Stop A Moment

What time is it?

Tomorrow is my son's last day of school. Well, last couple of hours, really. School dismisses at Noon but we may pick him up a bit earlier.

Then, it's time to hit the road to Chantilly, VA for a 3 night getaway.

We are staying at Westfields Marriott which I booked with a AAA promotion for $69 per night on March 30th. It's important to jump on hotel deals when you see them especially if there are reasonable cancellation policies. Total for a 3 night getaway $225.63.

I can't wait to escape for a few days. It's been a gloomy and stressful Spring and there's nothing like an escape from reality to help the doldrums.

Our plans are to relax at the resort's indoor and outdoor pool as well as have dinner out tomorrow night. We may visit a local Mall or a book store to pick up some vacation reading.

On Saturday (which just happens to be my birthday), we'll go to Mount Vernon. I haven't been there since my parents took me as a kid. We are all looking forward to our day of discovery visiting the museum, gardens and house that represent George Washington's life.

On Sunday, it's off to space with our feet still planted on the ground. We plan to tour the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Washington Dulles International Airport. It is the companion facility to the Museum on the National Mall which we've visited many times. We can't wait to see the Space Shuttle Enterprise!

So, today it's all about tidying up things at home. Laundry, bills, WDW work, taking care of the pets, picking up snacks at the store, etc. I would have more motivation if the sun was shining.

This is also my last full day at home without the sound of "Mom" echoing through the house every two minutes. With karate, violin lessons, visiting with friends, drama camp and other fun things planned, the summer is sure to go way too fast. And I'll admit that I do look forward to Nic's "vacations" to his grandparent's homes in Buffalo and Rochester NY. While he's gone, every night is date night! Michael and I look forward to those evenings but inevitably we can't wait for our boy to return.

"What time is it?
Summertime
It's our vacation

What time is it?
Summertime
School's out, scream and shout!"

 

 

 

 

The Grounds of Jefferson's Monticello

We enjoyed the beautiful morning drive to Charlottesville, VA. The road leading to Monticello hinted at the charming scenery that would be seen from Jefferson's house.

We began our day at the new Visitor Center where we purchased our tickets.

Our timed tour was for later in the morning, however we had decided to go on up to the grounds to do some outdoor touring. There was rain in the forecast for later in the day.

The views from the grounds:

 

Nicolas is naturally curious. So he wanted to read every plaque. We walked down Mulberry Row and through the vegetable garden area. Looking at the foundations of homes that housed slaves, Nicolas asked why Jefferson had slaves if he was against slavery. Tough questions from an inquisitive nine-year old.

We then took the beautiful walk to Jefferson's final resting place.

Our family enjoyed this serene place.

Nicolas took a break on our walk back to the garden area.

The view was certainly inspiring. No wonder Thomas Jefferson settled on this mountain top.

Hiking to Dark Hollow Falls

First, we stop at the nearby Visitor Center.

Then we park at the Dark Hollow Falls parking lot. After finding some nice walking sticks, we make our way to the first stop, Lower Falls Viewpoint at 1000 feet elevation.

Then, we continue our hike down the trail to find the base of the Falls.

Dark Hollow Falls.

 

The return hike was all uphill. We stopped a few times to take a water break.
Here, we stopped near a stream while Nicolas threw rocks in the water.

Then, I impressed Nicolas with my balancing skills.

So he braves the "log bridge" as well.

By the time we make it back to our van, we are all tired. But we all agree that it is a "good tired".

And, so we head back to the hotel. On the drive back, Nicolas gives in to his "good tired".

Skyland Resort

We reach the Skyland Resort. Inside, we find a cozy fireplace.

and admire the dining room with a view.

Back on our drive, we see wildlife.

New Heights

After lunch, we headed back to Shenandoah National Park via the Thornton Gap entrance.

At 2840 ft. elevation, we were mesmerized by the views at the Tunnel Overlook.

Nicolas posed for a picture after I warned him to "please be careful".

In April, Skyline Drive is "the road less traveled". We will have to return in the Fall some time to see the foliage and experience the bumper to bumper drive.

Watching clouds pass by:

Working our way towards the highest elevation:

If only we had time to follow all of the meandering paths!

Going Underground

We began our second day in the Shenandoah valley traveling from our hotel in Harrisonburg to the Luray Caverns. It was a beautiful morning and we were all anticipating a day filled with natural wonders.

At Luray Caverns, we purchased our tickets:
$21 adults
$10 children (5 and under free)
Hint: show your Giant grocery store bonus card to receive 1/2 off one adult admission.

As we descended the stairs into the cavern, I realized that Nicolas would have never gone down those stairs into the dark, strange cave when he was just a couple years younger. On this day, however, Nic was proudly exploring the depths of the cave and asking us to let him be the leader. Go forth, young man!

The tour consists of 1.25 miles of lighted, paved walkways and includes a well-designed audio tour. At the first stop, we entered 101 to listen to the adult version while Nicolas punched in 201 to hear the kid spiel. It was fun and informative. Here, we saw the spot where the cavern had been first discovered:

"Nicolas the Explorer"

Along our journey, we saw many mind-boggling wonders. Two of my favorites were Mirror Lake and the Stalacpipe Organ.

After our return above ground, we purchased tickets to the Garden Maze, then stopped back at our car for a quick snack. We needed some energy!

Nicolas leads the way again:

It took us about an hour to find all four clues and solve the riddle. Before heading to the last clue checkpoint, we admired this fountain:

We had a great morning at Luray Caverns and had worked up an appetite. We would need some nourishment before heading into Shenandoah National Park. So, the next stop for us was lunch.

Next stop: Harrisonburg

It was time to exit Shenandoah National Park. We exited at Thornton Gap, taking Route 211 through Luray to 81 South. We made our way to Harrisonburg where we stopped for dinner and then checked into our hotel.

On our way, Nicolas read the first Harry Potter book.

That evening, we all relaxed at the hotel. Nic enjoyed watching tv in the bedroom, while Michael and I lounged in the living room. Of course, we also spent time in the pool and hot tub!

Get out and enjoy the view

Sometimes, you just have to stop the car and get out.

And you thought my van only knew the way to Orlando!

The Appalachian Trail

We walked a bit of the nearby trail that leads over 2,100 miles from Georgia to Maine. Interestingly, our family friend, Brian, recently began a 3 month hike to conquer the entire trail.

Nicolas standing on the Appalachian Trail. The trail is marked with white blazes on the trees.

Climbing higher on Skyline Drive

We climbed higher. At each overlook, we enjoyed an even more eye-opening view.

My boys: