We finished the trip with a stay a three night stay at Shenandoah River State Park (https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-river). Which was conveniently close the Shenandoah National Park.
The Shenandoah State Park is right off of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, and there were several good hiking trails that Steve took advantage of. Lexie was not so adventuresome.
The first one was along the river itself (aptly named River Trail), where Steve could see some rippley water in what looked otherwise like calm water.
The second hike (Campground Trail, since it started from the RV campground) was to Culler’s Overlook, an observation point that had a great view of the Shenandoah River. This hike was about two miles, but the view was great.
We did explore the state park campground (where we got some grandkid toys) and the picnic area by the river.
The weather continued to get into the 90’s, and the RV did not get enough shade from the campsite to stay comfortably cool. While not cool, it was significantly drier inside than outside. But the temperature in the RV was the perfect excuse to take the MiniCooper into the Shenandoah National Park (https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm). With Lexie. Vicki checked out the Dickey Ridge visitor center while Steve kept Lexie company outside.
We then drove along the Skyline Drive, stopping at the first few overlooks. The stops at overlooks became fewer and fewer as we travelled. There were many overlooks we passed on. The drive was pleasant since the higher altitude of the parkway dropped the temperature down considerably.
Steve and Lexie did take a hike in the Shenandoah National Park to see Lands Run Falls in the park (1.3 miles round trip, 90 minutes walk, ranked as one of the easiest hikes. https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/lands-run-falls.htm) Lexie was not pleased with the hike, even though she got to drink some fresh water at the turn around point.
We drove down Skyline Drive for 24 miles until we got to Elkwallow rest area, which had water, a store and a short order cafe. The humans got a burger and a chicken sandwich, the dog got more water and a chance not to be in the car. Elkwallow is on the Appalachian trail and we talked to a through hiker who was waiting for the heat of the day to pass.
On the way out of the National Park, we stopped at an ice cream shop in Front Royal for cold treat for all (yes, Lexie got a pup cup).
The highlight of the next day was to go to ‘Cooter’s’, a restaurant/museum that celebrated the TV show “Dukes of Hazard”. The owner of the restaurant played Cooter on the show. The museum had some of the cars that were used in the show, and TVs within the restaurant and museum were playing Dukes of Hazard shows.
We were originally scheduled to stay at the Shenandoah River State Park for four nights, but we left a day early to avoid thunderstorms along the way (and to not suffer with the heat. We have a new rule: no camping south of the Mason Dixon line in July or August).
VG: The night sky was incredible at this park. With no light pollution, we enjoyed the star canopy and shooting stars/meteors, always a delight, and bugs didn’t chase us indoors.
The plan to find a nice air conditioned space was for naught. We found that the AC had died at our house while we were gone! So we ended up camping out that fourth night in our driveway, with the RV AC keeping us cool.
VG: Very thankful for that second master bedroom that first night home. I think Lexie was confused to be in the RV. Thankfully, an unusual cooler spell moved into CLE the next day for a few weeks. August temps can easily be in the 90’s but we were happy with mid-70’s weather.
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