Natural Tunnel SP VA - Labor Day 2013

We enjoyed Natural Tunnel SP so much the last time that we decided to head back for the Labor Day weekend.  This time we had spot #12 in the Lovers Leap Loop.   Cove View is nice, but Lovers Leap seems to have a little more privacy and the sites are more level.  Had to use the BAL-Leveler this time, but only a few cranks.

 Site #12 - Lovers Leap Loop

 My daughter wasted no time starting the hunt for anything that moves.
"Nothing Escapes.... THE NET"

First victim....  Katydid  

Sometimes one isn't enough.  "You can never have too many walking leaf's... LOL"
Kadydid's are very tame..one hung out at the table the whole time we ate lunch, had to make it leave. "Friendly Bugs" 

This little guy wanted to hang out with us.

My daughter "The Moth Wisperer"

 The moth must have called his friend over "Damselfly"

 The Kids do their thing at night

 and I do mine.....

Whats better than one tiny lizzard?

Two tiny lizzards....

"I think they will just fit in my brother's ears"

 It's always good Mom & Dad show up to spend time with us.

Sunday it rained till 1:00, just hung around the camper till it finally decided to stop.

So I just took in the View.... It just don't get any better than this....  

High Stakes Uno game going on 

Finally the rain ended and it was Pool Time.....  

Where an old man can still be a kid.... 

 Trying to drown her brother.....

My favorite State Park pool.....  

Monday we hiked the "Purchase Ridge Trail" about 5 miles RT

  Here we are at the overlook deck

 A nice view of the tunnel from here

 Found a rest stop along the trail, too many spiders have setup shop.  "No rest for the weary".

When the going gets tough... "The Tough Get Crazy" 

Daniel Boone's Original Assult Rifle.....

In 1775 (Before the St. Louis Arch) they had "The Block house".  Which was the Original
 "Gateway to the West"  

Back in the day... they used to put kids to work alot earlier than they do now.

That gives me an idea..... "Future Christmas Present??"

  Ready to pick some berry's.... 1770's style....

Hangin out in the herb garden....

Ready to load up and head for the house.......

Natural Tunnel gets another "two thumbs up".



Grayson Highlands SP, VA 2013



We camped at Grayson Highlands SP in VA in early August.   It is the highest campground in VA at 4000 ft and the visitors center at 5000 ft.   I would have to say that the tempature is about 10 degree's cooler up there, it made for some really nice hiking weather.  

Our site was #42, After scouting the campground I realized that this is the biggest site there.  Had plenty of room to spread out, not the most level one though.  Can't complain it was close to everything and we had plenty of privicy. 

 Twice a day the camp hosts drove around with firewood and ice for sale.  "Gotta love front door service"

Even had a path directly to the bath house

There are 2 bath houses for the campground, this is the one for the upper loop

Other Campsites

The Store, a great place to get advice on the different trails

The Playground, it doesn't look like much, but definatly a gathering place for the kids.

The Trees at the playground were a big hit with the kids. 

Hanging at the campfire

Nightly Catches -- "Mothzilla"

 "Eat More Frog Legs, Not Toads"

The Visitors Center has some pretty neat exibits of how people lived and worked "back in the day"

Some campers get pretty creative

The first day we hiked to the summit of Mt. Rodgers which is only 5.2 miles, "no problem??"

Click Here to See the Hike......

We took a day and rode the "Virgina Creeper Trail"  started at the top of White Top Mountain

 Rode 17 miles down to Damascus. 

The last day we hiked down to Cabin Creek Falls and had lunch at the base.

 Looking for fish

Down Stream 

 Good place to have a picnic

Team Work