGF3XerCQ8jrjfLLraZkMEj3-wA8m27X40uHW6fuXZHTY74hwuH8loaL6cWS_HrzCro-XXmVCcOaQSXpbXufCAniffqxUSzL4bNyrL/s1600/27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG2OGqBRTF4zrrd7u_c-p-Sxc_HwCW9PfrhzxwIBZGF3XerCQ8jrjfLLraZkMEj3-wA8m27X40uHW6fuXZHTY74hwuH8loaL6cWS_HrzCro-XXmVCcOaQSXpbXufCAniffqxUSzL4bNyrL/s400/27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 9, 2013

Appalachian Mountains Augusta County George Washington National Forest government shutdown North River Multiple Use Area Photos #2: Fall in George Washington National Forest's North River Multiple Use Area

 See also Photos #1: Fall in George Washington National Forest's North River Multiple Use Area Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell October 9, 201...

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Photos #1: Fall in the George Washington National Forest's North River Multiple Use Area

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Fzum6iLm2nd9zfWaR4Gk8n7qYKkxfiwjMew5Z0488nSvrf8ui92XK7mXe8A8f9-fRVMEkavzRjKfJkuyBwtVxKg0hJjTxYB5dnP5NFsuZpjqbsgmndk3ofCjZmuRu_4I5nf1z8qqSFZ3/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Fzum6iLm2nd9zfWaR4Gk8n7qYKkxfiwjMew5Z0488nSvrf8ui92XK7mXe8A8f9-fRVMEkavzRjKfJkuyBwtVxKg0hJjTxYB5dnP5NFsuZpjqbsgmndk3ofCjZmuRu_4I5nf1z8qqSFZ3/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Todd Lake</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMxbkFZlfYwMd6Cu4OoOLfxvnJfCoFStpxXlrgXtjuKRmuDpQ_maMvtmFETnoLwqyckJr_vZQQNALTwB29EAMVyuNEVzjCGPzAep-2ExOLfJGiIuY5ZUnrATKK-UULXJSGHyM55qB4g_D/s1600/26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMxbkFZlfYwMd6Cu4OoOLfxvnJfCoFStpxXlrgXtjuKRmuDpQ_maMvtmFETnoLwqyckJr_vZQQNALTwB29EAMVyuNEVzjCGPzAep-2ExOLfJGiIuY5ZUnrATKK-UULXJSGHyM55qB4g_D/s400/26.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejKkXSZqMf2_mPJZqdOan8hK_J3HxikTx_CW0rlQW4MCzOj4LmLr6cNi_yS9cr26lQrHXDKyPlb_UWWlC2KTgSXW6xGqssaPPaQiQFZDsfoM0wMpFcLXqXiXiOkZoEG2_OG6ZWOt8FzeH/s1600/28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjejKkXSZqMf2_mPJZqdOan8hK_J3HxikTx_CW0rlQW4MCzOj4LmLr6cNi_yS9cr26lQrHXDKyPlb_UWWlC2KTgSXW6xGqssaPPaQiQFZDsfoM0wMpFcLXqXiXiOkZoEG2_OG6ZWOt8FzeH/s400/28.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the North River Multiple Use Area of the George Washington National Forest in northwestern Augusta County: "A 25,000 acrew portion of national forest land managed for timber production, hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation, scenic beauty, water production, and flood control. Wildlife managed under cooperative program with Virginia Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries." </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsIYchKQ7zjhTmd4KSSI8DXR_gK_a7yJrWB7dNkNb2DB9DHkNU2_tzS928ivt33_XB1bSR4coVgDRvH7FYvfC8JppF8U-JCDvlJVhzK5aSEo0cnagYb6WqqINu162Gsj1iE2ufj7llZ9J/s1600/29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsIYchKQ7zjhTmd4KSSI8DXR_gK_a7yJrWB7dNkNb2DB9DHkNU2_tzS928ivt33_XB1bSR4coVgDRvH7FYvfC8JppF8U-JCDvlJVhzK5aSEo0cnagYb6WqqINu162Gsj1iE2ufj7llZ9J/s400/29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSSU9IeJ67DV2dJTAMV9-jgEhvFvQlZ-usfGSCaWULESbgbIiEh52rCID7i5gA1u5XwkRxEPMHSe04B72ok4oYNgHd5zerqnuCVycFqjpQ_QLUvSPPuOk7od2VLjLAnUwM83c8pyz5DxR/s1600/30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSSU9IeJ67DV2dJTAMV9-jgEhvFvQlZ-usfGSCaWULESbgbIiEh52rCID7i5gA1u5XwkRxEPMHSe04B72ok4oYNgHd5zerqnuCVycFqjpQ_QLUvSPPuOk7od2VLjLAnUwM83c8pyz5DxR/s400/30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hiking trails are throughout the area including the Wild Oak National Recreation Trail.