'OH SHENANDOAH, I LONG TO SEE YOU...'

The reasons for this lyric will become perfectly clear after the 1st time you pass through this gate:

For Virginia's Shenandoah National Park offers people of all ages & capabilities a breath taking outdoor experience that could be remembered for a lifetime.

For those who enjoy scenic views, there are dozens of paved 'outlooks' from where everybody - from the oldest Grandma to her youngest grand baby - can enjoy the thrill of a spectacular mountain view.


And do it safely.


There are so many scenic stops that you may find it difficult which ones to choose. (Our car breaked at every one.)


Each view is unique, but the higher you go - the greater the 'wow' factor.

People do bike (so be aware), but here the car is king. 35 mph is the limit & for a good reason. The road has more twists and turns than Chubby Checker with ants in his pants.

I'm not proud of it but - I have to admit - that after a few hours my speedometer was almost hitting 50. However a few hair pins & steep drops soon lightened my lead foot. 


And why rush by all the beautiful surprises that are around every corner?

For those who like a little extra kick with your view, there are more than a few boulders to climb.

                                          Notice I am holding on. Kids don't try this at home.
And some even bigger ones to stand under.

But beware - they load the place with 'watch out for falling rocks' signs for a reason

There are hiking paths for all ranging in difficulty from 'easy' to 'strenuous'.


One of the best 'easys' is the fairly level Limberlost Trail. It's even paved with 'crushed green stone'. Very easy on the tootsies.

It's a mile + 1/3rd round trip. Takes about an hour.  And even if that seems a bit too long, there are 4 benches spaced though out.

The LLT is a very peaceful stroll. It's away from cars & other noises of civilization. You almost can hear a leaf drop.


And there's always a chance of seeing some forest natives.

And.

No, we didn't t film this sweetheart with a telephoto lens.

Bambi's kin came within 2 feet of us, hung around for over 20 minutes & seemed comfortable sharing its home with us.

For waterfall mavins, there are many paths to some real beauties.

We chose the 1 1/2 mile Dark Hollow Falls.  

The walk is rated 'moderate'.

There is nothing moderate about its splendor.

The only drawback is that it's almost all downhill to get to these falls. 


That, my dears, means that the return trip is all up hill. 

You will be introduced to the concept of mega 'sweating'.


You might not agree during the return trip but it is well worth the water loss.


As is the admission charge. 


For 15 bucks you can load your car up with kin (& friends) & hike, climb, bike, gawk & play all day. 30 buys you a 12 month pass. 80 gets you into every national park for a year.


The best deal is for my fellow 62 & up crowd. 10 nabbed me a lifetime pass for all of the parks. Obviously, insurance companies are not the only ones who've studied the life expectancy charts.


This actually is another park plus - in order to get my money's worth - I plan to stay healthy, live very well & continue breathing a really, really long time.


So take that all you wise ass Uncle Sam actuaries.