News for today's 2018

Shenandoah Valley: VDOT prepares for wintry weather

2:51 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8MlBeOvgWvp9sUbX7AcI1f9TbyrgboD4asZFw8ryYwaLHwYvVA2BzE9Q5qaY4fM5xXiiZ7CzsKQ-g9P31sMvGy4jUaZ7eYfbhbkU7wFXwkDHCa8Z2HvIWHmVsY6L2ibwcXwled-Uby8/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/AVvXsEis8MlBeOvgWvp9sUbX7AcI1f9TbyrgboD4asZFw8ryYwaLHwYvVA2BzE9Q5qaY4fM5xXiiZ7CzsKQ-g9P31sMvGy4jUaZ7eYfbhbkU7wFXwkDHCa8Z2HvIWHmVsY6L2ibwcXwled-Uby8/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The Rt. 262 bypass around Staunton was being treated this morning as VDOT put down anti-freezing fluids on the roadways preparing for incoming wintry weather that could include snow, ice, and freezing rain. By this afternoon, both sides of the road had been done as well as many other main thoroughfares around Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County.</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/AVvXsEi9IjOQhvU8vfTi3VBL8J__X2y_kSkNu-7HAamp_K0HSb-ag6XGAookafbOeFP7B54fw9aHykFNoTx1m_ehPjOb2p4Jh1YsGratGpWjFZUcuBhWwcMS0S_5o2nmyeSPw7zyx4wrEgzwUxs/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/AVvXsEi9IjOQhvU8vfTi3VBL8J__X2y_kSkNu-7HAamp_K0HSb-ag6XGAookafbOeFP7B54fw9aHykFNoTx1m_ehPjOb2p4Jh1YsGratGpWjFZUcuBhWwcMS0S_5o2nmyeSPw7zyx4wrEgzwUxs/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This VDOT worker was retrieving trash from the middle of the road. Keeping us safe ... many thanks for VDOT and the men and women who make our highways and byways safe all year round but especially during winter. It looks like they will have their hands full the next 24 hours.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />November 25, 2013

Shenandoah Valley: VDOT prepares for wintry weather

The Rt. 262 bypass around Staunton was being treated this morning as VDOT put down anti-freezing fluids on the roadways preparing for incom...

Bradford pears display last of colorful autumn leaves

6:20 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOGi1n6qjCysGaLXmNKi4ISrLYGRxK6F-IQUMrR5-wJOyar63VLBXELN_w7QvkjtLNKQFizVAU_XtScmFn39H6WCTdQQ1a_elXsasNVMg0eWyB_o_jS4VBB3V2KVUTl_gUwKsn7yHM8bc/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOGi1n6qjCysGaLXmNKi4ISrLYGRxK6F-IQUMrR5-wJOyar63VLBXELN_w7QvkjtLNKQFizVAU_XtScmFn39H6WCTdQQ1a_elXsasNVMg0eWyB_o_jS4VBB3V2KVUTl_gUwKsn7yHM8bc/s640/3.jpg" width="486" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As cold wintry winds blew through the Shenandoah Valley Tuesday, I bundled up and took a stroll around the yard. Autumn leaves that have fallen and are covering the ground beckoned for us to grab rakes and get to work. Not just yet, however, because the Bradford pear leaves are just now turning. With bare trees around them, the Bradfords with their perfect shapes have the autumn palate all to themselves before shedding the last leaves of the season and <i>then</i> we can start raking.</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/AVvXsEgpNJ73l5lu_MpewrCXwfl31xFusi1VVXalmPLKpDtw78aXOEfVKJR8uqpx8aCjpNxRt3bBHi4n3kvfCUbJntjMM1NIZCaGjumlC4T1NTxn_r_w-zNE6F8Mf0L3An85JGchUhoP4yGUcycC/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNJ73l5lu_MpewrCXwfl31xFusi1VVXalmPLKpDtw78aXOEfVKJR8uqpx8aCjpNxRt3bBHi4n3kvfCUbJntjMM1NIZCaGjumlC4T1NTxn_r_w-zNE6F8Mf0L3An85JGchUhoP4yGUcycC/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tuesday's overcast, gray, blustery day was the Valley's first taste of winter weather as temperatures fell from the 40s at sunrise into the 20s by evening. While other areas of Virginia saw snow squalls throughout the day, none were spied in our corner of Augusta County. It's late fall in the Shenandoah Valley.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />November 12, 2013

