Saving Grace

What would we do without dear friends? Just at the moment I needed it most I was invited to join my friends Ray and Beryl in the Shenandoah mountains for a weekend of catching up on each other and enjoying these gorgeous ancient mountains. Beryl has been through a terrible five month health ordeal in which she lost 45 pounds, several internal organs and nearly her life. Thanks to the love and prayers of friends and the attentive, loving care of her good man she’s come through it all and is in good health and spirits now. We shared her first glass of wine in five months as she was on her way north to visit a new grandbaby in Pennsylvania.

We’d made this plan a month ago to meet up on the Skyline Drive as they drove up from Louisiana, some 85 miles west of where I now live in Arlington. I set out on Friday morning in a slight drizzle which in the last half hour of my two and a half hour drive turned into a dense fog. It was so thick that I nearly missed the Skyland Resort Lodge but thanks to that bright yellow line in the center of the road I did not. Neither did I drive off the edge of the mountain which was another distinct possibility. The view (later) and the company were more than worth the moments of stressful navigation in the fog.

Skyland Resort was begun in 1911 and improved in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It’s a group of comfortable cottages and buildings nestled among the hills and trees of the Shenandoah with good food, lots of scenic trails and the camaraderie of people who come from all over to enjoy this beautiful place. Indeed, our waitress at breakfast this morning was from Indonesia!

This leather clad gal was on her first Harley outing and, no, hers is not the yellow one. That one belongs to her fella’. There were lots of these brave souls wandering the hilly roads and what a thrill ride that must be! Spotted this great hat at breakfast and when we met him later on the trail he told us he was from Houston.

Saturday proved to be a gorgeous day and we took two hikes up the Little Stony Man Trail. We’d hoped to see the bear cubs some have spotted in a nearby cave under a cliff but they were not in view on either of our treks. We did spot deer and a wild turkey and were accompanied by warblers and wildflowers on our way.

Great friends are the best tonic. Thanks, Ray and Beryl, and ...

Bon Voyage!

K Q:-)

P.S. Beryl's ordeal began with an infected tooth. As for me, I'm going to make that dental appointment I've been postponing tomorrow.

Comments

[Marie Christopher]

I am so happy for you that you got to spend some time with Beryl and Ray --- I know it was good for you, and for them, too.

Big Hugs!

[Judith]

I have fond memories of a September visit to Skyline Resort Lodge way back in 1980. Thought sure I would have returned before now. It was lovely and the trails were great. The one room cabin was perfect and the lodge served great meals. A wonderful restful week for me that autumn. Thanks for making me remember it.