I have accused my husband of wearing blinders, but never really thought I did the same until I took a leisurely country drive from Hungry Mother State Park.
BACK OF THE DRAGON
One of the main draws that I have seen advertised for the Marion Virginia area (where breathtakingly beautiful the scenery there really is. But my journey did not end there…
SIDETRIPPING
A little background: As I was flying down I-81 to get to the Thompson Tire in Marion to have it checked out. I highly recommend them for their service and southern hospitality; they were a joy to deal with.
After collecting my vehicle I decided to venture off the main drag and followed Greenwood Road to Smyth Valley Road and Spring Valley Road and discovered the most picturesque valley. Unfolding before me were big red barns next to rolling fields of freshly cut hay. There were tin roofs, porch swings, and apple trees. Not only did it capture my attention visually, but it also heightened my senses by the fragrance of the multitude of white, yellow and blue wildflowers in the open meadows and the tree shaded hills that bordered this charming valley.
If I could have stopped and snapped 1000 photos I would have, but my car compelled me to just keep moving along. I felt as if I was in an old time painting, like that of an old Americana Folk Art farm scene painted in intense primary colors.
There were brilliant yellow sunflowers bending their heads from the weight of the load of seeds, and black scarecrows guarding rows of tomato and corn patches.
J.R.R. Tolkien — 'All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost."
BACK AT THE STATE PARK
After I finally arrived quite late back to the cabin at Hungry Mother State Park, my husband asked if I had gotten lost. I thought about that for a moment, after apologizing for being late. Yes, I think I did!
I hope you can take the time to lose yourself on a quiet country road the next time you visit your favorite Virginia State Park.
Ralph Waldo Emerson — 'Life is a journey, not a destination.'