Day 53 – Skyline Drive through Shenandoah Valley Part 2

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Day 53 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

Shenandoah National Park

Thankfully the skies were friendly and no snow fell last night.  The temperature couldn’t be much above 40, but the sun was out, so the dogs and I went for a walk.  We connected Lewis Trail Falls with the Appalachian Trail to complete a 3.3 mile loop.  The view of the falls was mediocre at best, but the view of the Shenandoah Valley below and the mountains afar was lovely.  I didn’t see that many people on the trail, maybe ten or so hikers, but Kathy was nice enough to take a picture of me and the dogs.

As I returned back to camp, I saw the same buck I saw last night or at least it was a buck of the same stature in the same general area.  He was following a doe and not far away was a young buck who had just begun growing his antlers.  The large buck posed for the camera.  He looked right at me, he scratched his back with his antlers, he scratched his head on a low hanging tree branch before continuing across the road.

After lunch, we headed to the lodge in VANilla.  On the way up, I passed by another doe that was attempting to eat an apple.  She was pushing it across the ground with her nose…so fun!  It’s only three in the afternoon as I sit by the fire.  I’m not sure what to do with all this free time. I may drive to some overlooks.

In the meantime, it is supposed to drop into the twenties tonight with a high of low thirties tomorrow.  If I’m not too frozen, I’m planning a few more hikes in the morning. Then I’m off to stay with my cousin Katherine for the evening. Signing off. ETB

Map of My Road Trip Across the USA

For a summary about my road trip across the USA, click HERE. For the interactive map, see the below link.

Other Articles About Virginia You May Like

• Day 51 – Virginia’s James River Plantations
• Day 52 – Skyline Drive Through Shenandoah Valley
• Day 62 – Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia)
• Day 63 – Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia Part 2)
• A Long Weekend in Washington DC

Shop

Check out the photographic note cards and key chains at my shop.  Each card has a travel story associated with it.  20% of proceeds are donated to charity.

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