From caves to bridges and fun in between

 June 8, 2023

Shenandoah Valley GC site P3

Mount Jackson, Va

There is no question about it.  We aren't in Florida any more.  Dad didn't just turn on the fireplace this morning, he turned on the heater as did Uncle Steve.  I just got cold feet on my morning walk while Dad dug out his heavier jacket to wear rather than that light sweater.

Okay, so you northerners are probably wondering what all the fuss is about with only 57 on the thermometer.  Now I'm sure our southern friends get it!!

Momma said it was the perfect morning to use the oven.  Homebaked biscuits on the menu.

It was also the perfect day to visit Shenandoah Caverns, as the cavern temperature was going to be just like the morning outdoor temperature.

As it turned out, the timing was perfect.  Momma said that it was like having a private tour as it was just the 4 of them with their tour guide, Serenity.  

The tour began with 79 steps taking us down into the cave

where the rock formations were impressive. 

Some even looked like bacon.

 

At the end of the tour, everyone voted to take the elevator instead of the stairs back to the lobby.  Now if I had been with them, I'd have shown them how to zip up those stairs, double time.

After walking underground for over an hour, it was time for some refreshment from the 1950's style cafe.  Good old fashioned milkshakes 

What a sweet surprise....a cherry on the top.  But they didn't stop there.  They had to try the Cavern Burgers.....hand crafted and cooked to order on the grill.

On the second floor off the lobby, they discovered an unusual display of animated store front window displays from the olden days.

Hargrove, who purchased the cavern, used to be responsible for window displays that once graced major department stores, thus the Main Street of Yesteryear display came to be born at the cavern.

And just down the road from the campground is the Route 11 Potato Chip Factory.  How could they pass that up?

They produce over a dozen flavors and Dad scored a sample bag of each while Momma was enchanted by the bouquet of flowers made constructed from the chip bags.

But the creativity didn't stop there.  There were earings and bracelets for sale as well.....you guessed it.....made from chip bags.  You'll have to ask Aunt Carol and Momma to show you their purchases.

Meems Bottom Covered Bridge is another tourist attraction in the area.  It's actually be restored so you can drive thru it.  

Of course we woudn't be able to have our fifth wheel with us as we would be too tall.  As a precaution, hanging yellow rods warn off vehicles that are too high.

Now you might think the day's fun would end here, but the fun continued....well...for the gals anyway....as they won the game of Hand and Foot played in the evening after I had my outside frisbee game.

Having a great time in Virginia.....

I'm Chloe