Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park closed due to government shutdown

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCRGWPtxU8G4VEir4MevRSp0Z9uM4vJqGUFNpR_rgk9M0BHH00q326EZPdw16IcVfqKrmTx3Ia7Cxh3cy11-H0iDRwrg00iryuLFTIsY1QPX-v3yvKBEhjs2Zzf4CS7EwItdPVdZtYrWu/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCRGWPtxU8G4VEir4MevRSp0Z9uM4vJqGUFNpR_rgk9M0BHH00q326EZPdw16IcVfqKrmTx3Ia7Cxh3cy11-H0iDRwrg00iryuLFTIsY1QPX-v3yvKBEhjs2Zzf4CS7EwItdPVdZtYrWu/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> If the government shutdown that began today continues through October, these are scenes you won't see this year. Just as leaf season is about to arrive, Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park are closed to visitors. Peak weekend usually hits about the third week in October.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbyEMUNNIrIZU5Qzb1w_bF8uca_jfhCrmpfJZSFbY4H2yudWiA0sIAy4WPiPjYmipmEGy8CZSRkonagT01L4uvahhytOSp4uKymNYU9rarHaHulWRlpGXH59syjeGIY_FOms91mh5qW2l-/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/AVvXsEgbyEMUNNIrIZU5Qzb1w_bF8uca_jfhCrmpfJZSFbY4H2yudWiA0sIAy4WPiPjYmipmEGy8CZSRkonagT01L4uvahhytOSp4uKymNYU9rarHaHulWRlpGXH59syjeGIY_FOms91mh5qW2l-/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/AVvXsEhry4AmNpopqRK-lVbme7e_uf9BJh8vT0d6uiW66heteNXygH_y44SLKvkdoxKu8CY6YC8krGNrvm0O4pgk41G2HRWrVOR7zm4Q6sFdQerc6qusUVXcAE87BYAnWTYhQZ8Q7gQW1wcnc2IZ/s1600/3.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/AVvXsEjav5Ltx1ACdGPUIqPJvQXPCt9UorpPyz6yd2SJpZedbpScQEgbD8r4BUxUXqT8Lnl5k8hk60Vcceeg33mce-bfLa1YlK9bjuugRVTSkN1vmr4QC99zk9sZ0UWW3a7XVU7g_rDTMngTRIiO/s400/31.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/news/local/shenandoah-national-park-to-close-if-shutdown-happens/article_37420cb0-2a29-11e3-a5d7-001a4bcf6878.html">Shenandoah National Park to close</a> by Bob Stuart <br /><a href="http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/article_5e17bf58-2a4f-11e3-b9a9-001a4bcf6878.html">Area parks, services to close in government shutdown</a> by Ray Reed<br /><a href="http://www.roanoke.com/news/2265842-12/blue-ridge-parkway-will-allow-traffic-not-attractions.html">Blue Ridge Parkway will allow traffic, not attractions, in shutdown</a> by Ralph Berrier, Jr.<br /><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />Shenandoah National Park

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway government shutdown Lynchburg News and Advance Roanoke Times Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Waynesboro News-Virginian Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park closed due to government shutdown

 If the government shutdown that began today continues through October, these are scenes you won't see this year. Just as leaf season is...

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Government shutdown? Skyline Drive & Blue Ridge Parkway would close -- UPDATED

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCrg45c_Twty0OtRUVBQIt4kKWhtyb_nle44FCkfCXU4D8GpomXUIHFYwcO8RYBNcFtuhzu9NuEFDyPlpITnDgWfV9i-RzwdhPGa4qB8itLW2fWa32oGT6A0VlMXi2gIe5jxdjA51M2hr/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuCrg45c_Twty0OtRUVBQIt4kKWhtyb_nle44FCkfCXU4D8GpomXUIHFYwcO8RYBNcFtuhzu9NuEFDyPlpITnDgWfV9i-RzwdhPGa4qB8itLW2fWa32oGT6A0VlMXi2gIe5jxdjA51M2hr/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Mabry Mill would be closed during a government shutdown.</i></div><br />Come on, people ... Republicans did this in 1995 and had our behinds kicked to the curb by the American people who blamed the entire government shutdown on the GOP. Do we really have to repeat history?<br /><br />Apparently so, for those who were not around back in the day. If you don't know history, you are bound to repeat it. <br /><br />So <a href="http://www.doi.gov/shutdown/index.cfm">what would be shut down</a>?<br /><br />Just as the east coast approaches leaf season when millions hit the roadways to admire the changing colors of fall, the Blue Ridge Parkway could be a victim of the shutdown. That trickles down to hotels, gas stations, restaurants, attractions, and other tourist-related businesses that clearly benefit during leaf season.<br /><br />The Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Smokey Mountains would close under a government shutdown. That includes bathrooms, visitors centers, camping and picnic areas, concessions operations and backcountry trails.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.themountainpress.com/news/x249846987/Government-shutdown-would-mean-Smokies-closure">The Mountain Press</a> reported: <br /><blockquote>The last time the government shut down, in the mid-1990s, for 27 days, closures cost park-dependent communities an estimated $14 million daily, according to a report from the National Parks Conservation Association.<br /><br />“When our national parks closed in 1995-96, I received an outpouring of calls from gateway communities alarmed by the situation,” said Phil Francis, the recently retired superintendent of Blue Ridge Parkway.<br /><br />“The potential shutdown adds insult to injury because these communities are already concerned about the recent cutbacks in funding for national parks that have harmed the Park Service’s ability to serve visitors," Francis added. "No one expected these cuts to happen again. Now we’re looking at not only a potential shutdown, but the likelihood of another round of cuts. If that happens, there’s a good chance it’s going to be even harder.”</blockquote>The <a href="http://www.greenvilleonline.com/article/20130927/NEWS/309270031/As-leaf-season-nears-government-shutdown-could-close-Blue-Ridge-Parkway">Asheville Citizen-Times</a> weighed in:<br /><blockquote>The parkway, which only recently reopened after a giant crack caused by a landslide was repaired, means a lot to tourism-related businesses in Asheville.<br /><br />If the shutdown happens, and lasts into the fall leaf season, small businesses could feel the pinch.</blockquote><a href="http://www.roanoke.com/news/2262104-12/government-shutdown-would-close-blue-ridge-parkway.html">The Roanoke Times</a> laid it on the line:<br /><blockquote>The Blue Ridge Parkway and many of its attractions will close during its peak travel season if the federal government shuts down on Tuesday.<br /><br />All national parks will be forced to close if Congress does not agree on a spending bill by midnight Monday. If a shutdown happens, park rangers have been instructed to close the parkway.<br /><br />“The plan is to close up all operations and shut the gates for the most part,” said Leesa Brandon, Partnerships & Community Outreach Coordinator for the parkway. “I am still hopeful that there will be a resolution and it won’t come to that.”</blockquote>Last week's journey down the Blue Ridge Parkway would not have been possible this week if the shutdown goes through. All the places SWAC Husband and I visited are slated to be closed:<br /><blockquote>Although many details will still need to be addressed, the Department of the Interior’s plan seems to instruct parkway attractions such as Mabry Mill, the Peaks of Otter and other privately managed venues on parkway property to close. Even if those places are allowed to remain open, however, travelers in automobiles would have limited access.<br /><br />Likewise, should a shutdown occur, the Blue Ridge Music Center will be forced to close and its daily bluegrass and old-time mountain music events will be canceled.</blockquote><a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2012/10/autumn-travel-and-leaf-peeping-in.html">No leaf looking</a> along Skyline Drive ... Shenandoah National Park closed ... no taking <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/09/blue-ridge-heritage-polly-growing-up-in.html">Polly to lunch</a> at Skyland Resort as we had planned. The shutdown would close it all and, again, affect businesses along the way.<br /><br />NPR senior business editor Marilyn Geewax <a href="http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2013/09/27/impact-government-shutdown">commented</a>:<br /><blockquote>"... tourism could take a big hit. Consider if you owned a restaurant. I talked to a guy who owned a restaurant out - just outside of the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Early October is the leaf peeping season. That's when people are out there, driving around. If the National Park is closed, the Skyline Drive is closed, that's a real hit on all of that tourism industry out there. So restaurant owners worry, stores worry and, you know, the entire really travel industry is concerned because passports won't get processed.<br /><br />"So people may not plan various trips. So we're not really talking about an airport shutdown. Air traffic controllers will be deemed essential. TSA workers, they'll be essential. But it's all the things around traveling. Yes, the airport may be open, but if Yosemite Park is closed, what's the point of going on your vacation?"</blockquote>Glad we made our trek last week when we were able to see <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/09/blue-ridge-parkway-lunch-at-peaks-of.html">Peaks of Otter</a>, <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/09/early-morning-reflections-at-mabry-mill.html">Mabry Mill</a>, Explore Park, the BRP Music Center, and all the other sights along that meandering American byway.<br /><br /><b>UPDATED 10/1/2013:</b> A last-minute decision on Monday by the National Park Service will allow the Blue Ridge Parkway to remain open during the government shutdown. Political reporter Bob Stuart has the latest today in the <a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/news/local/shenandoah-national-park-to-close-if-shutdown-happens/article_37420cb0-2a29-11e3-a5d7-001a4bcf6878.html"><i>News-Virginian. </i></a><br /><br /><i>Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell</i>

