Annual fall trip

Today is November 1st and today Bob and I headed out to Virginia for our annual fall trip to see the color on the trees. We usually drive out to the Blue Ridge Mountains. But this year, we did something a little different. Instead of actually going to the mountains, we drove toward Fredericksburg and into Culpepper, then west toward Mineral and from there south toward Ashland. We had lunch in Ashland and then continued our journey, heading north again.

We took the slow, scenic routes, some of the trip went into very rural parts of Virginia. Virginia has plenty of rolling hills and roads that twist and turn in all directions. Parts of the drive took us along narrow country roads with trees on either side, which reminded us a little of our trip to Ireland. They, too, have narrow winding, twisting roads that take you through the country.

We saw plenty of farms and farm animals, stopping a couple of times to take pictures of horses who were close to the road.

We drove through towns with funny names, like Cuckoo, Mangohick, Passing and Supply. We went by Fort A.P. Hill Army base. Once we left the town of Supply, we came to Rt. 17 and turned north. (We have traveled down Rt. 17 often, on our way to/from Virginia Beach.)

We were only on Rt. 17 a few minutes then we came to Rt. 301 and turned east--toward Maryland and home, completing a circle. Another circle trip--but a much smaller circle this time--which was finished in one day.

The colors were beautiful--reds, golds and yellows. The scenery was beautiful. I have always loved that part of Virginia--it is so pretty.

Normally, we get a room and stay overnight for our annual trip, but we decided to do a shorter version of our annual trip this year. For one, we both have been battling colds and didn't want to stay overnight in a drafty hotel room. We did a lot of traveling this summer and I think we both were tired of hotels. I just prefer being in my own bed when I don't feel well. It's not as cozy and homey at a hotel. I had been feeling pretty good--felt like my cold was gone. But, by late afternoon my throat was bothering me and I was glad to be heading home.

Plus, I think we both just wanted to get home--long "to do" lists this weekend. Lots of projects going on around the house.

But, that's ok with me -- I was happy to get one day in the countryside. It's always nice to get out for the day--but nice to get home, too.

We have been talking about taking a week one of these years and take a trip through New England for the fall color. I've seen pictures and can only imagine that to see the color in person would be spectacular.

And, speaking of pictures, I will upload my pictures from today's trip and post them soon.