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3dss0Sf_9bXPsuC0foN6iI61Ivmly3YYDyBFPISQVgfXyLhjJ-MRS8Bf6nI0ikVh5wTaCe32DfHnsV4L7ZSVget7veGkBDCjhH2I7Elp-U4SMLRdzP2IrFYDXdJp7RLhPiaajmFz1qIW/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3dss0Sf_9bXPsuC0foN6iI61Ivmly3YYDyBFPISQVgfXyLhjJ-MRS8Bf6nI0ikVh5wTaCe32DfHnsV4L7ZSVget7veGkBDCjhH2I7Elp-U4SMLRdzP2IrFYDXdJp7RLhPiaajmFz1qIW/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtOUMXfTS7FZ-FN8iZCg36u55_w2d9rS_nPDQ8775fwSQKJN2LhfFTHlEaWE3txW0kTmpjzh40NyUSYs_PcXZMUwxFOwSCqbqZ7IIfn53cC2W1N2YShk3gfeRpm7LpFQ1Yh93B8b03VtG/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtOUMXfTS7FZ-FN8iZCg36u55_w2d9rS_nPDQ8775fwSQKJN2LhfFTHlEaWE3txW0kTmpjzh40NyUSYs_PcXZMUwxFOwSCqbqZ7IIfn53cC2W1N2YShk3gfeRpm7LpFQ1Yh93B8b03VtG/s400/17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPy_lDwaXDZwgXLkkIETUj3hOBmRj5NfpXcf1FiuPRhZKcrQHCfXRaxHOjp1AkP4XFqg-z0EI3MJJUELAu5FTL0US1ILdcPXcflT2bQJ4EUX0Txk26Jpwrf7zLPG5b0pLwRE7pEDJD24A/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPy_lDwaXDZwgXLkkIETUj3hOBmRj5NfpXcf1FiuPRhZKcrQHCfXRaxHOjp1AkP4XFqg-z0EI3MJJUELAu5FTL0US1ILdcPXcflT2bQJ4EUX0Txk26Jpwrf7zLPG5b0pLwRE7pEDJD24A/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIPbqZES6mHTaC-BPt-OQWj0f8kb1113HxZYRKafZ2o3lP6hPwJT_RIRvomRbE6sBzd4KCW6jlMV45fDqSDECcuYyvKau-5040igzFzyoW5qS3Dfb7MU0MrG3E-WQoMZ4la4aUpFtqttV/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIPbqZES6mHTaC-BPt-OQWj0f8kb1113HxZYRKafZ2o3lP6hPwJT_RIRvomRbE6sBzd4KCW6jlMV45fDqSDECcuYyvKau-5040igzFzyoW5qS3Dfb7MU0MrG3E-WQoMZ4la4aUpFtqttV/s400/11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjis4EqVQGwtTNLDbQfiWlOYMr3FZmU5O_E6AYUzEVNx2Du0Q6q3PPkJRMRwHVx7KsOXYMenK_vnak4dnM5va3kx5ptb15XZ_jotERYAec8Y_I2G7Tv-jMrTuydOJmqKCP2jY_GEX_AefYg/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjis4EqVQGwtTNLDbQfiWlOYMr3FZmU5O_E6AYUzEVNx2Du0Q6q3PPkJRMRwHVx7KsOXYMenK_vnak4dnM5va3kx5ptb15XZ_jotERYAec8Y_I2G7Tv-jMrTuydOJmqKCP2jY_GEX_AefYg/s400/12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkitB8bxUwFzIo0DxBgvagPaMDsiemL3-drKBYfgcPfMErCH7_c8eXdAhmDKBKZ3nkQ5NbV8MzejjgenFxQyzRfW4ZB3iISQaVLqKiQmf192Dsyov-kV0bBLGEm3PCiHxe-Ryx_BxQWi5/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkitB8bxUwFzIo0DxBgvagPaMDsiemL3-drKBYfgcPfMErCH7_c8eXdAhmDKBKZ3nkQ5NbV8MzejjgenFxQyzRfW4ZB3iISQaVLqKiQmf192Dsyov-kV0bBLGEm3PCiHxe-Ryx_BxQWi5/s400/13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgRpurkF664lx3KWpgC8ikVWe8nRQvXZQHGIoos6ZP04RqRCcrW0A0_1cL-BfbLWhMDUZpgHU4pER5wqT84vfYWAXEAg2T5VObSPVhmFcjuf75wXWvswK55cj3XDWr5wD4PQuPouq6o9V/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIgRpurkF664lx3KWpgC8ikVWe8nRQvXZQHGIoos6ZP04RqRCcrW0A0_1cL-BfbLWhMDUZpgHU4pER5wqT84vfYWAXEAg2T5VObSPVhmFcjuf75wXWvswK55cj3XDWr5wD4PQuPouq6o9V/s400/14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozQikV1PAZvb2EFDRdJqNHneXPE1sz7cTBRYbBK6R8RhzPhmfEHs99XW5QOwfhU8SUDdCL3N4QPngDtD7SyNaHkYbLFCa8GeuSqWsfp9Rw-6dQ8mvKY7tIQFoP1rgaaLzrJXo6knjB2O2/s1600/15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozQikV1PAZvb2EFDRdJqNHneXPE1sz7cTBRYbBK6R8RhzPhmfEHs99XW5QOwfhU8SUDdCL3N4QPngDtD7SyNaHkYbLFCa8GeuSqWsfp9Rw-6dQ8mvKY7tIQFoP1rgaaLzrJXo6knjB2O2/s640/15.jpg" width="537" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Although camping and restroom facilities are closed, the roads were open Wednesday in the George Washington National Forest including hunting roads, and campers were set up in forested areas with trailers, tents, and horses. Vehicles were in hiking parking areas. The temperature was in the mid-50s with a brisk wind that made it feel cooler. Fall will come quickly now ... the leaves will turn over the next two weeks.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 9, 2013