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway federal government government shutdown Mabry Mill Music Center Peaks of Otter Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive Government shutdown? Skyline Drive & Blue Ridge Parkway would close -- UPDATED

  Mabry Mill would be closed during a government shutdown. Come on, people ... Republicans did this in 1995 and had our behinds kicked to th...

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Early morning reflections at Mabry Mill

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ynntl7IkyZpwanLakJlLdD-UJ1ErxpVKXhyBo9k2JuUxelq0K6AztO7Zk-mkVotYjdzG8LUlWlL32OfTQ81b4j_FADXLXC-xjG5_mXDFaoG2maWT-5bz7ouxqTcPTsHfGIJaKBkPKl5l/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ynntl7IkyZpwanLakJlLdD-UJ1ErxpVKXhyBo9k2JuUxelq0K6AztO7Zk-mkVotYjdzG8LUlWlL32OfTQ81b4j_FADXLXC-xjG5_mXDFaoG2maWT-5bz7ouxqTcPTsHfGIJaKBkPKl5l/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"type":45,"tn":"*G"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption">I was able to capture the early morning September sun as it shimmered on the tops of trees and was reflected in the mill pond at Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway. From visiting as a child to visiting with our own children to visiting post-children, I never tire of this iconic reminder of life as it once was in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.</span></span></div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway Mabry Mill southwest Virginia tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Early morning reflections at Mabry Mill

I was able to capture the early morning September sun as it shimmered on the tops of trees and was reflected in the mill pond at Mabry Mil...

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Blue Ridge Parkway: Lunch at Peaks of Otter

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZqZzZQIh21xowW1GzA7AN8Em0pMmMVodW_47AMGDJdYeGCq0IKcFUIfW5jR9KK_PeBRKE2kHAHGHYkgNnJvEnwVt0B0uqFnsceS85geP6YftETfzkSUlXwaIKiEBOw8aAbVfikXj0xoo/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZqZzZQIh21xowW1GzA7AN8Em0pMmMVodW_47AMGDJdYeGCq0IKcFUIfW5jR9KK_PeBRKE2kHAHGHYkgNnJvEnwVt0B0uqFnsceS85geP6YftETfzkSUlXwaIKiEBOw8aAbVfikXj0xoo/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.peaksofotter.com/">Peaks of Otter</a> at MP 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can get <a href="http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/sero/appalachian/sec3.htm">lost in the history</a> of this scenic area of Virginia. The dining room is nice place to meet friends and enjoy the beauty outside the ceiling-to-floor windows overlooking Sharp Top and the 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/AVvXsEi-7nTlaelTB2Gtn5JjJKkHNYJ-fQul3OTouTBTvi__HbjBfMGM2MbWOUAkPKpaCb4jvc5pAYmlX5CNFXl8K-KX3lo395I895O0kM4jNYOo8ScnBhLQPUKdVBBQyyYckQl73kQkQoy0QLZv/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7nTlaelTB2Gtn5JjJKkHNYJ-fQul3OTouTBTvi__HbjBfMGM2MbWOUAkPKpaCb4jvc5pAYmlX5CNFXl8K-KX3lo395I895O0kM4jNYOo8ScnBhLQPUKdVBBQyyYckQl73kQkQoy0QLZv/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I tried the Peaks Quesadilla with cheddar jack cheese, onions, peppers, cilantro, and served with fresh salsa ... one of the best I've had.</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/AVvXsEhhCXa8WeWyff-uZlkwIume16eBeDzuEOu7cOnyZtW2QvJVJ-v4lKE3aOYpIshqdCSZLa2SnZ2u1DaYXTncxGlttaeWkpNkPc7TioKZ2RlrZH5sIimIUqzSS03Zn1ti8GbDgMSMsjx8gVOC/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCXa8WeWyff-uZlkwIume16eBeDzuEOu7cOnyZtW2QvJVJ-v4lKE3aOYpIshqdCSZLa2SnZ2u1DaYXTncxGlttaeWkpNkPc7TioKZ2RlrZH5sIimIUqzSS03Zn1ti8GbDgMSMsjx8gVOC/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Classic BLT on toasted white bread with steak fries.</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/AVvXsEh_S_SzW1hvgMcL7ZTikAS3Cj5YSSwo4rsiI6p4hRSlGJwOb9pINzCWai6JtaHR_A9MjSw06kp0UQM3bfvQhDMqoVyOZ4j5xjpMb-HtvvHGLOFvhPrlgSHzvF3gsGWRBUQnigAQ18ri-o4d/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_S_SzW1hvgMcL7ZTikAS3Cj5YSSwo4rsiI6p4hRSlGJwOb9pINzCWai6JtaHR_A9MjSw06kp0UQM3bfvQhDMqoVyOZ4j5xjpMb-HtvvHGLOFvhPrlgSHzvF3gsGWRBUQnigAQ18ri-o4d/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The meal was very reasonable. The view of Sharp Top was priceless.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br /><br />

Bedford Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway Peaks of Otter tourism Virginia Is For Lovers western Virginia Blue Ridge Parkway: Lunch at Peaks of Otter

  Peaks of Otter at MP 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can get lost in the history of this scenic area of Virginia. The dining room is n...

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Blue Ridge Heritage: Polly -- growing up in the shadow of Shenandoah National Park

