Field Notes

What a spectacular day! It was one of those you were sorry to see end. You wake up in a comfortable place and have a great breakfast. You take a hike down to the Natural Bridge. You visit an Indian village. You hike down into the deepest caverns on the East Coast. You visit some true Roadside Americana. You get to stop here and there to take some snapshots. You go to a bingo party. gardenYou sneak out into the garden for a few last shots. Ah, these are the days!

What was originally an April’s Fool joke in 2004 is somewhat standing the test of time…as far as Styrofoam blocks go. This Mark Cline piece is on a bluff overlooking Highway 11, about 3 miles off Interstate 81. If only to say you’ve been there, you might want to hurry up before it goes. Judging from other images I’ve seen,... 

Natural Bridge Caverns are touted as the “deepest caverns on the East coast.” They might well be. We hiked the 134 steps down to the bottom…and then climbed them all the way back up. Actually, it seemed easier going up. At least, it didn’t seem as slippery. ... 

We spent a day or so riding up and down the Blue Ridge Mountains, from Orkney Springs down to Natural Bridge. It was very reminiscent of old travel holidays. I’d love to ride Route 11 completely some day, taking the time to experience the views and stops that made the journey more than a blast down the interstate. ... 

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We finally had an opportunity to hike back to the Monacan village while it was open (our previous trips had been during the fall and winter). It’s a lot more interesting with interpreters that can actually answer your questions. ... 

Day or night, this is truly one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Not that there aren’t arches in other places, let alone other geographic wonders, but this is an amazing place. Wikipedia has a nice encapsulation of Natural Bridge, and the Natural Bridge website has quick history of Natural Bridge. ... 

A long time ago (October, 1989), this is where I fell in love with my wife. The thing is, she wasn’t there – and that’s what did it for me… I had just met her on a trip to Philadelphia and was making my way down to Morganton, NC to visit my sister. I had never been to Natural Bridge and thought this would be the perfect... 

Congratulations, Lexa!