West Virginia, Mountain Mama

I had been looking forward to our camping trip to the Shenandoah Valley for a month. But the journey started out a little rough. With over 15 people going, we all had to leave at different times in order to accomodate everyone's schedules. Brittany was driving my group and right on schedule we left my house at 7 pm. We stopped at Papa John's to grab a pizza and curb our hunger, but ended up running over the curb and got a flat tire instead. David and Jason changed the flat tire and by the time the pizza was done, so were they. We headed back to my house to switch cars.



LeBron, my trusty cavalier, was ready for his first road trip with friends. We loaded up the car and were making good time until we hit Harper's Ferry and got stuck in a massive traffic jam due to a very bad accident. There were at least 7 emergency vehicles on site. We turned off the car and tried to keep warm with the blankets. It was chilly, but beautiful. Living in DC, I had forgotten that stars could shine so bright.

An hour and a half later, we started driving again. A couple wrong turns and a few deer in headlights later, we made it to the Big Meadows campsite. It was nearly 1 am! We bundled up quick and tried to stay warm as it was freezing outside. I was sad to have missed the Friday night campfire, but happy to climb into my sleeping bag as I was quite tired.

There was only one problem - I couldn't sleep. I was too cold. Layered and still shivering, I tossed and turned in order to find the warmest spot. It didn't exist. To the car was my next thought, but then I remembered that Jason had my keys and he looked so cozy, I didn't want to wake him. So I headed to the bathroom instead. The hand dryer saved me as I stood in front of it pushing the button over and over and over and over and over.....




Yes, I was that cold!!!

But lest you think the camping trip was a total bust, let me reassure you - I had so much fun! The fall colors of the leaves were spectacular. The hike to the Dark Hallow Falls was dangerously fabulous (see picture below). And most of all, getting away from the city with some of the greatest friends ever - PRICELESS!



View from our tent in the morning


Not wanting to get up in the morning


Warnings along the trail


Brittany, Stephanie, April and beautiful waterfalls.


All the girls


Some of the boys