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA26jEw1B1nJ6ThYfFtXYZK-aJ81v6NDVqrg8G2GgzyLL-YrKvU6iAY0s1MBzC9SDuWd_XKtglvqcCSdbTJl63CmZ_UYh2Gdj5UKW3Rv_24blAYXSjcsUZ7SpfycAC0aRqMrK84Gz72xRp/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/AVvXsEhA26jEw1B1nJ6ThYfFtXYZK-aJ81v6NDVqrg8G2GgzyLL-YrKvU6iAY0s1MBzC9SDuWd_XKtglvqcCSdbTJl63CmZ_UYh2Gdj5UKW3Rv_24blAYXSjcsUZ7SpfycAC0aRqMrK84Gz72xRp/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Polly looks from Big Meadows Lodge over the valley where she grew up</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJ9jL6yXvdJa8xx1s0otoLOLmqYNAK6t5a3xy6o_3yfoOdYquWvYVWzSX2Qh8GR2_JsWAVMKSnn_3GD4ZROW_AmXzLMFSnBMUX1psiT2E5l099p497oym6-KE_0JhaqaPoYz4vVLinCBb/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJ9jL6yXvdJa8xx1s0otoLOLmqYNAK6t5a3xy6o_3yfoOdYquWvYVWzSX2Qh8GR2_JsWAVMKSnn_3GD4ZROW_AmXzLMFSnBMUX1psiT2E5l099p497oym6-KE_0JhaqaPoYz4vVLinCBb/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>It was hazy on the warm September day that we visited Shenandoah National Park.</i></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/AVvXsEjdtiZpKwrH6uMdiQQCHY2pJFm-LGWnEKRAuw9_0sasM0Bdmsef4pb1rcVE0Qsc65GD2PAFco1H5yrts-WMQSUWGQlRWs3XZX5qjTlsC3uwsVQhz_1FUt48kDL6mv-QJXXl8VhkHEGG9JKp/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/AVvXsEjdtiZpKwrH6uMdiQQCHY2pJFm-LGWnEKRAuw9_0sasM0Bdmsef4pb1rcVE0Qsc65GD2PAFco1H5yrts-WMQSUWGQlRWs3XZX5qjTlsC3uwsVQhz_1FUt48kDL6mv-QJXXl8VhkHEGG9JKp/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Great Room of Big Meadows Lodge.</i></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/AVvXsEhGyaoFGMoMWienCVp6cJ7RnhPPeQOvvGaSFZqwD5u9ES83DyS7oG1mUFfibVjoksm-MYAIh06B_G-O6YBNX6Lvss2KBRuiKTBxHzv5eA5w1_Ev_fqX1Eo1VyZt9ShlTQsvT8rx4pP_oPKK/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/AVvXsEhGyaoFGMoMWienCVp6cJ7RnhPPeQOvvGaSFZqwD5u9ES83DyS7oG1mUFfibVjoksm-MYAIh06B_G-O6YBNX6Lvss2KBRuiKTBxHzv5eA5w1_Ev_fqX1Eo1VyZt9ShlTQsvT8rx4pP_oPKK/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9Srbh8zuyuP56XvOTotlkcJUmBJJOOjbbUTvb7MeC0zatnWSWDKWyg3KhyPYGa_NevemgodPeSGKClk2NrSj1qVQ2b-X7YSmi13DAJqLM9rD6EuRArhQXw4mLiAY2ac_NAW0NwKLVi_o/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/AVvXsEiT9Srbh8zuyuP56XvOTotlkcJUmBJJOOjbbUTvb7MeC0zatnWSWDKWyg3KhyPYGa_NevemgodPeSGKClk2NrSj1qVQ2b-X7YSmi13DAJqLM9rD6EuRArhQXw4mLiAY2ac_NAW0NwKLVi_o/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The terrace overlooks the Page Valley and is a good place to sit and enjoy mountain breezes.</i></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/AVvXsEionN6aFEsQ37FtdrNAmmO8M7dPuP1CDOSPm8K5v50n9iNprJcZlowK5_k7k3hQ4FmlFsX0eBPYT5n5-RDbCC0yY20cxTKeWz5QhGBMqrrmyZyT5jU4Xx1T12hnb7lBMhOB11MvF49I-vNc/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/AVvXsEionN6aFEsQ37FtdrNAmmO8M7dPuP1CDOSPm8K5v50n9iNprJcZlowK5_k7k3hQ4FmlFsX0eBPYT5n5-RDbCC0yY20cxTKeWz5QhGBMqrrmyZyT5jU4Xx1T12hnb7lBMhOB11MvF49I-vNc/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWj1DruNzI3iSsAMlow7JCbUdFYwSIhDjksZ0iAq53Uuzk3QlSpQLY9hCFWWQ8sX6zFlYx027y-0_CWcJPoq4yy3R7b-2MQ145ERrERO7Z9KpBxUmcII1XCBCU2fmmFhkNKs9PGvwxrYS/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/AVvXsEglWj1DruNzI3iSsAMlow7JCbUdFYwSIhDjksZ0iAq53Uuzk3QlSpQLY9hCFWWQ8sX6zFlYx027y-0_CWcJPoq4yy3R7b-2MQ145ERrERO7Z9KpBxUmcII1XCBCU2fmmFhkNKs9PGvwxrYS/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRGtghpw8AvTtPMVng_oK_e9NWoVF00ner-byif_WB4JD2TFK2VoQ0Pbh6VFJU21vusw3yDiQlSH9vsARx5TODDE-9j_16-tbAmyPdy9_G_pxhVRMw8HxhJcFV8uixyvd0XpRYC1aJIHu/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRGtghpw8AvTtPMVng_oK_e9NWoVF00ner-byif_WB4JD2TFK2VoQ0Pbh6VFJU21vusw3yDiQlSH9vsARx5TODDE-9j_16-tbAmyPdy9_G_pxhVRMw8HxhJcFV8uixyvd0XpRYC1aJIHu/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The dining room doors were open to let cooling mountain breezes in while we ate lunch.</i></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/AVvXsEhSE8p3yPm7bHiOkABEOYDiPm6ES_dpSUU1hrBCOgBO4Ud2N-1-0pdjJDVYmN9-oi21NQaZb8OIictTrwG9wNQ6FFgIu1EkFHXO0Q01mRXAxFapwxRxZ7KSfW5KX8FzfxI3QiGkR4OmDpTQ/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSE8p3yPm7bHiOkABEOYDiPm6ES_dpSUU1hrBCOgBO4Ud2N-1-0pdjJDVYmN9-oi21NQaZb8OIictTrwG9wNQ6FFgIu1EkFHXO0Q01mRXAxFapwxRxZ7KSfW5KX8FzfxI3QiGkR4OmDpTQ/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The white oak basket making class was meeting as we ate lunch. The next class is Thursday, September 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., as local basket artisan Clyde Jenkins shares his talent of basket making with techniques handed down through the generations. Beginners to intermediate, price of $50 per person includes all materials to make one basket. Reservations suggested. 877.847-1919. Here's the listing of <a href="http://www.goshenandoah.com/Calendar.aspx">other activities</a> at Big Meadows and Skyland.</i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAcBRSLm_ph_z2mBkXB7BtKccC3XzkhrRhgEjFrvjAFICx1tiHambljjiJ0Legv8hPKbMUhEN2GiUIEh6kVEQlgGoUagAShEtb8Rhcmf2pgPsEIDQiyUvkeGeezEJtFOQjpxq2QDxsXGr/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/AVvXsEiKAcBRSLm_ph_z2mBkXB7BtKccC3XzkhrRhgEjFrvjAFICx1tiHambljjiJ0Legv8hPKbMUhEN2GiUIEh6kVEQlgGoUagAShEtb8Rhcmf2pgPsEIDQiyUvkeGeezEJtFOQjpxq2QDxsXGr/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The heat from this fireplace feels good on cold days.</i></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/AVvXsEi0D7dLx2GL7QjpcK1bEF-ejS29fAuEhJjHtnHgxJupcCxSftJn1PeqnsSZ1FPb4tpCk8gFupD4ZhWuypslH3lDBr9zD7CPgBrvOouKh8Im6lqaoyhlkOl_DclTERUrSCz2pJFoWHWo0WdO/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0D7dLx2GL7QjpcK1bEF-ejS29fAuEhJjHtnHgxJupcCxSftJn1PeqnsSZ1FPb4tpCk8gFupD4ZhWuypslH3lDBr9zD7CPgBrvOouKh8Im6lqaoyhlkOl_DclTERUrSCz2pJFoWHWo0WdO/s400/11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GcO5BtRehpUHlCNupF9imeuRVTN6sGbCPHYJpp2CEH44FiWUE6hQSPnoBDvN2bGGJHmB_Cma0ZYv-EU6u-k78xpZRG8ov5sgGJc3SyHfH9RoYOfOdmCVM6Nw_7KMywiMBYJUp58dg6UM/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GcO5BtRehpUHlCNupF9imeuRVTN6sGbCPHYJpp2CEH44FiWUE6hQSPnoBDvN2bGGJHmB_Cma0ZYv-EU6u-k78xpZRG8ov5sgGJc3SyHfH9RoYOfOdmCVM6Nw_7KMywiMBYJUp58dg6UM/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/AVvXsEimkU28cLNHPIhwV_2SBfwzHFisjd7dhk3Ve3cMz4RHATWWxyT-MPKX3DXCtst08yG3OHMwbkjyPmkkRoO9-I4MVAG1lWb5VPz_l-n1bY1hMZH-3eIMJlxdFfd3Sb3aOkrPUy4_8nlJeiIM/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkU28cLNHPIhwV_2SBfwzHFisjd7dhk3Ve3cMz4RHATWWxyT-MPKX3DXCtst08yG3OHMwbkjyPmkkRoO9-I4MVAG1lWb5VPz_l-n1bY1hMZH-3eIMJlxdFfd3Sb3aOkrPUy4_8nlJeiIM/s400/13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The gift shop sells local wines, post cards, SNP clothing, snacks, Christmas ornaments, and more.</i></div><br />I once said of <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2008/06/talking-over-iced-tea-with-living.html">Paul Galanti</a> that I was talking over iced tea with living history. Recently I broke bread <i>and</i> had iced tea with a walking, talking pint-sized history book.<br /><br />Polly Yager Campbell is a bundle of energy in a small package, and she's no pushover. Youthful for her age with a memory as sharp as a tack, she knows the land around Shenandoah National Park like the back of her hand. She should. She grew up at the foot of the mountain beneath Big Meadows Lodge in Page County. She is a Virginian from a long line of Virginians. The Yager family migrated to Virginia in 1717 and settled in "Germanna Colony," an area on the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. <br /><br />On an exceptionally warm day for September 12th, Polly and I met in Elkton, and drove up Rt. 33 to Skyline Drive. Our destination was lunch at <a href="http://www.goshenandoah.com/Big-Meadows-Lodge.aspx">Big Meadows Lodge</a>. <br /><br />At Milespost 51, we turned left at the field known as Big Meadows and slowly drove the one mile to the lodge's parking lot, scanning the woods and open areas for wildlife and commenting on the lush green of trees and grasses after an exceptionally wet summer. Perhaps it was the warm temperatures that day but we saw no wildlife in the usual places other than birds. <br /><br />There were a few mid-week visitors. We walked across the parking lot to the lodge that was build in 1939 from stones carved and transported from Massanutten Mountain, a lodge Polly's father helped build in the 1930s. In 1997, this mountain getaway was added to the National Register of Historic Places.<br /><br />Polly and I made our way through the lobby area to the Great Room, pausing to look out the large ceiling-to-floor windows overlooking the valley, and then stepped outside onto the flagstone terrace that extends along the entire length of the valley side of the building.