Bradford pears display last of colorful autumn leaves

Augusta County autumn in Shenandoah Valley autumn leaf season Bradford pears Virginia Is For Lovers Bradford pears display last of colorful autumn leaves

As cold wintry winds blew through the Shenandoah Valley Tuesday, I bundled up and took a stroll around the yard. Autumn leaves that have fal...

Election Day in SWAC area ... ongoing updates

6:31 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jj4EZIaBRTzmY0S1p6zcxvD-GTkkxhB98dC7CybLP1ChSotCZRvnXlPMPoOWBEA7iiOtSpMZM6rEm6ppGzPXUYk5sToF7tHAokkyiHIde6lELSFZbkNT2IcybM6NwPhxuX9m5vZcREDa/s1600/voting+booth+graphic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jj4EZIaBRTzmY0S1p6zcxvD-GTkkxhB98dC7CybLP1ChSotCZRvnXlPMPoOWBEA7iiOtSpMZM6rEm6ppGzPXUYk5sToF7tHAokkyiHIde6lELSFZbkNT2IcybM6NwPhxuX9m5vZcREDa/s1600/voting+booth+graphic.jpeg" /></a></div><br />It's Election Day 2013 in Virginia. The polls are open ... voters are voting, candidate supporters are greeting them, and volunteers are sending them out the door with "I Voted" stickers.<br /><br />The weather is good ... a cold, frosty start to the day with temps in the 20s is expected to lead to a high in the 50s under overcast skies.<br /><br />What an odd year it has been with some newspapers <a href="http://www.swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/no-gubernatorial-endorsements-from.html">refusing to endorse anyone for governor while others encouraged write-in votes for Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling</a>. Many are happy to see this election cycle finally come to an end.  For many, it marks the finish of the daily barrage of campaign emails, robocalls, and television ads.<br /><br />Virginia is being considered a bellwether for the country. The tea party and Libertarian wings of the Virginia Republican Party have their dream team of candidates in Ken Cuccinelli, E.W. Jackson, and Mark Obenshain for governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general. Four years after the Republican team led by Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling swept into office with historic leads, will it happen again?<br /><br />This is a notoriously red area of the Commonwealth so what's going on in the central Shenandoah Valley area that includes Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County? I'll pass along news as I hear it.<br /><br /><b>10:15 a.m.:</b> Churchville precinct had light but steady turnout. The voting location within Churchville Elementary School had been moved with only one table for check-in as opposed to the usual two. About half a dozen people were in line to sign in; two machines were in use. Interestingly, there was a card table set up with a McAuliffe sign and materials but no presence from the Republicans.<br /><br /><b>2:00 p.m.:</b> Wilson Precinct. Steady, light turnout continued.<br /><br /><b>7:10 p.m.:</b> Polls have closed and the wait begins for returns to be posted and announced.

Election Day in SWAC area ... ongoing updates

Augusta County Bill Bolling Bob McDonnell E.W. Jackson Election 2013 Ken Cuccinelli Libertarians Mark Obenshain Shenandoah Valley Staunton SWAC tea party Waynesboro Election Day in SWAC area ... ongoing updates

It's Election Day 2013 in Virginia. The polls are open ... voters are voting, candidate supporters are greeting them, and volunteers are...

