The excited group of collegestudents from Shenandoah River State Parkbright and early Tuesday morning, on March 5, 2013. It was a beautiful, sunny morning and the temperature was in the 50s.
Alternative Spring Break Group working at Shenandoah River State Park
No one seemed too worried about the gloomy weather predictions that were to occur later on Tuesdayevening. It was a spring-like day and the weather was perfect to be working outside. The consensus about the snow was: “We’ll believe it when we see it!” In the meantime, everyone got busy with their tasks.
The students in this spring break group had decided to participate in this trip so that they could learn some new skills while staying in a beautiful, natural setting. Many had never visited the Shenandoah Valley before and wanted a chance to get away from the city and breathe in some fresh mountain air. Although the students were from various majors, each was interested in participating in a project which would benefit the park.
College students work before the snow set in at Shenandoah River State Park
Thestudents split up and did two different projects that day. Some of them helped to build a “turnpike” along sections of the Bluebell Trail and its connector trail to the RV campground, which is often wet and muddy. The rest of the group helped to build a new porch on the brown cabin, where the YCC groups stay in the summer.
The Brown Cabin deck project the volunteer group helped with at Shenandoah River State Park
The students only got one day of work in before the snow hit! However, they still opted to stay at the park overnight, in order to experience the 20 plus inches of snow that was promised by morning. And boy, did it ever come, along with some of the most scenic snowy views ever!
Snow at Shenandoah River State Park – what a view!
One thing is for sure, these kids had the unique opportunity to experience winter and spring in the park in the same two-day period! And even though the projects didn’t get completed, the group would like to return sometime in the future. Better luck next year!
Shenandoah River State Park is located at 350 Daughter of Stars Drive, Bentonville, VA 22610 in Warren County, eight miles south of Front Royal and 15 miles north of Luray.(540) 622-6840