We left Mammoth Cave on Monday, October 17, 2022 and drove to Charleston, West Virginia for a one-night stay at Cracker Barrel. Cindy likes those stays since she doesn’t have to cook dinner or, usually, breakfast. On this stop we did both AND Cindy bought herself, Ann, and Amber each their own Costco-sized package of Twizzlers licorice. I mean, look at the photos and see the SIZE of those things!
Then it was on to Sherando Lakes in the George Washington National Forest in Lyndhurst, Virginia. There were several reasons we wanted to visit there, like watching the leaves change color and driving on the Skyline Drive through nearby Shenandoah National Park. The bonus was, as we were looking at the map I realized we were only a few miles from our friends, Heather and Richard. Heather has been friends with Ann for more than 21 years, but Cindy and I have kind of appropriated them as our friends as well over the years so we were excited for the opportunity to see them again sine it has been a few years since we were last in this part of the country.
The campground was nice, though the first thing we saw as we drove in was a “WARNING FLASH FLOOD AREA” sign so that was a little concerning. Fortunately, no rain was in the forecast and the water levels were not overly high. We enjoyed hiking around the campground and the nearby lake and earthen dam that provided a real workout for our legs walking to the top. The scenery was, as usual, worth it. We also hiked around the lake itself once and Bella loved all the exploring she got to do.
We also drove over to the nearby Shenandoah national Park, got our passbook stamped, and toured the Skyline Drive about 12 miles into the park before turning around and heading back. Cindy got some beautiful photos along the drive as we stopped at pull-outs and scenic stops.
The highlight though was our lunch and visit with Heather and Richard over in Staunton (pronounced Stanton), Virginia. We met and had lunch at the Byers Street Bistro then drove a few blocks over to visit a couple of neat stores like the Medieval Fantasies Company and Made; By The People, For The People. We picked up some cool things at each place and then enjoyed sitting at cafe-style tables on Beverley Street, which had been closed to all but foot traffic. The visit passed much too quickly and soon it was time to say our goodbyes. But, we’re making plans to return next year on our way down from the Northeast.
Thanks for following the Wandering Wetheringtons.