Crimora Mine retreat for rent in Blue Ridge foothills of Augusta County

1:45 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhEbdbPWGCh5r6t1AkYHiDdo9zZ_3e0_iFGCocr_9sZL8tOiOCBXWtC6ZaYGdlUhm6ySB16trC5oAWub2tbD7aBEVEZfEgneLwb3sNUpUgMBBkyZjOzn-H4MLcaVTwG0tF2vaygLVKCmB/s1600/Crimora+Mine+rental+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhEbdbPWGCh5r6t1AkYHiDdo9zZ_3e0_iFGCocr_9sZL8tOiOCBXWtC6ZaYGdlUhm6ySB16trC5oAWub2tbD7aBEVEZfEgneLwb3sNUpUgMBBkyZjOzn-H4MLcaVTwG0tF2vaygLVKCmB/s400/Crimora+Mine+rental+house.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Crimora Mine Retreat is a beautiful log home available for rent that is located in eastern Augusta County adjacent to Shenandoah National Park and accessible by an old-fashioned covered bridge.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.crimoramineretreat.com/">From their website</a>:<br /><blockquote><b>Crimora</b> <b>Mine Retreat</b> is a luxurious  log home completed in the fall of 2007.  This private vacation cabin is  located on 150 acres of woodland in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Bordered  by the Shenandoah National Park and a few miles from the Appalachian  Trail, Crimora Mine Retreat is the perfect place for a getaway with  family and friends.   <br /><br />You can enjoy fishing, hiking, kayaking, and  canoeing all while soaking up breathtaking views from this stunning  locale. Mountains, lakes and sunsets can be seen from every angle and  the surrounding area is teaming with deer, bear, turkey, beavers, ducks,  hawks and even an occasional bald eagle!   <br /><br />This state of the art, four  bedroom, three bath home boasts a gourmet kitchen, game room,  wrap-around porch with hot tub and most importantly…this all comes to  you at an affordable price!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Crimora, Virginia is conveniently close to:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Harrisonburg</div><div style="text-align: center;">Waynesboro</div><div style="text-align: center;">Staunton</div><div style="text-align: center;">Charlottesville</div><br />Crimora Mine Retreat is part of the open pit manganese mines that  started in 1866.  Manganese was used in the production of steel and can  still be found scattered all over the property. The three adjoining  man-made lakes range anywhere from 20 to 100 feet deep with underground  shafts connecting multiple water sources around the Crimora area.</blockquote><a href="http://www.crimoramineretreat.com/contact">Rental rates and accommodations info</a>:<br />Crimora Mine Retreat sleeps up to ten people<br />No pets/smoking - 25 year age requirement<br />$475/night for weekdays<br />$575/night for weekends/holiday<br />$3000 weekly<br />$30/day optional golf cart rental<br /><br />Pavilion available for rent separately for special occasions.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1z5ge1naLv4O-2awHMnE7Xgux8LS6mtl0sSd0aIaSw51zAbYY0OOH-5iQrAjuVzTOTE2lkCsfc12hOvgb7silAS1eQwfkq-QU-TBAS4W6dJ45EogK3P3nX6iX-wL0ZUO-N_exzufd2xMQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1z5ge1naLv4O-2awHMnE7Xgux8LS6mtl0sSd0aIaSw51zAbYY0OOH-5iQrAjuVzTOTE2lkCsfc12hOvgb7silAS1eQwfkq-QU-TBAS4W6dJ45EogK3P3nX6iX-wL0ZUO-N_exzufd2xMQ/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Covered bridge entry to Crimora Mine Retreat.<br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell, November 2, 2013.</i></div>

Crimora Mine retreat for rent in Blue Ridge foothills of Augusta County

Augusta County Blue Ridge Mountains Crimora Mine Retreat log home rental Shenandoah National Park Crimora Mine retreat for rent in Blue Ridge foothills of Augusta County

Crimora Mine Retreat is a beautiful log home available for rent that is located in eastern Augusta County adjacent to Shenandoah National Pa...