Appalachian Mountains Augusta County George Washington National Forest government shutdown North River Multiple Use Area Photos #1: Fall in the George Washington National Forest's North River Multiple Use Area

Todd Lake This is the North River Multiple Use Area of the George Washington National Forest in northwestern Augusta County: "A 25,000 ...

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Cotton candy clouds ... sunset over Elliott's Knob

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXgfoqYSuVJ-_8YMHO2BGeWnyOhZWtJd4235uC_9ML2NbpUcgEj_9bzJpKcKu1Z_AzVERai6KDnZPElfxWqvb_3nfo4-HT2nCP8G0zv8oSStcS5cMqbIWvCjRoABjbu4qvLGMkLJQEPBM/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaXgfoqYSuVJ-_8YMHO2BGeWnyOhZWtJd4235uC_9ML2NbpUcgEj_9bzJpKcKu1Z_AzVERai6KDnZPElfxWqvb_3nfo4-HT2nCP8G0zv8oSStcS5cMqbIWvCjRoABjbu4qvLGMkLJQEPBM/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHiufQ9tHy8xumK04DFbts5hCNVZSbhn3Jae1GimH_k60_LfxriVwjOKLXkTaXHun9xjnjwXGFbmVf6-ERwBmS_rvzJYXayFfn6-Z7_Tw_llREd_DEJy3d88ka6FFbRCDSZXQvWkn5eGa/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHiufQ9tHy8xumK04DFbts5hCNVZSbhn3Jae1GimH_k60_LfxriVwjOKLXkTaXHun9xjnjwXGFbmVf6-ERwBmS_rvzJYXayFfn6-Z7_Tw_llREd_DEJy3d88ka6FFbRCDSZXQvWkn5eGa/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sunset over Elliott's Knob ... Appalachian Mountains, Augusta County, Virginia</div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 8, 2013

Appalachian Mountains Augusta County Elliott's Knob sunset tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Cotton candy clouds ... sunset over Elliott's Knob

Sunset over Elliott's Knob ... Appalachian Mountains, Augusta County, Virginia Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell October 8, 2013

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October afternoon drive on the back roads of Augusta County

