October 24 to 26, Lynchburg, Virginia and Blue Ridge Parkway
After leaving Shenandoah National Park I headed to Lynchburg, Virginia to visit my Mother-in-law Cathy, Sister-in-law Jenny and Brother-in-law David. It was a bit overcast during my stay, which was just fine with me. More warm, soft colors of fall.
Cathy and Jenny took me for a lovely drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and a lunch at Peaks of Otter Restaurant which sits along Otter Creek Lake. It was a gorgeous day with the autumn colors a bit brighter than Shenandoah the day before. I have sooo many photos from that day it was extremely hard to choose which to include in the blog!
Cathy also played tourist and took me around downtown Lynchburg to see the sites. The last time I visited Lynchburg I did not make it into town, so this was a treat! I also stopped along Riverwalk Trail on the way out of town and snapped a few photos. It was not on the agenda, but looked so nice driving by I couldn’t resist. Loved the “Love” sculpture!
As is with all the visits this one was also too short, but very meaningful. It has been such a gift to see so many people in person to give my love during my travels. We get so carried away with our busy lives we forget to take a breath and tell our loved ones how much they mean to us. I found it to be especially important after loosing a loved one to give a hug and say “I love you” in person. All my love McAden’s. Forever in my heart!
Onward to Gates, North Carolina to visit more loved ones. This visit will be to see my mom Jeanne’s family and a place I spent many a summer.
Otter Creek Lake at Peak’s of Otter Restaurant along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
My sister-in-law Jenny amidst all the autumn leaves.
Otter Creek Lake along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Otter Creek Lake along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Always wanted to find one of these painted rocks, but we left it. It reads, “May all beings be happy 🙂 May all beings find joy 💗 May all beings live in peace ☮️”
Otter Creek lake along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Sister-in-law Jenny and Mother-in-law Cathy in front of the Peaks of Otter Restaurant.
Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway
Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway
Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway
This was a dam, which I forget the name. Manmade waterfall, but just as beautiful as a natural waterfall!
Creek along the dam. Mike wanted me to include this photo as it reminded him of the creek that ran behind his home in Lorton, Virginia. He spent many a day with his dog Muffin and his friends playing in the creek. Happy memories.
Lovely James River along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Confederate solder at the head of Monument Terrace in Lynchburg. I read there is also a time capsule buried at the base of the statue. It was erected in 1900. When traveling through the South, especially Virginia, you are continually reminded of our hard fought war Civil War.
Lynchburg Courthouse, established 1855. It’s now a museum and I’d love to visit one day!
Monument Terrace. The terrace dates from the 1880’s and was completed in 1925. It has a series of 132 steps and overlooks the James River, Langley Fountain, and Lynch’s Ferry which was established in 1757.
A section of Monument Terrace. I’d have included a photo at the bottom, however, there was a film crew there that day.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Cathy’s church. I believe Cathy said the church was made with Bluestone. Quite beautiful!
Villa Maria estate recently renovated. Circa 1863.
James River along the Riverwalk Trail
Riverwalk Trail
James River along the Riverwalk Trail
Riverwalk Trail. Aren’t I daring to balance myself out here for this photo? Lol, no, I’m on a deck.
Langley Fountain spouting along the James River. This marks the original location of the Lynchburg Ferry, circa 1757.
Loved this Love sculpture along the Riverwalk!
Jenny, Dave, Cathy and Riley