<br /><br />A haze caused by the late summer heat partially hid the Page Valley below as Polly and I stood at the terrace railing and gazed over the tree tops, searching for landmarks. Polly smiled as a memory came to mind and shared that, as a child, she could look up the mountain at night and see the lights from the Lodge. Wow, I thought ... can you imagine growing up and being able to see Big Meadows Lodge?<br /><br />The cool mountain breeze rustled her hair as she stared into the valley thinking about her childhood on land in Page County that had been in the Yager family for five generations. As she shared more memories, I couldn't help but wish there was a way to record her thoughts. They are a part of her ... but they are also a part of the history of Virginia, the park, and the mountains. <br /><br />She spoke of her family -- father, grandfather, mother, grandmother, and siblings. She talked about tragic events and family members who had passed on. She remembered the seasons -- October is her favorite time of the year and the month of her birth -- and being caught in a big snowstorm once while at Skyland with her husband, eventually escaping before they became snowed in.<br /><br />She talked of traveling the back mountain roads, and told about a time when her uncle had driven to pick up her dad at Big Meadows. They met a truck approaching from the opposite direction in the middle of the narrow, steep road and, when they tried to pass, their car hit the soft, unstable shoulder, causing the vehicle to tumble over the side of the mountain. Polly was inside with her mother and siblings. With a quiet chuckle, she said two little saplings stopped the free-fall or they would have gone all the way to the bottom. She was calm in the retelling ... no, no one was seriously hurt, she said, although they were shaken and bruised when the backseat came loose, as the car rolled over, and all the tools fell on their heads.  She was holding her baby sister on her lap, and her arms were still wrapped tightly around her when the car came to a stop, and she was able to climb out. Her mother had a broken arm. So there were occasions when vehicles went over the mountainsides, I asked. Oh, yes, she replied, and it sounded like something that was more common than not.<br /><br />I could have stood at that railing all day and listened but, after a while, we went inside and walked around the Great Room of the Main Lodge with its rustic chestnut wall paneling and beams, huge stone fireplace, and the bank of paned ceiling-to-floor windows overlooking the Page Valley. Chestnut trees, valued by early settlers for their durability and used for all the wooden interiors of the main lodge, were plentiful in 1939 but, due to disease, are practically extinct these days.<br /><br />Polly's eyes took it all in, sweeping across the room, perhaps remembering her dad in that place looking at his handiwork of decorative chestnut touches or special add-ons. Perhaps she was remembering as a child climbing into one of the rockers that faced the windows overlooking the terrace. Perhaps she was just lost in thought. Only one patron was in the room with his laptop taking advantage of the WiFi, a nod toward the realization that, while visitors enjoy the mountain isolation, they still like their modern electronics.<br /><br />On to the Spotswood dining room, named for Governor Alexander Spottswood who led his Knights of the Golden Horseshoe to explore the area in 1716, a large space with walls of windows, chestnut wood paneling, a huge stone fireplace, and tables with ladder-back chairs that added to the rustic feel. A friendly young man seated us at a window table overlooking the terrace and Polly's valley. Perfect! The breeze coming through the screen door had the faint scent of the outdoors, green like the mountains.<br /><br />We sat across from one another and ordered our meal and then, over glasses of iced tea, the conversation turned to politics. Polly has crossed paths with too many politicians to count so there we were, two political junkies, veterans at the game, eagerly discussing the people, places, and activities of politics at all levels.<br /><br />There was a lot to talk about since we had both been Republican volunteers and members together on the State Central Committee. A long-time volunteer in statewide politics, Polly's blue eyes teared up at the memory of the changes in the party; and her service of 44 years as Secretary of the Republican Party. She also served as Young Republican representative for several years before her election as Secretary. It is evident from talking to her that she is profoundly proud of the commitment of her time and means to the building of the Republican Party and honored by the opportunity to have served and be touched by so many lives. <br /><br />And then her eyes flashed as she recalled more than 50 years of hard work that included countless Republican losses in the early years, remembering when the Democratic candidates would win yet another election and call out to the defeated Republicans, "When you going to give up?" Polly would respond, "There's another election next year." Then she and her colleagues would go back to the drawing board, help recruit more candidates, roll up their sleeves, and get back to work.<br /><br />She paused ... and then smiled at the thought of the jubilant victory in 1970 when <a href="http://www.encyclopediavirginia.org/Holton_A_Linwood_1923-#start_entry" target="_blank">Linwood Holton</a> -- whom she knows and calls Lin -- became the first Republican governor in Virginia in 100 years. That's a long, dry run, and the win whetted Republican appetites for more. It was the beginning of the Republican comeback in Virginia after years of dominance by the Democratic Byrd machine. Those not familiar with Governor Holton may be familiar with his son-in-law ... former Governor and now U.S. Senator Tim Kaine.<br /><br />Polly talked of attending the first ever Republican Advance, as well as subsequent ones, at Ingleside Resort in Augusta County, of seeing George H.W. Bush there when he was running for president, and seeing his sons, George and Jeb, while working of their father's campaign. She smiled at the thought ... they were called the Bushie Boys, she said. We discovered we're both Bush family admirers.<br /><br />I soaked in every word as she shared historical political facts, my brain absorbing it like a sponge. Back in the Byrd days, Republicans were scarce. Polly's family was Republican, and it sometimes affected jobs. Her father was a carpenter, self taught, and worked for the construction company that built Big Meadows and Skyland Lodge. He also helped build the Byrd Visitor Center at the entrance to Big Meadows, a job he was working on in 1965 when, at the age of 59, he died of a heart attack. <br /><br />I shared with Polly that my parents had honeymooned at Big Meadows so, in a sense, our parents' paths had crossed in that historic, rustic resort. Since she had grown up living there, I was all ears, listening, asking questions, and imagining what it must have been like to have Shenandoah National Park right outside your door.<br /><br />For employees of the park who live in the Page Valley, there is a gated gravel road that climbs up the mountain to Skyline Drive just south of Big Meadows. Nowadays, only those with a key can access that shortcut but when Polly was a little girl it was still a public road that ran beside her house. In 1936 when she was about five or six years old, she and her family walked the five miles up that mountain road to attend the dedication of Shenandoah National Park. The ceremony, attended by President Franklin Roosevelt as well as other dignitaries and many visitors and locals, took place in the big meadow. She didn't know it then but President Roosevelt was the first of many high-ranking politicians she would rub elbows with in her lifetime.<br /><br />Spending time with Polly was a reminder of how much things have changed during her 50 years in politics -- from not winning, to that first taste of sweet victory, to today. She was a Republican pioneer at a time when the GOP began to effectively chisel into the long time Democratically-controlled government.<br /><br />We finished our lunch, took one last stroll around the lodge, and finally headed to the car to begin the journey down the Drive and back to Elkton. I left richer for having heard history on several levels, and grateful to know Polly a little better through her window on the world. Her memories are rich and laced with historical facts. They need to be mined -- recorded and heard -- before that generation is gone. <br /><br />Polly and I have a date for lunch at Skyland in October. I can't wait....

