Back Home in Virginia

It was good to be back home in Virginia! Back to see family, friends and all the annual doctor and dental appointments. Our two weeks at Claytor Lake State Park went by in the blink of an eye. I feel we accomplished much and got to hang out with our kids after a long absence due to our travels. Here is a recap:

The Drive

We are traveling from Washington DC to the south west and at 300 miles, we choose Harrisonburg, VA as a halfway place to stopover for a couple of nights. Unfortunately, the drive from Harrisonburg to the New River Valley (home) was during the remnants of some tropical storm, so it was heavy rain and poor visibility. Not a big fan of heavy rains while pulling the rig, especially with all the semi traffic on I-81.

We safely arrived just after noon as the rain subsided and allowed us to pick a suitable campsite and set up. Our reservation confirmed a site, but not a specific one. After selecting one under a tall oak tree, we quickly decided to move after being pelted with acorns. We found another site right next to the camp host and shower house.

Claytor Lake

Located within 20 miles from our old hometown of Christiansburg, this Virginia State Park has a picture perfect setting this time of year. This was our basecamp for the two weeks. With only water and electric hookups, we were able to conserve water so that we did not need to move the coach to the dump station until the end of our stay.

I took some great hikes on the park’s adequate trail system. Hikes through the mixed pine and oak forests gave me a daily 3 mile workout.

Ross and Audrey

It has been a difficult last year without seeing two of our kids, Ross and Audrey. Especially bad for their mama, Pat. I think it is a mother thing. We chat on the phone each week or more often, but nothing can compare to an in person visit. Our route this year was from wintering in Texas to being out west all summer. A long time to be gone from Virginia.

Ross had some minor surgery while we were there, so we assisted some in his rehab including Pat making a bunch of freezer meals for him. Thankfully, it looks like a successful surgery and recovery. Ross is looking forward to a life of being semi-retired after about 12 years of being a business owner and manager. Way to go! Below are a few of his new toys. Not including all the jet skis and motorcycles.

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Audrey, our young 24 year old, continues take college classes while working at Walmart. She is excited about her next semester at 12 credit hours. She is still in the deciding major phase, but I’m sure that she will do well in whatever field she decides as she has a great work ethic.

Our future trip planning will probably include a swing through this area more often. Or else will have them fly out to hang out with us somewhere.

Fall Colors

This part of the country has had a drought for most of the summer. Many thought the good fall colors would not be possible, but with several rains during our first week, the leaf colors came on very nicely. Photos from the Claytor Lake SP.

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Friend Meet Ups

Pat and I met some church friends a few times. At Quentin and Tammy’s for a great Thanksgiving-like dinner one Sunday after church. Tammy outdid herself again. Then we met them, Ross, and Bill and Kim one evening at the Fatback Soul Shack. Good times.

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I was able to meet with my former finance team of James, Connie, and Sheena one day for a fun lunch at Lefty’s. I really enjoyed catching up with the team on their lives and work changes. Many changes at work and in their personal lives. James is preparing to retire, Sheena had a baby, and Connie vacationed in Italy. Forgot to get a photo. 🙁

In another dinner meeting, I met some fellow manager co-workers and retirees. Margie, Hank, Mike, and David were all doing great and we all were updated on what has happened in their lives over the last year. Our good friend Rick, could not make it and was missed.

Wrap Up

The two weeks really flew by. Next up is a week in Myrtle Beach SC, as we schedule some RV service and meet up with some friends. The cold weather is coming at us fast from Up North, but in a couple of weeks we will be snowbirds in Florida for the winter. I’ll try to remember not to leave turn signals on. 🙂

Thanks for following along and God Bless.