Virginia

Mike and I have spent the last 3 weeks meandering through Virginia.Wytheville was our first stop, in the mountains of southwest VA. A beautiful area surrounded by mountains and farm lands that are amazing..We drove through the Jefferson National Forest, named so because Thomas Jefferson's father surveyed the land,he did so with his constant companion Max..that is how the town of Max Meadows got its name..LOL.Okay not really but it makes a great story..:)

We went to Virginia City Gem Mines,and found some great gems, real honkers (worth undetermined but who knows!!!). Next stop was Louisa, where we camped in another of our out of the way places...alright not a field, but pretty close!!!! Mike pups and I went to Monticello, Michie Tavern and Ash Lawn-Highland. But the best stop (at least in my opinion) was the Jefferson Vineyards!!!! Thomas Jefferson brought grapes back from France and started a winery on his property...The grounds are incredible and the wine ,superb. Okay, so I'm becoming a Wino!!!! A trip to Charlottesville, was interesting..it is a college town, having grown up literally around The University of Virginia...Our next and finally stop has been Madison..a small town nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley. Mike took me to the Luray Caverns, I have a suspicion he planned to leave me there..LOL..BUT..they don't allow anyone down without a tour guide..:) To say it is absolutely awesome, only touches on the beauty of the caverns. A drive to the Shenandoah River was a must and we enjoyed watching the lazy river just roll by. Next was a day in Culpeper..a town wrought with Civil War history, and a drive to "Belmont Farm Distillery"..they have the only LEGAL STILL in the United States producing Moonshine!!! The owner Chuck Miller and his wife run the place..it was passed on from his Grandfather. The Still was built in 1933 and is still in use. He took us on a tour and showed Mike how White Lightening is made..Of course Mike is now the proud owner of a bottle of Virginia Lightning Whiskey and a bottle of Kopper Kettle Whiskey, which is aged in barrels for 2 years before bottling. To quote Mike "smooth very smooth"...Today we went to the Madison County fair..what a hoot...Tomorrow we are off to Gettysburg, PA..Oh the furry crew had another meeting and have reached an accord, Dusty chases, the pups run and everyone is happy!!!

From the road

Jan and Mike