Doug and I picked up Bianca from the dealership the night of the 22nd. She hadn't even been home 12 hours, and she was already loaded up with camping and climbing gear. What a great way to induct her into our family!
We headed out the morning of the 23rd and arrived at the Elizabeth's Furnace campground in the George Washington National Forest that evening. To rain. So much rain that it flooded our campsite and we had to put the already-popped-up tent onto the roof of the car and seek out another campsite. We must have looked a sight, with a tent on top of the car, driving through a campground.
We had the first night and most of the second day to ourselves. After having other people around for everything we do (we most often do group things, since we have so many friends and so little time to see them all), the chance to reconnect and enjoy each other's company without anything on our must-do list was more than I can put into words. I am very thankful for that time, and think of it fondly.
We drove all around the area, with nothing particular on our list, just seeing what we could find.
We found a tower to climb, and saw sweeping views of the valley.
We had breakfast in a small town at a place called "Hi Neighbor."
We got lost and ended up at an 1840s living history encampment.
And we found a stairway to nowhere.
We ended up at an antique store for about 3 hours. This antique store took up an entire city block. It was enormous!! I got some vintage salt and pepper shakers, and Doug got a brooch for his mom. Our original endeavor of finding a Moka pot, or some other stovetop percolator, went unresolved.
The second evening, Chris and Sarah (our homesteading friends!) arrived. We had delicious red beans and rice with andoullie sausage, cooked over the campfire.
We went climbing the next day (Saturday) at Talking Heads rock. The climbs ranged from too easy to too hard.
Ian and Corinne landed at our campsite later that evening. We enjoyed ribs over the campfire with loaded baked (campfired?) potatoes and grilled veggies.
On sunday, we were set to climb Buzzard Rock, but we had a 2 mile hike to the rock at the top of the mountain. Near the summit, there is an overlook that is absolutely wicked.
After the overlook, there's still a quite steep uphill portion to go until you get to the slabs where you'll climb. We made it in good time, and a hammock was set up while Doug rappelled down to the ground. Unfortunately, he ran out of rope, and by the time we realized this, it was too late to make alternate plans. Except of course, to hike down the mountain and get a margarita, which is what we did.
That night, we enjoyed some delicious chicken fajitas and one last night of company before heading back home the next morning.
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