Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Labor Day Excursion

Over Labor Day weekend, we spent the last few days of summer in the Shenandoah Valley! Due to inclement weather, it ended up being a quick trip, but we loved our visit to the Grand Caverns in Grottoes, VA, about 3 1/2 hours away.

The caverns were amazing, but the photos don't do the beauty and magnitude justice!

It's about 54-degrees in the cave year-round. This weekend was surprisingly chilly, also 54 degrees outside!


This stalagmite was called the Ghost of George Washington. 
 


 

 Although hard to see in this picture, this is Civil War-era graffiti, signatures of Union and Confederate soldiers. 

The pathway leaving the cave entrance.

Cute visitor center and giftshop.

We drove on the (normally) scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and had plans to hike, but the mountains were covered in dense, cold fog! We'll definitely need to come back on a better day!

On our drive home, we stopped in Richmond, the Capital of Virginia.

The Equestrian George Washington Statue in Capitol Square. 

Virginia's Capitol building. 

The Capitol was designed by Thomas Jefferson 1785. The Rotunda was lovely.
 
 Driving home on the bridge-tunnel with cool clouds and the Norfolk Naval base across the bay.

Also that weekend, we discovered the bike evenings at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. We decided to make a weekly tradition of it (until it ends mid-October). So fun! 

Eagle-egg nester.




How gorgeous is this place?! We love coming here.

Last day of summer is a beach must, of course!

And capping off a fun-filled weekend with another backyard bonfire.
Goodbye, wonderful Virginia summer!

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