Big Meadows Lodge Blue Ridge Mountains Franklin Roosevelt Germanna Colony National Register of Historic Places Page County Polly Yager Campbell Shenandoah National Park Skyland Lodge Skyline Drive Blue Ridge Heritage: Polly -- growing up in the shadow of Shenandoah National Park

Polly looks from Big Meadows Lodge over the valley where she grew up . It was hazy on the warm September day that we visited Shenandoah Nati...

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Charlottesville: Trump Winery's Eric Trump nominated as rising star

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUHlpFC2tJxq4aoegFGXxCbqy63HQMHuoSlpStxvCr8gMQoJnNHNf72KxmwuYqVPKjx4aHv-ZjfxDo71_5-8oC9irM956hE43Q7BaAstABh9Mcyenvp2cO8iZfssRbD_UmOlcpRQpGHsw/s1600/Trump+wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaUHlpFC2tJxq4aoegFGXxCbqy63HQMHuoSlpStxvCr8gMQoJnNHNf72KxmwuYqVPKjx4aHv-ZjfxDo71_5-8oC9irM956hE43Q7BaAstABh9Mcyenvp2cO8iZfssRbD_UmOlcpRQpGHsw/s1600/Trump+wine.jpg" /></a></div><br />There's celebrating going on at the <a href="http://www.trumpwinery.com/">Trump Winery</a>, located in the shadow of Mr. Jefferson's mountain outside Charlottesville, Virginia. Eric Trump, 29-year-old son of famed real estate mogul Donald Trump, familiar face from NBC's "The Apprentice," and president of the winery, is in no danger of hearing the words, "You're fired!" anytime soon. He's up for a prestigious wine industry award.<br /><br />Since acquiring the 1,300-acre vineyards in along the historic Monticello Wine Trail two years ago through the bankruptcy of Patricia Kluge, Trump Winery under the leadership of Eric has defined and perfected the art of marketing a Virginia wine. Distribution now covers twenty states and Trump wines can be found in such unexpected places as the Loft Mountain gift shop in Shenandoah National Park. They also export to three countries.  Along the way they have picked up gold medals and top awards at international wine festivals and even received the highest rating ever of a Virginia wine in early 2013.<br /><br />All that detail has not been missed by those in the industry. He has been nominated by <a href="http://www.winemag.com/"><i>Wine Enthusiast</i> magazine</a> for the 2013 Rising Star award to be presented in January 2014 in New York City.<br /><br />Governor Bob McDonnell, who was at Trump Winery for its grand opening in October 2011, and has been a big supporter of Virginia's wine industry, noted Eric's nomination:<br /><blockquote>“Eric Trump is truly a rising star in the global wine industry and could not be more deserving of Wine Enthusiast's Rising Star Award nomination.  We are very pleased that he and his family decided to invest in Virginia's wine industry.  It was clearly the correct decision for both Eric and the Commonwealth.  In just two short years, Eric has significantly expanded the distribution of Trump wines both nationally and internationally, while elevating the overall integrity of the wines.  I'm confident that Eric and the team at Trump Winery will continue to raise the bar for Virginia wines in the coming years.  I wish him good luck at the award ceremony in January.”</blockquote>Eric's plans are to continue building and widening Trump Winery's reach, <a href="http://www.trumpwinery.com/public/w6507/Press%20Releases/Eric%20Trump%20nominated%20for%20Wine%20Enthusiast%20Wine%20Awards.pdf">commenting</a> on the website:<br /><blockquote>"We're going to continue to grow; we are going to continue to plant vines, we are going to continue to expand our distribution. People love the Trump brand and our wines. They love what we stand for, what we're doing, and most importantly, we're having a lot of fun doing it. There is a lot more to come from Trump Winery."</blockquote>I've said it before and I'll say it again. It's good to have the Trumps in Virginia's wine country.

Blue Ridge Mountains Charlottesville Donald Trump Eric Trump Monticello Wine Trail Rising Star award Thomas Jefferson Trump Winery Virginia wine Wine Enthusiast magazine Charlottesville: Trump Winery's Eric Trump nominated as rising star

There's celebrating going on at the Trump Winery , located in the shadow of Mr. Jefferson's mountain outside Charlottesville, Virgin...

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Sunday: Teen victim of fatal BRP fall to be remembered at Lewis Ginter Gardens

Last week a 13-year-old girl from Richmond died in a fall over a cliff onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. The official report from the <a href="http://home.nps.gov/applications/digest/headline.cfm?type=Incidents&id=6800">National Park Service</a> follows:<br /><blockquote><b>Blue Ridge Parkway </b> - <b>Teenager Dies In Fall From Cliff</b><br /><br />Blue Ridge Parkway dispatch center and Humpback Rocks visitor center received multiple reports of a young woman who had fallen approximately 50 feet down a cliff onto the parkway <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_628677754" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">on Sunday</span></span> evening, September 15th. There was a rapid response from park rangers and interpretive staff, Waynesboro and Wintergreen rescue squads, and medically trained visitors who witnessed the accident. <br /><br />The patient, a 13-year-old girl, was flown by helicopter to University Medical Center in Charlottesville, but succumbed to her injuries. She had been picnicking with family and friends at Humpback Rocks picnic area and had hiked out to an overlook to view the sunset. She and another youngster had scrambled down from the overlook and were climbing along the top of the cliff when she fall. [Submitted by Kurt Speers, Ridge District Ranger] </blockquote>The victim was identified as Alexandra Babeva. In a tribute, her sister Alissa wrote the obituary that appeared in the <i><a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/obituaries/babaeva-alexandra/article_5ff20352-24df-5470-9c34-4cba1992f771.html">Richmond Times-Dispatch</a>:</i><br /><blockquote>Oh, darling. Although we weep for the time you lost, we cannot mourn the time you lived. In 13 years, you learned enough to fill lifetimes. With those endless words of yours, you told the world into existence. Your love always lived beyond you, such a little being could not possibly hold the return. Now, we love for you. I live for you. Tbl CBET. Everywhere, the people you knew keep you as sweet, soft whispers. Reminding us to smile truly and look deeply; you will tell us how to see the smallest of the small and the biggest of the big. You flew, my baby, you never fell. <br /><br />For anyone wishing to reflect Sasha's beauty through nature's divinity, our family invites you to enter the <b>Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens at 11 a.m. Sunday, September 22, 2013. </b>Written by Alexandra's sister, Alissa. Arrangements by Bliley's-Staples Mill.</blockquote><i>H/T to Merlot</i>

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway Humpback Rocks teenager dies in fall from cliff UVA Medical Center Waynesboro Rescue Squad Wintergreen Rescue Squad Sunday: Teen victim of fatal BRP fall to be remembered at Lewis Ginter Gardens

Last week a 13-year-old girl from Richmond died in a fall over a cliff onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. The official report from the National Pa...

