Sunday, July 19-28, 2020
We had bought a bunch of chicken to grill when the kids got here, but now we are just doing a bit for us and the rest is in the freezer.
The good news, Candice tested negative and the kids are coming. We had a great time with them even though it was only for a few days.
They discovered the Battlefield Country Store only about a mile away. Great ice cream, cheese curds, and many other yummy goodies can be purchased here. Brandon even enjoyed the cannon.
On Tuesday, July 21, we did something really new for all of us. We went to Rush Hour Live Escape Rooms. Fought the pirates and won. This was really fun. It didn't take long for each of us to learn our strengths and weaknesses. Because of Covid, we had the room to ourselves, just a family unit. Hopefully, this will be a regular activity for us. Afterward, we explored a little bit of the area in Fredericksburg when the Escape Room was located. We had never been to this shopping/entertainment area before. I am sure it is a hopping place pre and post-Covid.
All of us really enjoyed swimming in the lake at Wilderness. The water was great and it was just plain fun to do. Brought back some old memories of when the boys were young and we spent so much time here swimming in the other lake by our campsites.
The time went by very fast and we had to say goodbye to the kids. Sure glad they made it down for a few days.
Saturday, July 25, 2020
We got up early and fill our day with activity. We originally decided to go to Luray Caverns. But when we got there it seemed that many other people had the same idea. Because of Covid, it had become a self-guided tour, and groups were spaced out and it looked like a long wait. So, we decided to go to Shenandoah Caverns instead. We had never been there before so why not?
Here the caverns still had a guided tour. The only thing was the elevators were off-limits so we did some heavy-duty stairs. First, we toured the lobby area that had some really nice scenery sets. Then the tour of the Caverns. The grounds were filled with things like the Cootie Bug, Statue of Liberty, and other cute items. Next, we went into the American Celebration on Parade. A museum of parade floats and other paraphernalia.
We found out that Route 11 Potato Chip Factory was right around the corner. Because of Covid, we couldn't do a tour but we could order carryout packages of the chips. We will try to do the tour when the world comes back to its senses.
Next, we went in search of some quirky stuff. Continuing along Route 11 we entered Mt. Jackson
with its apple basket water tank. We also found a covered bridge. The Meems Bottom Covered Bridge, a 204 foot long Burr arch-truss bridge constructed in 1892-93. It was in use until it was burned by vandals in 1976. After salvaging the original timbers, the bridge was reconstructed. It reopened to traffic in 1979.
Next, we went in search of a tombstone of a horse. We didn't realize this was on private property, so when we couldn't find it, we stopped to ask for directions from a gentleman standing near the road. He very graciously invited us onto his property to see the gravesite. We not only saw the grave but had a pleasant conversation with him and met his horses.
On our way back to camp we spotted some neat metal artwork. A quick U-turn and another picture for our blog.
A few more days in Virginia and then back home
