Week 45 - Nov. 4-10

Finally.....The Mountains!

One of the things that attracted us to Richmond was the proximity of both the ocean and the mountains.  Charrlottesville is only about an hour away, and the start of the mountainous terrain in Virginia, coming from the east.  The Appalachian Mountain run the entire western part of the state. 



Trump Winery, near Carter' Mtn.

Apple Trees on Carter's Mountain

Sunday, we took the day to head to the Mountains and see what they were all about.  So off to Charlottesville we went.  On the way, we thought we ought to stop by Carter's Mountain.  Lots of people told us this was a great place to get apples and pumkins, but we didn't make it there before Holloween. 

Carter's Mountain Orchard is on the top of Carter's Mountain.  The views are awesome.  To the east, you see the flat plains of coastal Virginia.  To the west....mountains.  There is a farmers market here with fresh apples, other fruit, and homemade doughnuts.


Farmers Market at Carter's Mountain

Eager to move on, we only spent a little time here, and we were off again.  Just past Charrlottesville on 64, it is the start of two National Forests.  The George Washington Nation Forest and Blue Ridge Parkway head to the south, and the Shenandoah National Forest and Skyline Drive head north.  Seeing, what we thougth was snow from Carter's Mountain to the north, we opted for the North. 



The falling picture.....

Skyline Drive is about 50 miles of switchbacks and winding roads through the mountain peaks on the eastern ridge of the mountain range.    About every mile or so, there are scenic outlooks, (Bueno Vistas for our spanish speaking friends), or parking areas for hiking trails.  The speed limit is 35, and that's about all you want to do.  It took us almost 2 hours to make this trip including stops along the way.  Our elevation near Charlottesville was around 500ft.  On Skyline Drive, we reached around 2,800 ft.  (Richmond is 200ft and Michigan around 900 ft. above sea level).



Shenandoah Valley

Why did we wait so long to see this?  It's like going to an entirely differnt country.  This trip really brought into perspective how much Virginia has to offer.  We are definately going back to explore a LOT more, and chanses are, if you come to visit us, we'll want to take you there too!













Found Snow....




You HAVE to throw snow!



Snow from Hurrican Sandy!

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