First Camping Trip

Monday June 9th

It's our first camping trip of the year, and we are headed with the Bishops to a campground at the western base of Skyline Drive. 

On Tuesday afternoon we went to Mountain Run, a creek with a waterfall in the Shenandoah National Forest.  It was promoted as a hiking trail but we could not find it.  From the  parking lot, there was a short stroll  to a pool on the creek.  The only trail we noticed headed up the mountain to Skyline Drive but it was not along the creek.

Wednesday we spent the day driving on Skyline Drive.  It was a beautiful day and the Mountain Laurels were in full bloom.  None of us had been there in recent years so it was a real treat to see the sights along the Drive again.  

Thursday we went to Edith Carrier Arboretum and Botanical Gardens at James Madison University. We spent several hours strolling around the trails in the Garden. It seemed we were in the period between the Spring and Summer flowers, but it was still a beautiful spot.

Alas, on Friday it was time to pack up and head for home.  We had a great time with the Bishops and look forward to another camping trip with them.  Our only hope is that Bill was not too befuddled because their campsite had Full Hookups.

 

Spring 2025

 Spring 2025

Due to medical issues, I never got around to writing on entry in this blog until today (6/16)!

In February we celebrated Gretchen’s birthday with Jenny, who prepared a wonderful meal!

We hosted our annual Valentine's Day meal with friends!

And then I was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer!  Derek and Katie played a major role in arranging for me to be treated at the Duke Cancer Center AND providing a place for us to stay during my treatments.  Thank you so much! Thank you Kelley for coming to see me in the hospital. Thank you Gretchen for caring for me through this entire ordeal! Love to all of you for your outstanding support!

Sally came to visit and check on my healing when we returned to Lynchburg.  The timing was right to celebrate her birthday! We went to the Peaks of Otter during her stay and walked around the lake on a beautiful spring day!

 

The last day of May, CVGS celebrated the 40th anniversary of its founding.  The event was attended by a large number of students, parents and faculty.  I loved seeing the people from my time at the Governor's School!

I'll end this entry by saying I am healing well from my surgery.  Each week I note something that reflects an improvement in the healing process.  Today, I'm back to a normal routine, walking everyday and feeling fine.  It will be the end of this year until  I'm totally healed!  And then I'll be able to ride my bike again!