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsKkoEX0sucNEehyAnEcayONaXhk6Ae9HtJnvKgrGIYztusX3MkNV01_U9SYAc_57qDigv4hQts_qw1ogEz8kOBBpFOSD44PU2mYUCY4ai_7nMa7YlspccQVxCg6CXis4vvvfmvxWprBc/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsKkoEX0sucNEehyAnEcayONaXhk6Ae9HtJnvKgrGIYztusX3MkNV01_U9SYAc_57qDigv4hQts_qw1ogEz8kOBBpFOSD44PU2mYUCY4ai_7nMa7YlspccQVxCg6CXis4vvvfmvxWprBc/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The blustery breezes, cool temps, and fresh mountain air called to me this afternoon as I headed toward western Augusta County and the fog-shrouded mountains. Sunshine was breaking through the clouds that had brought early-morning, much needed, rain. The air that had been hazy the past week or so because of temperatures in the upper 80s was clear and mountain ridges were sharply defined against the sky. The farm above is nearby ... the leaves are just beginning to turn.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLp2Cuybk73sPLMkB-nbmXsahbzXbxjuC67-w6jicXj7xYAXNrxWqEGWw2TnzTK6IroloeTMSwLtqbQgnqkp_ZPXqfO-nXDTrC0oc4ZROk_DW-P-Ast97geEylCiu5uxT4nyD_KhrprsV/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLp2Cuybk73sPLMkB-nbmXsahbzXbxjuC67-w6jicXj7xYAXNrxWqEGWw2TnzTK6IroloeTMSwLtqbQgnqkp_ZPXqfO-nXDTrC0oc4ZROk_DW-P-Ast97geEylCiu5uxT4nyD_KhrprsV/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not far from the farm, I stopped and look toward the Appalachian Mountains at Elliott's Knob.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ub9AGTeaWdR6ZvQeWI0KbYb0ehVlkIOzkz1dMFXL2HGwIuNSQDnJbv8XQDrAUiaD_5fiQeCvc29RpcNLgQg3z-9TVWjFBkD5BjxkLcRPVAUMh-uGFwM26asORDWOwvvU6M2reK4lJcYY/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ub9AGTeaWdR6ZvQeWI0KbYb0ehVlkIOzkz1dMFXL2HGwIuNSQDnJbv8XQDrAUiaD_5fiQeCvc29RpcNLgQg3z-9TVWjFBkD5BjxkLcRPVAUMh-uGFwM26asORDWOwvvU6M2reK4lJcYY/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZ1R5XotqhCfKcWAAMNnaCVWFOdl7VSV38I8UddYr1mueAH6K0OX5mo8VGMkML6-yt1DHg09zsqzgH4IVKc3c_ikwHt7C1i_iN6P-bR5zyDCdR6tYIrMDLmV6suZ5trOrisiCzICbGcrO/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZ1R5XotqhCfKcWAAMNnaCVWFOdl7VSV38I8UddYr1mueAH6K0OX5mo8VGMkML6-yt1DHg09zsqzgH4IVKc3c_ikwHt7C1i_iN6P-bR5zyDCdR6tYIrMDLmV6suZ5trOrisiCzICbGcrO/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This forest road located in the George Washington National Forest at Buffalo Gap is always pretty in the fall as the leaves cover the gravel road leading to a favorite hiking trail.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoqJCXFXDraJ6EbbPVynf5zd9oUJ9hBRs3BRbTYxYy5GpPqq3kXa4CPPqfNA9H4Z5lFsl9oBGoDHqxdijD8GLZEC5_PEyOr2DumJgGNoKCqi3gMo3KQBCIoOYWpvGum6NgTy5ZHGtoyaL/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoqJCXFXDraJ6EbbPVynf5zd9oUJ9hBRs3BRbTYxYy5GpPqq3kXa4CPPqfNA9H4Z5lFsl9oBGoDHqxdijD8GLZEC5_PEyOr2DumJgGNoKCqi3gMo3KQBCIoOYWpvGum6NgTy5ZHGtoyaL/s640/6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Augusta Springs Wetlands in western Augusta County is a popular birding area with hiking trails and a woodlands pond at the site of the old turn-of-the-century Augusta Springs Hotel that burned 100 years ago.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fun in all seasons, today's visit was full of the aroma of fallen leaves as the wind showered me with more and I shuffled through the ones on the ground. It was a reminder of a warm day six years ago when my sister and then-11-year-old niece and I stopped by for a summer adventure, <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2007/08/augusta-springs-wetlands-tour.html">following the trail</a> and boardwalk markers, something I had done with my own children when they were young. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2007/08/back-roads-of-shenandoah-valley-augusta.html">Through the eyes of my niece</a>, Augusta Springs makes us all children again in this tiny corner of the George Washington National Forest.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02AWBUBMROMfl4Arn-mS6jn0_PMeXSFQxP4xB2Uvd2REL3m0xI3R4207lwNGdA7RZ0U-RC1Wf1wmepAt9O0_3dD6Q5IW1gioePtVIMqacKnwjsIupfIPPVjzgSu-w9_rGvMFpdkiwtyff/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02AWBUBMROMfl4Arn-mS6jn0_PMeXSFQxP4xB2Uvd2REL3m0xI3R4207lwNGdA7RZ0U-RC1Wf1wmepAt9O0_3dD6Q5IW1gioePtVIMqacKnwjsIupfIPPVjzgSu-w9_rGvMFpdkiwtyff/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Queen Anne's Lace lined the roadsides.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2WMxFZjYlPmX65QZwz2TyRiWNSMGPjVmEFs74TDS5OMNkdBs9RxshMpCD1usAZs96F_0LVWvwt2wJbpK1i0TuFmCQ1JnQX1RsILGD1xuOQ4Ymvb611dKFIQRqtk2MfkVF40AvwQf-TIU/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2WMxFZjYlPmX65QZwz2TyRiWNSMGPjVmEFs74TDS5OMNkdBs9RxshMpCD1usAZs96F_0LVWvwt2wJbpK1i0TuFmCQ1JnQX1RsILGD1xuOQ4Ymvb611dKFIQRqtk2MfkVF40AvwQf-TIU/s400/13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another nearby farm in the shadow of Elliott's Knob.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1f0X4NIHFHtTosJSVRIidPT-j9z57NDcYxn0qZib8jtOCOnlb5TDZ_lvKKqIITIMk-7A4nNqOeVUHTQ7Cggh1zkIXtfBwe4oHyd-UrxMkTb_7Ak11WcpW0VoRHoZKIm6akj4qDoyl-5s/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1f0X4NIHFHtTosJSVRIidPT-j9z57NDcYxn0qZib8jtOCOnlb5TDZ_lvKKqIITIMk-7A4nNqOeVUHTQ7Cggh1zkIXtfBwe4oHyd-UrxMkTb_7Ak11WcpW0VoRHoZKIm6akj4qDoyl-5s/s400/16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Looking toward the Appalachians, a neighbor's scarlet burning bush is a reminder that fall is here. <br /><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 7, 2013

