July 22, 2021
Even more into the green now, I’d spend my third night without running water in the gorgeous Spruce Knob Lake within the Monongahela National Forest, driving up to the highest elevation of the state. With starry eyes, I thought I’d see the stars best here–but weather was uncooperative once again Read more…
July 24, 2020
My trip to Virginia’s dark sky parks was a good effort, but cloud cover was a big issue. In the brief sliver of time when the clouds opened up at James River State Park, I did mange some shots. Then the rain came again, bringing me back to my tent Read more…
July 23, 2020
Just happened to see this behind some trees as I pulled up to James River State Park. Nice to find it by chance, especially at a dark sky park! It had such nice faded pastel hues. I guess I could have just stayed in there overnight! But it was structurally Read more…
Though the strong rains invaded the majority of my trip, I managed to set up camp at James River State Park in spite of it. It also happens to be another IDA certified Dark Sky Park–well what do ya know? But first, some daytime scenes, mostly in the river, mostly Read more…
Though most of the old Western State Hospital, whose history I summarized here in my DeJarnette post, has been repurposed or is in some phase of construction to be repurposed, there are still some parts to explore. Like the old steam plant–available for sale! And it looks very much like Read more…
Of course I had a couple of abandoned spots on my recent itinerary, starting on day one as I drove through Baltimore. Though I devoted a good amount of my morning trying to access Forest Haven Asylum, all my efforts were in vain. It was actually quite humorous as I Read more…
July 22, 2020
Since I declared my intention of visiting all of Virginia’s dark sky parks and camping three evenings, forces of nature have threw me some curveballs. But I subscribe to several related philosophies that have me generally accepting, catching curveballs and admiring each. Though my que sera sera-ness might not serve Read more…
The closest National Park to my home is a pretty one, with undulating blue waves in the sky–the Blue Ridge Mountains. Shenandoah National Park‘s views are quite gorgeous. And its scenic Skyline Drive allows you to keep your social distance… and blast your music. On display, the cranky mountain air Read more…
July 21, 2020
If the weather cooperates in the evening, I will shoot at all of Virginia’s dark sky parks by the end of my trip. But that’s a big “if.” The mountains are tempestuous, already thwarting my first evening of camping. Though I am not proud of being in this motel room Read more…
(Words: Soy latte with a heart… from Gathering Grounds)
How delightful a find in Luray, Virginia! After checking out the cute historic town 10 miles out of Shenandoah National Park, I discovered vegan options were available at Happy Mart & Deli… a gas station. A gas station that serves up authentic Indian food?! I called to verify they were Read more…
August 30, 2019
Day 18 would be my last adventure… the Assateague Island National Seashore, the barrier island shared by Virginia and Maryland where feral horse roam freely. Wild horses. If that is not enough, the beach is beautiful and washes up a slew of shells. I hit the shoreline early as the Read more…
August 29, 2019
Do you know how much I dislike the I-95? Well, I’ll tell you. It’s the worse kind of roadtrip driving. Direct but uninteresting, it eliminates half the magic of the road. Though South of the Border, an original gangster roadside attraction, has expanded a great deal since my last visit Read more…
August 15, 2019
I needed a day like today. I needed to be within nature, not just passing by and jumping back in my car. On this Day 3 I hiked to waterfalls and to what felt like, incline-speaking, the altitude of heaven… if the road maps are accurate. But first, on my Read more…
August 14, 2019
I slept soundly in my car on night one. And even though I forgot to bring my pillow from home, I woke up with no aches or cricks anywhere. I quickly packed up my site to head south… I will be heading souther and souther everyday starting this new day. Read more…
August 18, 2017
It’s morning in Shenandoah, and the sun overcomes its obstacles. As usual. How perfect is a morning? Fresh and potent with opportunity and intention. Never you mind what becomes of it; that’s the evening’s problem to solve. The clouds veil the light, hiding the blue, so you don’t take it Read more…
August 17, 2017
Spoilet alert: By the end of this blog post, by the end of my day, I end up… in a cabin in the woods in the mountains within rumbling thunder, the lucky pile of wood between two very vocal mocking birds going on and on about something, perhaps the storm Read more…
August 3, 2014
There is nothing more fantastic than a tofu scramble in the morning… especially when you group the classic vegan breakfast with a good cup of Joe and the freedom of having the whole day at your disposable. No errands. None of the normal routines that eat up your day and Read more…
August 1, 2014
For how many times I’ve been in Virginia, I have never blog reported on vegan eats! Well, here I am… exhausted and amazed by what is available here for a vegan. We had our first vegan stop in downtown Richmond at a spot only open 7-3, Monday through Friday. Down a Read more…