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Signs of fall at Frontier Culture Museum

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzfXiIH6JRo8gK1-oKctBFMYPR7epuiieaQ4j8j8bCA08TKMTKti-Lccy-Rm9hSRLafO-mtN0Bg7PrTO9bqGN95RsfxgzMnFXgs9OXiQwI0TtBczQlbGw9FDSk1Q9JEMJmdkBNPb8Yyjp0/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/AVvXsEjzfXiIH6JRo8gK1-oKctBFMYPR7epuiieaQ4j8j8bCA08TKMTKti-Lccy-Rm9hSRLafO-mtN0Bg7PrTO9bqGN95RsfxgzMnFXgs9OXiQwI0TtBczQlbGw9FDSk1Q9JEMJmdkBNPb8Yyjp0/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/AVvXsEjpZPICCVlEJk1LDVfGPh0nG4Ff-_BoTG8jehXC98PJbl6SnoYKYm5cvGYrl_rZl4pmV4uXWqBiH4diH_AnXLgb8y_aK0ex-69fngRvepQZXveZKKvU_YmE6Rg_OEtK9PrcHLMkD7ZnWg2R/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZPICCVlEJk1LDVfGPh0nG4Ff-_BoTG8jehXC98PJbl6SnoYKYm5cvGYrl_rZl4pmV4uXWqBiH4diH_AnXLgb8y_aK0ex-69fngRvepQZXveZKKvU_YmE6Rg_OEtK9PrcHLMkD7ZnWg2R/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />September 20, 2013

American Farm Blue Ridge Mountains Frontier Culture Museum Lynn R. Mitchell Shenandoah Valley Staunton tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Signs of fall at Frontier Culture Museum

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell September 20, 2013

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Frontier Culture Museum: Silver Anniversary celebration brings together Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta County

