October 28, 2023~ High Bridge, Farmville VA

 What a hidden gem! High Bridge Trail State Park in Farmville, VA 

The entire trail is 31 miles long and suitable for bikers, joggers, and walkers. The bridge is more than 2,400 feet long, rising 125 feet above the Appomattox River.

The majestic High Bridge is the longest recreational bridge in Virginia and among the longest in the nation.

Built in 1853, the bridge is now the centerpiece of High Bridge Trail State Park.

The bridge is also a Virginia Historic Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

FYI: The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge in Taos, NM, is merely 1,273 feet long, much shorter than this bridge!

One of Autumn's best show of colors was on display today.  

October 17, 2023 McAfee Knob

 October 17, 2023

We checked off one more year! Hiking to the top of McAfee Knob, and down....... took longer this year. But we did it! Recent sciatica issues have slowed me down, but with enough stretching, stopping for breaks, and taking it easy, the thrill of seeing this vista, one more time, was one of my ahhhhhhh moments for the year! 

The day temperatures were perfect!Our faces were a bit wind-burned at the conclusion of our hike. the fall foliage was at its peak.  

The crowds were almost non-existent! Couples and families from all over the USA were there to walk this very trail. We dined at the most beautiful spot in the world..... THE TOP. Yes, we took waaaaaay too many selfies to prove that we were there! We soaked up everything that nature had to offer.

 

For the first time, our walking sticks were a plus, as were our sturdy hiking boots! 

And just like that (not really), we were AT THE TOP!

I keep telling myself, this is my last time........and then I get to the top, and think, well, maybe not!

I could have stayed much longer than we did. 

But for this day......... enough was enough!

October 9, 2023~GENEALOGY ~ Lucy Davis Wheat-White- (McClintock)

 Hurray for days like today! Uncovering history and enjoying the journey is 1/2 the fun!

Lucy Davis Wheat-White McClintock was my maternal Grandmother's (Eva Kathryn Thomasson Anderson) maternal Grandmother! Who knew that she would remarry, settle in Roanoke, and be buried in Fair View Cemetery......... WHAT A FIND!. Both of Lucy's parents' ancestors can now be traced back to Revolutionary War Patriots, and beyond! Thanks to Ancestry.com and a few other genealogy sites, my verifications have been completed............ on Lucy!

The office managers at Fair View Cemetery were more than gracious to 'pull up old records' and were helpful in locating her gravesite!

Fairview Cemetery is a a Traditional Historic Cemetery that has served families since 1890. Roanoke at that time was known as "Big Lick". Can you imagine riding to the cemetery in horse and buggy, in the snow! 

..."Throughout the grounds are interred thousands of veterans who served in the CIvil War, the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. Many of Roanoke's leading citizens, including 10 mayors and many prominent business leaders who pioneered and built the roanoke Valley, chose Fair View as their final resting place. "...

October 1, 2023~Fairy Stone State Park, Philpott Dam, Jack's Creek Covered Bridge

Sunday, October 1, 2023 Fairy Stone State Park(Stuart, Va), Philpott Dam Overlook(Bassett, Va), and Jack's Creek Covered Bridge, a Virginia Historic Landmark, in Woolwine, VA..... 3 #NewToMeAt75 sites to add to my list! Sunglasses, 70s.... what more could you want for October 1st😎.  A mere hour's drive  south of Roanoke, Fairy Stone State Park was like 'a day at the beach'! 

We were surprised at the lack of visitors in this area(I think everyone was at one of the fishing piers.)

The beach area included rentals for kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats. A pleasant walk through the woods, reevealed camp sites for tents, RVs, cabin and yurt rentals, picnic shelters, and hiking trails. 

One of many rental cabins.....👇

The fall leaf foliage had not begun, but this place will be a kaleidoscope of colors in a few short weeks🍁🍂.

We picnicked, soaked up the solitude, enjoyed nature, and then headed out toward the highway to Philpott Dam. The store shown below has a trail to take in search of the famous 'fairy stones'..... the mysterious staurolite stone, which is prevalent in the region (those with a keen eye can find these stones, kinda like looking for 4 leaf clovers!)

Philpott Dam overlook was a more-than-pleasant-surprise.

Our Sunday afternoon drive back to Roanoke included a stop at Jack's Creek Covered Bridge.

GET OUTSIDE! DON'T WASTE YOUR LIFE