Appalachian Mountains Augusta County Augusta Springs Wetlands tourism Virginia Is For Lovers western Virginia October afternoon drive on the back roads of Augusta County

The blustery breezes, cool temps, and fresh mountain air called to me this afternoon as I headed toward western Augusta County and the fog-s...

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October Appalachian views ... Augusta County, Virginia

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHaE7k-lbKtMT8qoeASd92qTu4RGFfc-uUXeLWvHlzQUv8IqPWQLZV1e2bY85t0f-xdslXO0HOjrzE8GR7UAfvmQsY635_AYZr82BbRX1LYYgCWTn_PB8cq0nCRwT8Eo3j30kD6p0zd-3/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHaE7k-lbKtMT8qoeASd92qTu4RGFfc-uUXeLWvHlzQUv8IqPWQLZV1e2bY85t0f-xdslXO0HOjrzE8GR7UAfvmQsY635_AYZr82BbRX1LYYgCWTn_PB8cq0nCRwT8Eo3j30kD6p0zd-3/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W6WKU_epfwcSsFXxcIqhzrMd8YiDV7nuCKdlmcNduojcmKC93m7TUT7C-J0zmWjS2yNVb3XUiubyncrzBn-fP_-YT-riFWhgg_IgoNcBCWa5rx6aCLAVC_QHNDLkuFfd8PzCDOg6W0Vb/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5W6WKU_epfwcSsFXxcIqhzrMd8YiDV7nuCKdlmcNduojcmKC93m7TUT7C-J0zmWjS2yNVb3XUiubyncrzBn-fP_-YT-riFWhgg_IgoNcBCWa5rx6aCLAVC_QHNDLkuFfd8PzCDOg6W0Vb/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 7, 2013