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-J1O6i7SihdnNBh077EZt8yQJxwuU-vdmWwWVEBY1j1xHCP1NyiVrqOEWW1eQhVAbHULzp6sVPCZW2dHxui2MLXOq0lHyj-X1-_yN79CTvvjauDq5p5uwBTSTC2RzJuZhn2dovErl00St/s1600/FCMV+25th+anniv+Jack+Cameron+photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-J1O6i7SihdnNBh077EZt8yQJxwuU-vdmWwWVEBY1j1xHCP1NyiVrqOEWW1eQhVAbHULzp6sVPCZW2dHxui2MLXOq0lHyj-X1-_yN79CTvvjauDq5p5uwBTSTC2RzJuZhn2dovErl00St/s400/FCMV+25th+anniv+Jack+Cameron+photo+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia celebrated 25 years on Thursday.</i></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/AVvXsEjbFcyBUupCQJgj2Wj9tE-rI13w82Fz5Uy-OdbzujJHHveD2lWgXw4TvnGbXiYfbSK9O3cxfhKlhGm-OLdFwqpLrcVn5XgyagROZEHoN1zUxEhyphenhyphenr-diHvb45JPw2l9sM_dvvcV9jA5Sbq8a/s1600/FCMV+25th+anniv+Jack+Cameron+photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFcyBUupCQJgj2Wj9tE-rI13w82Fz5Uy-OdbzujJHHveD2lWgXw4TvnGbXiYfbSK9O3cxfhKlhGm-OLdFwqpLrcVn5XgyagROZEHoN1zUxEhyphenhyphenr-diHvb45JPw2l9sM_dvvcV9jA5Sbq8a/s400/FCMV+25th+anniv+Jack+Cameron+photo+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/AVvXsEjPUN0ep0cRogm9NVM6-__SNmRY8PcUzPoVTIXCSTmBaA-ZOir8wMc_yWQOy9rBjmQgv7ooxTxM-kW2E-r6M5aDNwnIsqieabYPIeMZ2O3rChi-GlnDDl0PPq9wShQwj9MvqZmY3c1NyTjq/s1600/FCMV+25th+anniv+Jack+Cameron+photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUN0ep0cRogm9NVM6-__SNmRY8PcUzPoVTIXCSTmBaA-ZOir8wMc_yWQOy9rBjmQgv7ooxTxM-kW2E-r6M5aDNwnIsqieabYPIeMZ2O3rChi-GlnDDl0PPq9wShQwj9MvqZmY3c1NyTjq/s400/FCMV+25th+anniv+Jack+Cameron+photo+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VQmN8nZ6Y4lH3SWVA77K7OAZPyzx15hPO93ky7PqXmQh7JOQttYFHWdCEBcehrYkkIVZ6r0iTgc4Jb8Ubi52_AnMPi8LnWakkxaA-1uJMU_PcayfLqlAaauCEZrGaEraMKbekG8OFPB5/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/AVvXsEi1VQmN8nZ6Y4lH3SWVA77K7OAZPyzx15hPO93ky7PqXmQh7JOQttYFHWdCEBcehrYkkIVZ6r0iTgc4Jb8Ubi52_AnMPi8LnWakkxaA-1uJMU_PcayfLqlAaauCEZrGaEraMKbekG8OFPB5/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />In the 1980s, an empty field alongside Richmond Road in Staunton, Virginia, fueled a dream for a museum that would tell the story of those who walked this land before us.<br /><br />Twenty-five years later, the <a href="http://www.frontiermuseum.org/">Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia</a> is a thriving, teaching, hands-on museum that was recently <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/08/frontier-culture-museum-is-one-of-10.html">voted one of the top 10 places for kids to fall in love with history</a>. It is made up of original and reproduced homesteads from the countries that began the immigration to America ... the Old World's England, Ireland, Germany, Africa, and the Irish Forge. In the New World, the American homestead showcases a 1740s log cabin,  1820s and 1850s farm houses, barn, and a one-room school house, and the 1700s Native American village showcases the life of the very earliest Valley inhabitants. <br /><br />Offering summer camps, homeschool days, winter workshops, forums, and special events such as wine festivals, the annual beach party, and Oktoberfest, the museum continues to grow with future plans for the Montgomery Springs village. With its location in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Frontier Culture Museum brings history alive and is a popular day's visit for all ages.<br /><br />To celebrate the silver anniversary milestone, a party was held Thursday, September 19, 2013, at the museum's Cochran Pavilion with invited guests from throughout the surrounding communities of Staunton, Waynesboro, and Augusta County. I left my camera in the car so these photos are courtesy of Jack Cameron, a volunteer at the museum, who was there with his wife.<br /><br />Those who attended included elected officials, patrons who have generously provided financial support, volunteers, staff, interpreters, and board members. The pavilion was packed as members of the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra played and guests enjoyed drinks, d'oeuvres, and fellowship with friends and neighbors.<br /><br />A little speechifying is part of such an event, and Executive Director John Avoli was on board to welcome guests and thank everyone for their support. Long-time board member Paul Vames, Chairman of the Trustees and whom I'm proud to serve with on that board, offered remarks that remembered the museum's roots. He thanked those who had the vision, and the ones who helped put that vision in place. It was rounded out with a toast from Tom Sheets who remembered the pioneers who were here before us.<br /><br />At our trustees meeting Friday morning, I asked Mr. Vames if I could reprint his remarks and he graciously shared them. Many thanks to him, and to everyone who helps make the Frontier Culture Museum a jewel in the crown of the Shenandoah Valley.<br /><blockquote><b>Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia</b><br />25th Anniversary Keynote Remarks<br />By Paul Vames, Chairman, Board of Trustees<br /><br />For many years now, the Frontier Culture Museum has focused on its future and on moving forward as an institution. We’ve expanded our exhibits and programs, and worked to bring more school students and general visitors to enjoy this extraordinary Museum that we’ve come together this evening to celebrate. <br /><br />But now we want to pause for just a few moments to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Museum’s official dedication and opening to the public. In doing this, we want to remember that the ceremony that took place on September 9, 1988, represented the culmination of more than a decade of planning, organizing, negotiating, and fund-raising on the part of many people whose imaginations were captured by a vision of what this Museum could be. Sadly, many of the key leaders of that effort have left us over the course of these twenty-five years, and we miss them here this evening. <br /><br />I ask you to remember Eric Montgomery, Governor John Dalton, Lewis McMurran, Justice George Cochran, General Arch Sproul, Dick Robertson and Klaus Wust for their vision and leadership in taking this idea for a museum and making it real. We hope they’re smiling down on us and that they’re pleased with the results of their work.<br /><br />I now want to recognize the contributions of several people who were unable to be with us tonight due to scheduling conflicts and other commitments: Senator John Warner, Governors Chuck Robb, Gerald Baliles, Doug Wilder and George Allen, and Senator Emmett Hanger, and Dr. Henry Glassie.<br /><br />While we regret these excellent people could not be here to celebrate with us this evening, we are blessed and honored to have several of the people with us here tonight who also played vital important roles in bringing the Museum effort to that September day: Lee Cochran, Senator Frank Nolen, Walt Hyer, and Carlton Abbott.<br /><br />Now, I want to recognize a fairly small group of people who have served this institution in official capacities over the years. I will begin with the Presidents of the American Frontier Culture Foundation: General Archibald Sproul, Mrs. Lisa Moore, Mr. John Avoli, Mr. Paul Vames, Mrs. Peggy Sheets, Mrs. Rica Caps, and Mr. John Dod. <br /><br />Next I want to recognize Chairman and one Chairwoman who have presided over the Board of Trustees: the Honorable George M. Cochran, the Honorable Emmett W. Hanger, Jr., Ms. Gail Nardi and Mr. Paul Vames. <br /><br />The next group I will recognize this evening are the people who have served as Executive Director of The Frontier Culture Museum. The first is Mr. Walter Heyer, who was the founding director. Walt was exceeded on an interim bases by Dr. Susan Hanson who was followed by Mr. John Walters, Mr. Gene McCombs served briefly as interim executive director and was succeeded by Ms. Jane McCome who served only briefly. She was succeeded on an interim basis by Mrs. Peggy Sheets, who then passed the office to Mr. John Avoli, who still holds it today. <br /><br />It’s interesting to note that on the day it was dedicated back in 1988 the Museum wasn’t quite finished: the Visitor Center, Museum Store, and Administration Building were still under construction, and only two of the four proposed outdoor exhibits were in place; what were then called the Ulster and Appalachian Farms. It was called the Museum of American Frontier Culture. <br /><br />Much has happened at the Museum since September 9, 1988. Over the following decade the German and English Farms were put in place to complete the original plan for the Museum, and a fifth outdoor exhibit, the Ulster Forge, was added. The next ten years saw the Museum both double in the area dedicated to its outdoor exhibits and in the number of those exhibits.<br /><br />This period has seen the completion of the Hayna Barn on the German Farm, the creation of a new American area of the Museum with the addition of the Bowman House, the relocation of the American Farm to that new area, the construction of the West African Farm, the beginning of the Settler Farm, the reconstruction of the Schuler School House, and the beginning of an American Indian Exhibit.<br /><br />Through all of this the Museum has suffered repeated budget reductions that resulted in some very dramatic staff reductions; but with patience and persistence, and much timely support from the American Frontier Culture Foundation, we have continued to grow and move forward, and we are not planning to stop any time soon. <br /><br />In the weeks ahead the Museum staff will begin the work of documenting, dismantling, restoring, and reconstructing the Mount Tabor United Methodist Church in the American area. In this year’s appropriation we received nearly $200,000 to begin detailed planning for a water powered grist mill. We’ll continue to develop plans for a Crossing Gallery to tie the old world and American areas together, and for an early American village that we have named Montgomery Springs in honor of Eric Montgomery, who had the original idea for this Museum and worked so hard to see it become a reality. <br /><br />Our invitation to you to attend this celebration is our recognition of your contributions to this Museum’s success and is an expression of our gratitude. Some of you helped bring the Museum to that day in 1988 and to see it completed as it was originally planned. Others of you worked and continue to work to expand that original plan and bring the Museum to where it is today and where it will be this time next year and the year after that. <br /><br />The plaques on display here this evening contain names of the hundreds of people and businesses that gave their money and time to build this Museum. They have been on display in the breezeway outside of the Visitor Center for nearly 25 years but we want to call your attention to them tonight and we thank everyone whose name appears on them.<br /><br />It is paramount for nonprofit organizations such as this Museum to succeed to have had great Board Members that have provided time, effort, guidance and have given financial support through the years.<br /><br />We have been very fortunate to have had very capable hard working and committed Board Members both on the Foundation and the Trustees. At this time I would like all past and present Board of Directors of our Foundation and all past and present members of our Board of Trustees to stand and be recognized. Thank you all.<br /><br />Now I want to both recognize and thank our employees, staff and volunteers both past and present. would you please stand. I sincerely believe we would not be having this celebration this evening if it weren’t for your efforts. Thanks to all of you.<br /><br />I want to encourage everyone to stay and visit for a while and enjoy your selves, and get acquainted or reacquainted as the case may be. We thank you for your attendance this evening and also thank you for all your help and support through the years, and look forward to seeing you again soon.</blockquote>If you haven't visited the museum, come on out and see for yourself what it's all about. We have golf carts for rent for those who have mobility issues or small children as well as golf cart shuttles moving visitors around the property. Enjoy a picnic at our tables, and be sure to stop by the museum gift shop for some of our mouth-watering fudge.<br /><br />See you at the <a href="http://www.frontiermuseum.org/">Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia</a>! <br /><br /><i>Photos courtesy of Jack Cameron</i><br /><br /><b>Other posts about the Frontier Culture Museum (FCMV):</b><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/09/frontier-culture-museum-celebrates-25.html">FCMV celebrates 25 years with 1988 admission prices </a><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/08/frontier-culture-museum-is-one-of-10.html">FCMV is one of '10 Places for Kids to Fall in LOVE with History'</a><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/06/trixie-at-frontier-culture-museum-of.html">Trixie at the FCMV</a><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/06/1-frontier-culture-museum-in-pictures.html">#1 ... Frontier Culture Museum in pictures</a><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/06/2-frontier-culture-museum-in-pictures.html">#2 ... Frontier Culture Museum in pictures</a><br />-<a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/06/3-frontier-culture-museum-in-pictures.html"> #3 ... Frontier Culture Museum in pictures</a><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/03/frontier-culture-museum-adds-sweet.html">FCMV adds sweet taste of fudge to Highland Maple Festival</a><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/06/sally-landes-lady-of-english-house-at.html">Sally Landes: Lady of the English house</a><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2012/12/holiday-lantern-tours-at-frontier.html">Holiday lantern tours at Frontier Culture Museum</a><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2012/01/frontier-culture-museum-winter-lecture.html">FCMV winter lectures series</a><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2012/05/today-may-day-at-frontier-culture.html">May Day</a><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2012/01/frontier-culture-museum-in-winter.html">FCMV in winter</a><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2012/01/frontier-culture-museum-in-winter.html">Bluebird trail</a><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2012/10/staunton-creepy-tales-at-frontier.html">Creepy Tales</a><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2010/08/frontier-culture-museum-orientation-day.html">Orientation Day</a><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2010/08/more-photos-from-frontier-culture.html">More photos from orientation day </a><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2011/10/2011-home-school-day-at-frontier.html">Homeschool Day</a><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2011/05/stauntons-frontier-culture-museum.html">Photos </a>

25th anniversary Blue Ridge Mountains Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia Jack Cameron John Avoli Lynn R. Mitchell Paul Vames Shenandoah Valley tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Frontier Culture Museum: Silver Anniversary celebration brings together Staunton, Waynesboro, Augusta County

  Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia celebrated 25 years on Thursday. In the 1980s, an empty field alongside Richmond Road in Staunton, Vir...

