Easter Sunday April 9, 2023

Coincidence? I Think Not!

The cover of the spiral bound RAND McNALLY ROAD ATLAS 2023 filled the screen as it introduced today’s installment of Pastor Josh’s We Make the Road by Walking sermon series. Rob and I are reminded of how everything happens for a reason. We don’t always know why but I guess that’s truly the gift of the journey ~ the potential discovery of some hidden or lost meaning or memory. We continue to map our way about the country.

Yesterday, Saturday April 8, we spent a memorable day in Mechanicsville, VA. I will tackle telling that story in a few days.

On Friday morning, April 7, we packed up and left George Washington National Forest on our way to Skyline Drive through The Shenandoah National Park, where we entered at Thornton’s Gap. After the park ranger waved us through the crowded gate, we made our way to Big Meadow and the Byrd Visitor Center. We have been surrounded by nature for four days. So as we toured the visitor center we were drawn to the stories about the impact creating this park had on the mountain families. Their stories stayed with us as we continued along Skyline Drive to our planned exit from Shenandoah National Park at Swift Run Gap.

We were truly disconnected from the goings on in the media world for four days. While it was easier to let go of this electronic connection, we truly missed hearing the laughter of our grandson and voices of our loved ones.

Thursday, April 6, we hiked to say hello up a Appalachian ridge and along part of the Tuscarora Trail, which was established as an alternate route to the AT (Appalachian Trail) in the sixties. Our hike brought us east and west across this ridge for over 8 miles.

I’ll recap our arrival to George Washington National Forest and introduce Elizabeth Furnace Campgrounds, including some connections and friendships we forged. Signing off for now ~ Keeping the rubber side down, Julie and Rob.