Appalachian Mountains Augusta County October Shenandoah Valley tourism Virginia Is For Lovers western Virginia October Appalachian views ... Augusta County, Virginia

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell October 7, 2013

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Happy First Anniversary, Katy and Colin!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLV9LSQM8pf0zL6YvASRwlVj9W-gzKFeIBbvW46JCGlAlLo0zdcCufH8kfRleH_MJqhEz2Xc3nse3g9xvgN4QLluQlWoi-UO4mHaBSu07wp0oQ8CVefAnVPVODk-495BPDBgpbHnfAb7CF/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLV9LSQM8pf0zL6YvASRwlVj9W-gzKFeIBbvW46JCGlAlLo0zdcCufH8kfRleH_MJqhEz2Xc3nse3g9xvgN4QLluQlWoi-UO4mHaBSu07wp0oQ8CVefAnVPVODk-495BPDBgpbHnfAb7CF/s640/9.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">House Mountain Inn located in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia</div><div style="text-align: center;">September 15, 2012</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6dirBG6m3Ko4aP6SCLuQfaDb-lyYWKiat_aKGR40sgjTVmkesURNWjfnfUsgWGO-ltC8fBCslrZr_VaAATMT42T_TbY68LhiHFG6gFllUq1G0IHH_fqEe81LhPYLi5GphONWddyjsnvV/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6dirBG6m3Ko4aP6SCLuQfaDb-lyYWKiat_aKGR40sgjTVmkesURNWjfnfUsgWGO-ltC8fBCslrZr_VaAATMT42T_TbY68LhiHFG6gFllUq1G0IHH_fqEe81LhPYLi5GphONWddyjsnvV/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1v84WKC6Pg"><b>The Wedding Song</b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>by Paul Stookey</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />He is now to be among you at the calling of your hearts<br />Rest assured this troubador is acting on His part.<br />The union of your spirits, here, has caused Him to remain<br />For whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name<br />There is Love. There is Love.<br /><br />Well a man shall leave his mother and a woman leave her home<br />And they shall travel on to where the two shall be as one.<br />As it was in the beginning is now and until the end<br />Woman draws her life from man and gives it back again.<br />And there is Love. There is Love.<br /><br />Well then what's to be the reason for becoming man and wife?<br />Is it Love that brings you here or Love that brings you life?<br />Or if loving is the answer, then who's the giving for?<br />Do you believe in something that you've never seen before?<br />Oh there's Love, there is Love.<br /><br />Oh the marriage of your spirits here has caused Him to remain<br />For whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name<br />There is Love. Oh there's Love.</div>

Appalachian Mountains family House Mountain Inn Lexington weddings western Virginia Happy First Anniversary, Katy and Colin!

House Mountain Inn located in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia September 15, 2012 The Wedding Song by Paul Stookey He is now to be amon...

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Sunday afternoon in Augusta County

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIt7GJCbY78r5XwGnqdqyH2RvGWrqamGFLEXiXswIRWFoSfa5MXJ81_lUDk4yFM_Df6xVTSUmg2va8Vs9UghdIwuYpoR_tvPYHa4szC-Rmcv66xqsZPabzUsm5Lt17gv0-DMT7OXjAfPEz/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIt7GJCbY78r5XwGnqdqyH2RvGWrqamGFLEXiXswIRWFoSfa5MXJ81_lUDk4yFM_Df6xVTSUmg2va8Vs9UghdIwuYpoR_tvPYHa4szC-Rmcv66xqsZPabzUsm5Lt17gv0-DMT7OXjAfPEz/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking west toward the Appalachian Mountains on a sunny, low-humidity late summer day with temps in the upper 70s.</div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />August 25, 2013

Appalachian Mountains Augusta County summer in Shenandoah Valley tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Sunday afternoon in Augusta County

Looking west toward the Appalachian Mountains on a sunny, low-humidity late summer day with temps in the upper 70s. Photo by Lynn R. Mitchel...

