a moment of silence

November 5, 2010 8 Comments by Maddie

Virginia, I love you. Passionately.

I’m reminded of that fact every time I visit Shenandoah, especially when it’s autumn and the bright leaves almost have me convinced there’s a forest fire spreading across the valley.

Honestly, I’d be glad if all of my days looked like this one at the park did: from the pre-hike burgers at the Thornton River Grille to the eye-popping walk just off Skyline Drive. I got to stand quietly on a stone wall overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains and let the wind whoosh around my outstretched arms. And there was the post-hike plate of warm apple pie, of course, with two (two!) scoops of ice cream and a big mug of coffee alongside. Virginia knows how to treat you right.

So here’s a moment of silence for the trees that have started to lose their fiery leaves, with the comforting knowledge that they’ll return again like clockwork at the beginning of next October. And a moment of anticipation, too, for the cozy, quiet winter that will soon be descending on the park, and on all of us.

If you can, get outside this weekend, my dear friends. Savor the end of autumn before it sweeps away, leaving us in its wake.

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  • http://emmainthekitchen.blogspot.com/ Emma

    I’m so jealous of you guys and your autumn leaves! Where I live, we don’t have those beautiful fall colours. I think it’s even better than spring.

    Your writing in this piece made me feel like I actually sat down and had a piece of apple pie with ice cream and coffee after a long hike – so eloquent :)

  • http://www.myliferunsonfood.com Sanura

    I’m slightly homesick when reading your post being from Hampton Roads, VA. I remember traveling to James Madison University so long ago. My parents and I hiked in the surrounding woods and visited the caverns. It’s a very beautiful up there.

  • http://janaemonir.wordpress.com Janae

    Absolutely gorgeous! I hope I get to see those mountains someday. There is something to be said for a quiet place in nature, and the possible ghosts lurking behind the trees (so much history!). Sounds like a lovely hike, and delicious food. And now, I’m off myself, to get outside on a beautiful Saturday :)

  • http://everybodylikessandwiches.com kickpleat

    Wow, what a beautiful fall! I’ve always wanted to check out that area and I hope to visit one day soon. A good hike through crunchy fall leaves is the best.

  • http://www.delishhh.com Delishhh

    Gorgeous! Most of the leaves here are almost all gone :( But tha tis ok, heading to Hawaii for the big T day so we don’t have to stress over cooking.

  • Emily

    This year was a particularly glorious fall- not sure why but the combination of relatively warm, but just chilly enough weather seemed to create the perfect autumn colors for a long time. Still going here, though Central Park has begun to fade into winter (it was magnificent while it lasted)

  • http://happensafterfive.wordpress.com What Happens After Five

    What beautiful pictures!! Love your blog!

    http://happensafterfive.wordpress.com

  • http://www.madifonbyfashion.blogspot.com ellinor

    I just want to eat all the stuff you have on here. What is that stuff next to the doughnut? Thanks for sharing your photos and drop by me too when you have time.

    Cheers.