On June 5th of last year, we as a family set out on a great adventure only few get to experience. Setting out with a 5th wheel and a dream, we visited thirteen of our country’s National Parks, venturing as far west as Yosemite and ending in our backyard at Shenandoah National Park. It is something we will never forget and we talk about regularly.
This morning we had a sad realization. Our American The Beautiful Pass expires tomorrow May 31st. So we thought, why not one more adventure on the pass that brought us so much excitement?!? So off we went on one more hurrah!
With one more year under their belt, the boys are much faster hikers, yet still haven’t gotten the groaning under control. But there is much more pep in their step. And I did notice my elbow didn’t hurt as it used to. In the past it felt as if I was hyperextending it dragging Weston along.
White Oak Canyon Falls was are adventure of choice, just across from the southern entrance to Skyland Campground between milepost 42 & 43.
Fortunately the weather held and we enjoyed an amazing hike through the forest. I absolutely love the smell, the coolness of the woods, and the sound of the waters. More importantly, I love seeing the boys experience it as well. I hope they choose the mountains over the tv or Xbox.
I am reminded how brief their childhood is and how fast they grow up. I want to capture every moment I can. Look at what a difference a year makes!
If you are stuck next to national park, go visit. Why not make it 13 national parks in 42 days? We ventured up into Big Meadows and got the boys books stamped and devoured some blackberry ice cream. The campground we are staying at is amazing. It is only 5 years old and sits on the Shenandoah River. After 42 days of camping and fishing, we finally caught 3 small mouth bass. Nothing like a little patience.
When they say ‘arches,’ they mean ‘BIG arches.’ I wasn’t prepared for the size of these things. They are huge! Giant sculptures of sandstone standing in the desert, these structures tower over you, juxtaposed with the deep blue sky. Arches has over 2000 of such pieces it gets its name from. Some are a mere three feet wide. But many are as tall as a ten story building! Look closely at each picture to see if you can see the boys.
PICK 