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My grandparents' anniversary ... August 21, 1904

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CpXkUNZcH3Fc_FJKCrLfMGcXCIFIhOAwk7RpeVQsMsg-SYF3Ut8desaCyxXQiPVepS41iFTqnn_xLn7thNSerJs-CfSaZ5PpNgdJFGhEU2zqTlZbGvWUBAalrjVaoupnC5AARurcWJcW/s1600/a+cabin.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="271" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508032850494499970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CpXkUNZcH3Fc_FJKCrLfMGcXCIFIhOAwk7RpeVQsMsg-SYF3Ut8desaCyxXQiPVepS41iFTqnn_xLn7thNSerJs-CfSaZ5PpNgdJFGhEU2zqTlZbGvWUBAalrjVaoupnC5AARurcWJcW/s400/a+cabin.jpeg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="400" /></a><br /><br />There's a narrow gold wedding band I wear on my left hand along with my own. It is my grandmother's wedding band that was left to me when she passed away many years ago. Inside is engraved my grandparents' initials and the date of their wedding ... August 21, 1904 ... 109 years ago today.<br /><br />My grandfather was from Grayson County in southwest Virginia. My grandmother was from Allegheny County, NC, just across the New River and state line. They met at an all-night dance, a tradition during those days in the mountains where the young people would meet at someone's house for a dance party. The social gatherings would last all night because folks lived such long distances from one another and it was difficult and dangerous to travel through the mountains after dark.<br /><br />I don't know how long they courted but my grandmother, whose father was a <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-great-grandfathers-kennedy-country.html">prominent and prosperous store keeper and farmer</a> in the Turkey Knob community outside Sparta, NC, consented to become my grandfather's wife and move away from her family. Because the marriage license was obtained in Virginia, my grandparents, along with the wedding party, walked to the Virginia-North Carolina state line and were married in the middle of the road. My mother said that was a common practice back in those days.<br /><br />Their names were John and Molly and they were two teenagers beginning life together as generations had done before in those isolated, hard-scrapple mountains. They settled in a small cabin on the side of a mountain near an area known as Mouth of Wilson, located in the shadow of Grayson Highlands and Mt. Rogers in the days before they became a state park.<br /><br />The land was sloped and rocky ... the elevation was over 3,500 feet ... and to walk it today makes me wonder how they were able to survive in the harsh winters and difficult summers. In two rooms, they began raising their family that would eventually include 10 children ... my mother was the youngest. My grandfather farmed with a mule and plow, piling rocks on the hillside that are still in place to this day. A small creek passes below the cabin, a source of water during the days they lived in those cramped, sparse conditions.<br /><br />They were surrounded by family. Our relatives are all through those hills, most staying close as they grew into adulthood, married, and raised families of their own. My grandfather's parents lived in a log cabin on the Knob, the family place that was made up of two rooms and a fireplace on the ground floor, and one large room upstairs. <br /><br />Because they were tough and made their own way, they set a work ethic for those of us who followed that continues to this day. And, as I once again look at the gold band on my ring finger, I think about how it all began on this day 109 years ago when John and Molly became man and wife.

Appalachian Mountains family Grayson County Grayson Highlands Mt. Rogers My grandparents' anniversary ... August 21, 1904

There's a narrow gold wedding band I wear on my left hand along with my own. It is my grandmother's wedding band that was left to me...

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Sunday night ... 'I will lift up mine eyes'

