One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Jesus Fish

How did I realize I was in Virginia? The migration of holy trout on the highway. Seriously though, all hick jokes aside, Virginia was BEAUTIFUL! I requested a way around the toll booths on map-quest and its response was to put me on this scenic drive through farm land and hilly meadows. I tried to take pictures along the way, but sticking my hand out of a moving car doesn't produce the best photography.


As expected, my enthusiasm for this trip has been fluctuating. I'd be lying if I said it had nothing to do with Scooter, but watching these families camping out together is emphasizing my lack of conversations other than with myself. Even the weird Amish family looks like they're having fun... are they still Amish if they own a car?


I'm in my tent at Shenandoah National Park. I decided to use this time to sit, relax, and maybe do some reading (eat your heart out Anthony Marando). Skyline Drive was amazing, but it took forever... on top of my 5 hour drive just to get to the park. I'm exhausted and the idea of attempting a hike is too painful right now. Besides, all the hikes I had planned for this park lead me to high elevated spots with a view and Skyline provided me with endless outlooks into these awesome valleys. Sadly its been a bit hazy today so the pictures loose the full effect of the view.


PLUS! I'm getting attuned with nature all in the comfort of my own tent. These campgrounds are crawling with does (deer) and stags. One practically came right up to me while I was putting up my tent!


Shenandoah is great place for a future camping trip with some friends. Very calming. I spent a half hour just looking at the scenery and watching this massive puffy cloud morph into different shapes. I'll rest today so I can wake up bright (or in this case dark) and early to get to the Great Smokeys in time to get some hiking in.