High wind advisory for Shenandoah Valley

11:21 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMtv3oGioahq6knaEndG3i-BNs4mcYaW4NKx0cnlw1Q6bCsCderZnIMiyKSOKrpkmwvFW3xMiaa8zx3H81V6pau8otdOxiq5vgYSJfCTx_8234Z46pkoHb-uhdVMfdO1p3K8POcgimS2w/s1600/Windy+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMtv3oGioahq6knaEndG3i-BNs4mcYaW4NKx0cnlw1Q6bCsCderZnIMiyKSOKrpkmwvFW3xMiaa8zx3H81V6pau8otdOxiq5vgYSJfCTx_8234Z46pkoHb-uhdVMfdO1p3K8POcgimS2w/s200/Windy+day.jpg" /></a></div><br />Holy cow, it's blustery in my corner of Augusta County this afternoon! Leaves are flying horizontally through the air and the rocking chairs are seesawing on the porch. The 70-degree winds remind me of Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, and "Windsday." LOL.<br /><br />Harrisonburg's <a href="http://www.whsv.com/weather">WHSV TV-3</a> has put out a high wind advisory for the area:<br /><blockquote>"A Wind Advisory has been issued for the entire viewing area from midnight Thursday through 8 am Friday morning. Winds are expected to be 15-30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph. Impacts will be more pronounced at elevations above 1500 feet."</blockquote>With these high winds, the trick-or-treaters will almost literally be blown onto the porch since we're expecting little visitors to start showing up shortly before dark. There's going to be a lot of bare trees by Saturday at the rate leaves are scurrying across the yard.<br /><br />Be safe. Happy Windsday!

Augusta County halloween high wind advisory Shenandoah Valley WHSV TV-3 High wind advisory for Shenandoah Valley

Holy cow, it's blustery in my corner of Augusta County this afternoon! Leaves are flying horizontally through the air and the rocking ch...

October colors at home

6:46 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yP0YHh7IEnnJAVsi-ZbKyqKzErK29NL3Jk3I6KkvIDY2awS4hkdm3FAMG3RZJINkVUtQuignD9gRuHmT-g_z4ZNuWsLvWBdkIuDmq2Qbw1ikNUqFZOeMa9rRH8OppWumhz0Jm-XSf3py/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yP0YHh7IEnnJAVsi-ZbKyqKzErK29NL3Jk3I6KkvIDY2awS4hkdm3FAMG3RZJINkVUtQuignD9gRuHmT-g_z4ZNuWsLvWBdkIuDmq2Qbw1ikNUqFZOeMa9rRH8OppWumhz0Jm-XSf3py/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The maple tree beside the deck puts on a show every year and 2013 is no exception. While the autumn colors this year have been hit-and-miss, this reliable maple remained a star in our October yard.</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/AVvXsEj4B9gFIwYWv981WI_lFFbyeunsj5OJxPrzdc-n69P0Fo0CEHZCjUIEzQVX5SUX3rN0XytCes8ggP62ZSRolawvED2C5uo8OW_MfppV1XRIcT9DNgUuycxa0SmF3zlbBGRBXuWPcuLVW2td/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4B9gFIwYWv981WI_lFFbyeunsj5OJxPrzdc-n69P0Fo0CEHZCjUIEzQVX5SUX3rN0XytCes8ggP62ZSRolawvED2C5uo8OW_MfppV1XRIcT9DNgUuycxa0SmF3zlbBGRBXuWPcuLVW2td/s640/1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Mini pumpkins and gourds from the garden.</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/AVvXsEhX_x35To_A54_oEnK97Cpe1r4UN0RQQ0HXbCA1-FxvY5xehE9V8wp59HIlvXroi6OnkT4ntdor_gOHQIZZ42eXX713YBpPDbXOzp8Xjj9AHpPDthx64wEalrscCacsUIyoiYnjCBAGmRXF/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX_x35To_A54_oEnK97Cpe1r4UN0RQQ0HXbCA1-FxvY5xehE9V8wp59HIlvXroi6OnkT4ntdor_gOHQIZZ42eXX713YBpPDbXOzp8Xjj9AHpPDthx64wEalrscCacsUIyoiYnjCBAGmRXF/s640/2.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgA-bArHCMj51V7UVKZZ8cWAOnlKwREwMulCd_-p_loFhDP4U1B8PIvpSDENXYVG2E2E2kRLc0eFg_WHnGzxh6I2uFGg3oxCoe1Zp_mG_I4EQZXRbasT59cbu-WVMnR3one__4LgiucLaR/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/AVvXsEjgA-bArHCMj51V7UVKZZ8cWAOnlKwREwMulCd_-p_loFhDP4U1B8PIvpSDENXYVG2E2E2kRLc0eFg_WHnGzxh6I2uFGg3oxCoe1Zp_mG_I4EQZXRbasT59cbu-WVMnR3one__4LgiucLaR/s640/6.jpg" width="412" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFPwrGgNP7U_laHy246jOiObv0m6UE8npw9aTg8zJuxLZaJX53Gk9y7tVHy5TepbvdNY56WQMbtt0sKOr-Lb7eb861mcK-goE1fevg6p_rc4zNLv3ZxCzF2cpvFAH0hsE5_vJgPgLCWAJ/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFPwrGgNP7U_laHy246jOiObv0m6UE8npw9aTg8zJuxLZaJX53Gk9y7tVHy5TepbvdNY56WQMbtt0sKOr-Lb7eb861mcK-goE1fevg6p_rc4zNLv3ZxCzF2cpvFAH0hsE5_vJgPgLCWAJ/s640/5.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKptEWiwc82NuZEcJaRbiP9Cb5zxswSPLPIjYxyy1vz3EQp-xdtDHxKOnxpDS4Wf5utXm1hV3qDx1mKfcAdx05uwUziY0LtYBw9Ab8yhYLuhbo8DPVFlu-G0LBLeXWuoWBZlhGcXqb34O0/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKptEWiwc82NuZEcJaRbiP9Cb5zxswSPLPIjYxyy1vz3EQp-xdtDHxKOnxpDS4Wf5utXm1hV3qDx1mKfcAdx05uwUziY0LtYBw9Ab8yhYLuhbo8DPVFlu-G0LBLeXWuoWBZlhGcXqb34O0/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 30, 2013

