Anniversary Trip: part one

To celebrate our second wedding anniversary we decided to take an adventure. We biked part of the Virginia Creeper Trail! We've had it on our list of things to do since moving to Virginia, and thought we'd better try it before we embark on the adventure of parenting.

The Virginia Creeper Trail is located on a 34-mile stretch of old railroad bed between White Top and Abingdon, Virginia. The trail is part of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, which is a nonprofit organization that is creating a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines. This portion of the railroad was likely named Virginia Creeper because of the train's slow speed through this mountainous area.



About 100,000 people bike this trail each year. Once you take a look at our pictures you might understand why. Along the trail there are beautiful mountain scenes and trestles. There are also bathroom and food stops along the way.




You can bike the entire trail in one trip or just a section at time. There are several places to rent bikes with shuttle services that will take you to your starting point.

We biked the easiest part of the trail, which lies between White Top Mountain and Damascus. You can almost coast this entire 17 mile section.

We rented bikes from JC's Outdoors in Damascus, and they shuttled us and three other couples to the top of White Top. The total cost for the bikes and shuttle was only $50 for the two of us.




The trail starts off on flat terrain, but its not too long before you are just coasting.




There was a great place to stop and take in the scenic mountain views about a mile from the starting point. There were already several people there having a picnic.





After a quick stop, we jumped back on the bikes, enjoyed the lovely scenery, and stopped for the occasional photo op. Three miles later we reached Green Cove. This old station now offers snacks, food, restrooms and a little history to visitors.






The trail was so fun and beautiful, but it was a cold and windy day. The day started off with beautiful sunshine, but we were under the trees for the most part. Toward the end of the trail, the sky became overcast. Luckily seven miles from Green Cove, there's the Virginia Creeper Cafe where you can grab a bite to eat and refuel (and for us, warm up)!





The cafe is known for their World Famous Chocolate cake. I couldn't pass that up!



From the cafe it's only six more miles to Damascus. This section of the trail does require more pedaling and was definitely a workout for me, but still worth it. We were running a little late so we didn't stop very much during this section. There seemed to be more water stream views. There's a small waterfall somewhere along this section. But with the threat of rain and being late to return our bikes, we didn't stop.

Although it was a bit colder than I would have liked, we still had a great adventure. Biking is such a nice way to view the local terrain. The trip wouldn't have been complete without getting a souvenir sweat shirt at the cafe. It saved the day!

Hike #3

A few weeks ago while driving back from the creek, we took a short detour to stop and stroll through Fenwick Mines. Mr. Price has been wanting to show me this place for months. Since we were nearby and the temperature was in the upper 30's, we finally decided to stop. Fenwick Mines is another Virginia recreation area with picnic tables, trails and a fishing pond. We took a short walk to the waterfall and then back to the fishing pond which was frozen! Check out our pictures below...





There must be a dam somewhere, because we suspect beavers cut these trees.

Hike #2

We took a short hike a few weeks ago to Roaring Run in Botetourt County. Roaring Run is a recreational area with picnic sites, hiking trails and a creek for trout fishing. The rec area is free to use. It took us about an hour to reach the park from Roanoke, but less than thirty minutes to hike to the main attraction - the waterfall. The trail is very easy with just a few steep steps to climb.

First Hike of 2010

We went on our first hike of 2010 this past Sunday. We took a little trip to Cascade Falls near Virginia Tech. It was a lovely day! A little on the warm side, actually! Plenty of people had the same idea we did about getting out and enjoying nature. There were lots of people on the trails.

There are two trails to reach the Cascades. The lower trail is considered the more scenic route, and the upper trail is more of an uphill challenge. Since we are trying to build some endurance and strength to hike Dragon's Tooth and Tinker Cliffs later in the year, we decided to take the uphill challenge to the falls, and then the scenic route on the way back. Even though this is a shorter hike, about four miles round-trip, it still gave me a workout. I worked my thighs on the way up, and my calves on the way down. I am currently looking for some good hiking boots. I think those should help!

It was hard for me to capture great pictures with all the trees, shade and light. Hiking trails will have to be added to my list of "things to learn how to photograph."

Of course we were starving by the end of our hike, so we decided to stop at The Cracker Barrel on the way home. I had pecan pancakes, and Mr. Price went for the trout and green beans.




A Camelbak is a necessary hiking accessory. It makes drinking water absolutely effortless.


Can you find the animal in the picture below?

Road Trip: Dixie Caverns

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During my husband’s New Year break, we took a little drive to Salem to tour the Dixie Caverns. He has been itching to see this attraction since my family visited during Thanksgiving. Caves, otherwise known as dark, enclosed places, are not really my thing. But wanting to be a supportive (and fun!) wife, I agreed to go.

In 1920 a dog named Dixie haphazardly discovered the caverns. Dixie, followed by a few inquisitive farm boys fell into the cave’s only natural light source (a.k.a, a hole in the side of a mountain). The cave is filled with stalagmites and stalactite formations. It’s really interesting to think that this cave formed thousands of years before it was opened to the public in 1923.

Dixie Caverns and Antiques!


Inside the Caverns


Hubby asked me to show him how much fun I was having.


Here we are at the entrance to the caves.