Wet and Wild Anniversary

We left Montreat late Monday morning and traveled until we were weary.  We stopped at Claytron Lake, southwest of Roanoke, Virginia, for the night.

We were shocked to pay $33 for a primitive site (with no water), including our first-ever pet fee for a campground.  The park attendant said that the high fee was accessed to prevent the park from closing.  With rates this high, however, it seemed to be driving more people away.  We were among only a handful of campers.

The next morning, we broke camp and headed to Skyline Drive.  It was our 36th wedding anniversary.  We were married in Richmond, shortly after David was transferred there for his second assignment.  During our time in Virginia, we often camped along Skyline Drive.  We felt that a return visit would be a fitting way to celebrate.

We arrived at the campground on the wings of a hard-bearing front.  As large raindrops began to fall, we popped the camper and crawled inside.  The remainder of the afternoon we spent snuggled in our new rig, listening to heavy rain drumming on the roof and claps of thunder rolling around us.  We read, played cards, and reminisced 36 years of adventures both great and small.

We have discovered on this trip that the closer that we get to Washington, D.C., the greater the number and rigidity of rules and regulations.  As the rain pelted and the wind tossed tree limbs, a SUV arrived at our campsite.  An older gentlemen lumbered to our camper door, engulfed in a bright yellow slicker suit.  He informed us that we did not have our registration sticker properly affixed to the pole.

David explained that we had neglected to post it due to the impending storm.  Undaunted, the gentleman remained at our door, insisting that the sticker must be properly displayed.  David reluctantly donned his rain jacket and entered the storm.  He then proceeded to dig through the truck to find the errant sticker while our camp host remained steadfast in the torrents of rain.

Finally, David secured the piece of yellow paper and dutifully placed it in its proper place.  Satisfied that we were not the vagrant squatters he initially assumed us to be, the camp host drove off to meet his next adversary.  I still giggle every time I think of it.  The man had a job to do, and he was definitely Johnny-on-the-spot!

Note to all those visiting Shenandoah National Park:  Do Not Forget to Affix your Sticker Properly!!!

Within the hour, the storm passed, leaving us with a brilliantly blue sky and temperatures in the 60s... the perfect anniversary gift!  We took a stroll and came back to our little abode.  Supper consisted of cans of smoked salmon and hummus on crackers, paired nicely with boxed white wine.  (Only the best for my baby!!!)  Happy anniversary, Dear!