Shenandoah Valley
So this is the week where things settle back into our normal, well, what our new normal is these days. We have relished catching up with those we love (especially now in hindsight, with lock-downs and increasing coronavirus numbers - what a gift). At the same time we were happy to just go back into our bubble, just us, controlled, and pretty stress-free. I mean we definitely had coach stress on occasion, but luckily its been the small stuff - fans and cabinets and small leaks that Aaron can access easily.
We landed in Shenandoah Valley, VA. We stayed at a KOA, mainly booked because they had a pool, although it was closed the day after we arrived due to cold weather. We were in the inner circle though ad parked next to the humongous lawn area, so the kids really had a lot of fun playing and having school out there. There was some fun animal finds as well - lots of crickets and spiderwebs. Our patio was also the perfect spot for Amelia to teach Wade how to sew.
We took a field trip to Mananas Battlefield National Park, and snagged some more Junior Ranger Badges. This park was obviously rich in history but shockingly serene, especially considering the history there.
I had driven skyline drive a couple of years before with some awesome photographer friends, but the experience was way different at that time. That time it was overnight and foggy and spooky, traversing from one place to another. Our family took our time enjoying the drive and stopped a few times to experience some of the hikes, and then of course snagged some badges. The trails generally led through gorgeous wooded areas, devoid of crowds, and always ended with us perched on a rocky outcrop peering off into the great expanse of Shenandoah valley and beyond. We hiked both the Frazier Discovery Train and the Blackrock Summit. Our little hikers are getting stronger and building up their confidence when looking at a big hill.