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKPLZ2usBuDCCCYplKZWf2VVY9KdiomrqS-TOBMkgGw5AveeeN35paX2MBKJalrPlF3hyBfVzljTVVW5eKixWLe8ktzwi0ExsQuQtRMMGQ5m7m4PljLGSNXRBj8KfTqR-pEmV5-vEZ1AS/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVKPLZ2usBuDCCCYplKZWf2VVY9KdiomrqS-TOBMkgGw5AveeeN35paX2MBKJalrPlF3hyBfVzljTVVW5eKixWLe8ktzwi0ExsQuQtRMMGQ5m7m4PljLGSNXRBj8KfTqR-pEmV5-vEZ1AS/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help."</div><div style="text-align: center;">--Psalm 121:1</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokCiTGKuMQgJZmFfGZ_QvuP1Oc7wzBks6ONnLkJonUcGzL2IJPl68s_0KaaqUTGkZyNmqSRsccb7Y-K14ZYvjuwIN9ZIanfGgGy17B-KMpnuG_0E3FTOEhVjo9rE6iXD1AsIm0Thrd_09/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjokCiTGKuMQgJZmFfGZ_QvuP1Oc7wzBks6ONnLkJonUcGzL2IJPl68s_0KaaqUTGkZyNmqSRsccb7Y-K14ZYvjuwIN9ZIanfGgGy17B-KMpnuG_0E3FTOEhVjo9rE6iXD1AsIm0Thrd_09/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> "In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him."</div><div style="text-align: center;">--Psalm 95:4</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9BUlsX0F3FKec5sq7pdkWV64-u5UobkcIRhC3fum4rVBiLn863JIp9RW_6X_0sE6XaCNRl1DqxaPIizNoh03sn3F-MLJa5_QheOjGoJkkxpqYklXbX9T_nW1A_CPPs4XvXZtQgrFAnBi/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG9BUlsX0F3FKec5sq7pdkWV64-u5UobkcIRhC3fum4rVBiLn863JIp9RW_6X_0sE6XaCNRl1DqxaPIizNoh03sn3F-MLJa5_QheOjGoJkkxpqYklXbX9T_nW1A_CPPs4XvXZtQgrFAnBi/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">  "In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, 'Flee like a bird to your mountain?' "</div><div style="text-align: center;">-- Psalm 11:1</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCsXGeoqA8jbJBGFHbZ-9gnNMrxTKdvBBYA2YE8DjZQnmmytYjfvI6RXxSGznyEixKqL025OxV-JNsB6bUkYOjAeQBVd-uF-xU0jMtXlGTESkUFgy5_KPIVwS_FFM__XS8LykTre_eUkO/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCsXGeoqA8jbJBGFHbZ-9gnNMrxTKdvBBYA2YE8DjZQnmmytYjfvI6RXxSGznyEixKqL025OxV-JNsB6bUkYOjAeQBVd-uF-xU0jMtXlGTESkUFgy5_KPIVwS_FFM__XS8LykTre_eUkO/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> "Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy."</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;">-- Psalm 98.8</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEixx95xhSZDsh1RLRcECQgqhJ7fzwr7EazlS6M6GDxFIx_W-NwMCBCe9I6C-PlYfJXtIzUR-NCTEM-1Jdta6krCA607I8f48V6hyphenhyphenU6xGEV5GMGUJ8kB44CJTr2NMchBGg7FQOUJPw0x2/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEixx95xhSZDsh1RLRcECQgqhJ7fzwr7EazlS6M6GDxFIx_W-NwMCBCe9I6C-PlYfJXtIzUR-NCTEM-1Jdta6krCA607I8f48V6hyphenhyphenU6xGEV5GMGUJ8kB44CJTr2NMchBGg7FQOUJPw0x2/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> "Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."</div><div style="text-align: center;">-- Mark 11:23-24</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilG-syfBy-lteXVhtLgSukx03-k13HUWV5C7EaiBe5gm_g4KvpS1gDGCoBNsUNPuIq_6sA1j2qgMfNTxQuhkDpPYuCwXFZ-onw6IIzJcpo3vOPUzd6oq2jniFfgnN1fFBtUNqAXuqEWlJi/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilG-syfBy-lteXVhtLgSukx03-k13HUWV5C7EaiBe5gm_g4KvpS1gDGCoBNsUNPuIq_6sA1j2qgMfNTxQuhkDpPYuCwXFZ-onw6IIzJcpo3vOPUzd6oq2jniFfgnN1fFBtUNqAXuqEWlJi/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> "He replied, 'Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "'Move from here to there," and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."</div><div style="text-align: center;">-- Matthew 17:20<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoLXrgUP7k2ChVOQk4L0GiNBbsgxM5-K0y49T-DplYYXc4Ok4iyAZ1NkW0pUp87AChA0DLsyAlAb6Fj9fYJQu5ZwrsfOiblSMrcLMcqkrVpecp9rTgYBoPPzX0GsrTA0xysDdXGc5yZ3A/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoLXrgUP7k2ChVOQk4L0GiNBbsgxM5-K0y49T-DplYYXc4Ok4iyAZ1NkW0pUp87AChA0DLsyAlAb6Fj9fYJQu5ZwrsfOiblSMrcLMcqkrVpecp9rTgYBoPPzX0GsrTA0xysDdXGc5yZ3A/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">"The mountains shall bring peace to the people."</div><div style="text-align: center;">-- Psalms 65:6</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />Augusta County, Virginia<br />July 8, 2013

Appalachian Mountains Augusta County fog Shenandoah Valley sunset tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Sunday night ... 'I will lift up mine eyes'

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help." --Psalm 121:1  "In his hand are the depths of the eart...

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