Augusta County autumn in the Shenandoah Valley autumn leaves October October colors at home

The maple tree beside the deck puts on a show every year and 2013 is no exception. While the autumn colors this year have been hit-and-miss,...

Bike the Valley

4:30 PM Tukiyooo 0

The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission's <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001aAdtFznoIN7PqeCCuhxA_xAtqPbcld8JxT7r6JIK_ursLi38ooByyYCa66Z5cNF8f1GELSwG7_aBhSj_9oo7O3nAkL2oxz3WpWV0arp9uVWmWdD3K2Gvy4ZQ0698FNbt" shape="rect" style="color: #3366ff; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Bike the Valley Program and online resource</a> was recently featured in <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001aAdtFznoIN56OU80MjvVEojQluzDP88nM8wTkFC7r_JNqgM-sq2aCDVpEj78zKmN_os_tqp_Kafuw57cmCi86jw-ml18e0g57-qK2S_NRFYkGb30XHuNoaRYV2-xwWUU" shape="rect" style="color: #3366ff; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Spokes Magazine</a>, a regional publication for cyclists in the Mid-Atlantic region.<br /><br />Written  by local cycling activist and founding Bike the Valley committee member  Nancy Sorrells, the article details the committee's work to define a  concept, develop the distinctive cycling cow logo, and secure a Virginia  Tourism grant to fund the construction of the program website.  The  Bike the Valley website features turn-by-turn directions for scenic to  challenging on- and off-road routes in Augusta, Bath, Highland,  Rockbridge and Rockingham Counties, as well as a listing of upcoming  cycling festivals, tours and competitions.<br /><br /><i>--from Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce newsletter</i>

Augusta County Bike the Valley Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce Nancy Sorrells Shenandoah Valley Spokes Magazine Bike the Valley

The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission's Bike the Valley Program and online resource was recently featured in Spokes Magaz...

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

5:38 PM Tukiyooo 0

<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; 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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

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

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, 2013

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

5:26 PM Tukiyooo 0

<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; 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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

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

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 ...

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

6:26 PM Tukiyooo 0

<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

October afternoon drive on the back roads of Augusta County

3:01 PM Tukiyooo 0

<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

October afternoon drive on the back roads of Augusta County

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...

October Appalachian views ... Augusta County, Virginia

1:18 PM Tukiyooo 0

<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