One of my favorite things about DC ever since moving here in 2007 is not only the wonderful park space within the city (Meridian Hill, Rock Creek, …), but the close proximity to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley and National Park. A one and half hour drive west puts one up at 4000 ft on the Skyline Drive, alongside the Appalachian Trail, overlooking the vast countryside and countless vineyards of northern Virginia. And until my dream of owning a small mountainside cabin comes true, a weekend getaway from the city will more than suffice!

A few weeks back, Aida and I headed due west . . . windows down and sunroof open on this fine Saturday morning. Visited a few vineyards at the foot of the Blue Ridge mountains before heading north to pick up the start of the 105 mile Skyline Drive. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, nor the company.

Afternoon in the vineyards . . .

The sun hung high in the sky as we drove south along the mountain crest, through the forests and past the expansive views as the car hugged the dramatic rocky road curves. Eventually leaving the drive, we descended to Luray Town (est 1812), just west in the valley bordered by the mountainous George Washington National Forest to the west and the Shenandoah National Park to the east. The historic town boasts a small town country charm and a relaxed pace so closely removed from the nation’s bustling capital.

Aida, feeling strange getting her photo taken ; )

Main Street, Luray Town

Candid and defenseless as the sun goes down

Sunday after a wonderful breakfast of croissant french-toast and fresh fruit, we visited the famous Luray Caverns, discovered in 1878 and the largest on the east coast. And large they were!! 4,000,000 centuries in the making and some rooms nearly ten stories tall. The one hour audio guided tour took us some 3.5 hours to cover the several underground acres of caverns with stalactites and stalagmites of mere inches to over a hundred feet. So very cool, and unbelievable to consider once back out in the parking lot, how much exists underground, and where other caverns may exist where we live and work, and we have no idea. Here are just a few of the incredible views! And for those of you in the DC area, I highly recommend a trip out to see them for yourselves. Then come back and buy a print.

Cavern appreciation . . .

Yea, that's what he was looking at! CRAAAAAAAAZY. (Hint, it's called Dream Lake)

Giant's Hall

For charity. Every year the well is drained and the money collected for a different charity. Over $700,000 raised to date!