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Apple Butter Festival Saturday at Skyland

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0D7dLx2GL7QjpcK1bEF-ejS29fAuEhJjHtnHgxJupcCxSftJn1PeqnsSZ1FPb4tpCk8gFupD4ZhWuypslH3lDBr9zD7CPgBrvOouKh8Im6lqaoyhlkOl_DclTERUrSCz2pJFoWHWo0WdO/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0D7dLx2GL7QjpcK1bEF-ejS29fAuEhJjHtnHgxJupcCxSftJn1PeqnsSZ1FPb4tpCk8gFupD4ZhWuypslH3lDBr9zD7CPgBrvOouKh8Im6lqaoyhlkOl_DclTERUrSCz2pJFoWHWo0WdO/s400/11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Saturday, September 21. Come to Skyland as the staff sets up the copper kettles and stokes up the fire for a day of apple boiling. Watch the process, give the kettle a stir, and try a delicious sample. Then take home some fresh-from-the-kettle jars of apple butter. The Chef will be creating a great menu of items such as grilled chicken with an apple salsa, apple smoked barbecue, granny apple cole slaw, apple cobbler and hot & cold apple cider. Wine tasting, pony rides, children’s crafts, and live entertainment featured throughout the day. Held on the historic lower level area at Skyland Resort, miles 41.7 or 42.5 on Skyline Drive.<br /><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell <br /><br />

Apple Butter Festival Blue Ridge Mountains Shenandoah National Park Skyland Skyline Drive Apple Butter Festival Saturday at Skyland

Saturday, September 21. Come to Skyland as the staff sets up the copper kettles and stokes up the fire for a day of apple boiling. Watch th...

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Grand Caverns

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6W1DeqG2sjCs3rIsw_16OCRu5-8CVdFv0hCGm4ejKNlu2ifNf6Wj8T9q4k86cEwwM6Yk1gNYpSges-G-79ynOanlY9wcLibXlFFEAx1xRvLXT6dSDKwNmmfukJfjRX-fNZPm44O_8C-Y/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu6W1DeqG2sjCs3rIsw_16OCRu5-8CVdFv0hCGm4ejKNlu2ifNf6Wj8T9q4k86cEwwM6Yk1gNYpSges-G-79ynOanlY9wcLibXlFFEAx1xRvLXT6dSDKwNmmfukJfjRX-fNZPm44O_8C-Y/s400/16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">South River borders <a href="http://www.grandcaverns.com/">Grand Caverns Park</a>. It's the southern fork of the Shenandoah River.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8md8_pEourGBdNX_dJ_HVM6WVWIFDquJDNMvkT-NhZuaavN0xoF7wUc7qKhOttv6nILtvcZlUpqJlI2TgeNvUjfy5HzdR-KUirdSbhpgmdslQTdQfz4CB9_mkXcS5kc6jV8fS4HWgIfS/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8md8_pEourGBdNX_dJ_HVM6WVWIFDquJDNMvkT-NhZuaavN0xoF7wUc7qKhOttv6nILtvcZlUpqJlI2TgeNvUjfy5HzdR-KUirdSbhpgmdslQTdQfz4CB9_mkXcS5kc6jV8fS4HWgIfS/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/AVvXsEiswbzZfRIZIBGPtG-U1ODvvH2JofDKqhU-4I2lt_WzUZsaBGGDfezZd9_2v77zjiGNS9f3Tc9XJdHvRUwedMIT0OOdRUsdvyZLPYBd6UEvDxYRl0VqF6d2DUsOxGbqjJpEtJ766kck5hdB/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswbzZfRIZIBGPtG-U1ODvvH2JofDKqhU-4I2lt_WzUZsaBGGDfezZd9_2v77zjiGNS9f3Tc9XJdHvRUwedMIT0OOdRUsdvyZLPYBd6UEvDxYRl0VqF6d2DUsOxGbqjJpEtJ766kck5hdB/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/AVvXsEj6KfLoON4w-4RJb5Tdvz0ObPWNKgfo28wGiplgxVZl8BhJpWs4oYNaz0XwLUEU7hxEBNhcnvPEklQmoh2-rcIklI3VytTeEEHMLN8TKVs7xwmr0oUYkVQt0tWbRDHoNXcWVjfF3_T1UkKw/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KfLoON4w-4RJb5Tdvz0ObPWNKgfo28wGiplgxVZl8BhJpWs4oYNaz0XwLUEU7hxEBNhcnvPEklQmoh2-rcIklI3VytTeEEHMLN8TKVs7xwmr0oUYkVQt0tWbRDHoNXcWVjfF3_T1UkKw/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/AVvXsEiX64IzxgrP0VZY6oAkKs-T2gDwrkSG_SRj1YCJ5bfxPhSDOzdP0a99tdJQNTlaGOi_NNLal9mLwCumXMs0MFv7ZS6Fnc8YmcfWMWKMQjBHU5JbeFEPHTejfivNwPqRebNQdKCgwVlLiuyB/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX64IzxgrP0VZY6oAkKs-T2gDwrkSG_SRj1YCJ5bfxPhSDOzdP0a99tdJQNTlaGOi_NNLal9mLwCumXMs0MFv7ZS6Fnc8YmcfWMWKMQjBHU5JbeFEPHTejfivNwPqRebNQdKCgwVlLiuyB/s400/20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/07/jurassic-park-in-augusta-county.html">Jurassic Park at Grand Caverns?</a></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/AVvXsEiUYmA27NvtMz9_V-mEkPCGYZNMBmPgBapON120Undu4vgwT5wDVSNVaYiSz9RYs1_IupIb0EQZ9yals___M3Oq-Xxzpt6aSIF_RaWB6NeuyMS1_hWPfYGcSDKI2ifAlQKb7xTuFXbVF3V4/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYmA27NvtMz9_V-mEkPCGYZNMBmPgBapON120Undu4vgwT5wDVSNVaYiSz9RYs1_IupIb0EQZ9yals___M3Oq-Xxzpt6aSIF_RaWB6NeuyMS1_hWPfYGcSDKI2ifAlQKb7xTuFXbVF3V4/s400/21.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NTnWUF9WkmvPFnAnxlx9dCe_UFV9XvTT2cNFfBllgxQeX__vdWMlMNLh75VTH-0T3k3XCNbUcAqRhPYoBSeuh9EEtLzCFeFtSKIZhlYH6x4LiG8zi0eahyo7G6uxwV4TnT18zrpofLyE/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NTnWUF9WkmvPFnAnxlx9dCe_UFV9XvTT2cNFfBllgxQeX__vdWMlMNLh75VTH-0T3k3XCNbUcAqRhPYoBSeuh9EEtLzCFeFtSKIZhlYH6x4LiG8zi0eahyo7G6uxwV4TnT18zrpofLyE/s400/23.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ15LUw444p4_BCPEnCUeMqd5wTtT1zMaeFndJYkIVk3807T8_RpTVHtW5ECv658NUYWs2guFMJa4UfEsRzWRQ9p0bZqJcgZWFPXmmZTcBKv2Qi6ifujNv2EGYjtLmNfFXe2OD6srjVH_w/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/AVvXsEiZ15LUw444p4_BCPEnCUeMqd5wTtT1zMaeFndJYkIVk3807T8_RpTVHtW5ECv658NUYWs2guFMJa4UfEsRzWRQ9p0bZqJcgZWFPXmmZTcBKv2Qi6ifujNv2EGYjtLmNfFXe2OD6srjVH_w/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/AVvXsEgEupZGlbMNpR047FR_qngubnaqtxNVXigGL4abpSp5S982sF_GRHjYqrIuOPyAmEsuml6RQTULG2ulc5uTxftclnINGRmmNxBDovyVgRwDZZbGD8WpS0cbHt-c91Kj8vKkbi1LNH9ZlNAr/s1600/25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEupZGlbMNpR047FR_qngubnaqtxNVXigGL4abpSp5S982sF_GRHjYqrIuOPyAmEsuml6RQTULG2ulc5uTxftclnINGRmmNxBDovyVgRwDZZbGD8WpS0cbHt-c91Kj8vKkbi1LNH9ZlNAr/s400/25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Related posts:<br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2010/06/augusta-county-gives-grand-caverns-to.html">Augusta County gives Grand Caverns to Grottoes</a><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2010/01/shenandoahs-south-river-grand-caverns.html">Shenandoah's South River ... Grand Caverns</a><br />- <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2012/10/october-2012-20-things-to-do-in-and.html">October 2012 ... 20 things to do in and around Staunton</a><br /><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />September 12, 2013

Augusta County Blue Ridge Mountains Grand Caverns Grottoes Rockingham County tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Grand Caverns

South River borders Grand Caverns Park . It's the southern fork of the Shenandoah River. Jurassic Park at Grand Caverns? Related posts: ...

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