Shenandoah National Park

For our Fourth of July celebration we decided to go to the Shenandoah National Park, or Skyline Drive, as it is known locally. This park is located in the northern part of Virginia, and is only about a 2 hour drive from our home. We have visited there many times and we love it. There are many wild animals that live in this mountain range and I am always trying to spot some of them. There is an abundance of white tail deer, of which we did see several on this trip and there are also black bears. I have spotted some bears on a couple of our previous trips but not this one. When we stopped in the camp store for ice we were told that we had just missed one hanging around the store. I quickly went around back to see if I could spot him but he had disappeared in the trees. I have many pictures here to share with you so sit back, prop your feet up, and enjoy my day with me.

Entrance to park. It was 95 degrees here on the street level. By the time we had reached 3200 ft elevation, the temperature had dropped to a cool 78 degrees!

First overlook. In the very center of the picture is the beautiful Shenandoah River.

Me, looking at you!

See the doe? The deer know they are safe here so they do not run when they see you.

Sign for Big Meadows. On the paper we received it says that on August 14th folks will come here to view the meteor show. I would love to come here for that. This meadow is huge!!

We picked up this little hitchhiker on the antenna. See him holding on? He stayed with us for quite a bit!!!

Another beautiful overlook. I believe we were at 2400 ft elevation. There are quite a few overlooks along the way. Skyline Drive is a total of 105 miles long. It begins at Front Royal, VA and ends at Rockfish Gap, VA. We had to exit at the 65 mile mark as it takes quite a while to drive the entire way. The speed limit is 35 MPH and folks usually do 30 because you are always pulling over for an overlook.

Me in the mirror, having fun!

Another breathtaking view!!! You are looking at the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Another overlook. I thought it would be cool to take a picture looking through the wild grasses growing there. I hope you have enjoyed my little tour to one of my favorite places on earth.