On the Wings of a Dolphin: November 2011

(Posted by Caitlin)

Shenandoah NP is a beautiful place, but most of its beauty is best seen from the road (which follows the ridges of some of the Blue Ridge Mountains). It's a thin, long section of protected land which provides excellent views into valleys and farmlands bellow. I highly recomend this park to older people or if you're just passing through because you miss almost nothing by staying in the car. We planned on backpacking here, but only did a 12 mile day hike due to the trail conditions (littered with ankle twisting rocks, hidden under very slippery leaves) and the feeling of solitude was absent with all the other hikers we ran into.

We saw most of the monuments in DC, the Smithsonian Museums of Natural History, Air and Space, Art (the west building), and American Indians. We also saw the Bureau of Printing and Engraving with a free tour. The National Aquarium was only slightly better than the fish section of Petco.

Andy's cousin Mike and his wife Jennifer opened their home, and pantry, to us for 4 nights and 5 days. We felt right at home with Mike and Jennifer, and their girls: Olivia and Jessica. Here we enjoyed their company, bed, and showers. They took us out to dinner at a great Italian restaurant and we celebrated Jennifer's birthday with a big, heavy Costco chocolate cake. Two of their three cats accepted Samara's presence with caution. The third, Bandit, was comfortable enough to go nose to nose with her and even clean himself while lying 6 inches apart. Mike and Jennifer bought us some supplies before we left and Mike helped us clean the camper...he even put stuff on the tires that made them look brand new and waxed it!

Thanks again, Mike and Jennifer! We are already talking about you coming out in April :)