Our first stop on our Fall ’20 tour was Shenandoah National Park in Western Virginia. Although we visited the park a few years ago, we didn’t see much due Suzanne’s broken foot as well as some snow in the park when the roads were closed. Not so this time around with both of us healthy and cooperation from the weather! In mid October, we were joined by Robyn and Dave Barone in their recently acquired 5th wheel RV. This is the first time we’ve “camped” together since the weekend before they were married in 1980. Our company and weather couldn’t have been better!
We stayed in Luray, just a few miles from the famous Luray Caverns. Our campground was surrounded by a working farm complete with a herd of cows. They were a vocal group, even at night. It made for a really nice environment and we sat around a fire on several evenings.
Like most National Parks, Shenandoah is unique. It follows the top ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains for over 100 miles. The width of the park varies, but I would guess it averages 5 miles. Skyline Drive follows the ridge for the length of the park and is filled with scenic overlooks and trailheads. During our stay we traveled from mile marker 1 (at the north end of the park) to marker 66 at the Swift Run Gap entrance.
We didn’t get to the south end of the park, but did get to sample a variety of trails and vistas in our five days. On the half dozen trails we hiked, we saw streams, gorgeous waterfalls, wildlife, old buildings, and the surviving portion of Presidents Herbert Hoover’s Rapidan. One of the biggest surprises was finding a large FAA aircraft navigation antenna at the peak of the Dickey Ridge Trail. It took us a bit of time to figure out just what it was. It is a beautiful park with more than 500 miles of trails. It takes a while to see it because there are a limited number of entrances and the Skyway Drive speed limit is 35 mph. However, a slow pace is the best way to see and enjoy this gem. The fall colors only enhance the beauty of the mountains.
Our camping reunion with Robyn and Dave was way overdue and an absolute joy. We are looking forward to many more of them as we all explore the country in retirement.
