23 June, Wednesday Morning

EllieD and I got into our heads that a nice romantic visit to Virginia in the height of the thru hiker season was the way to begin our wedding anniversary celebration. We will have been married for 27 wonderful years come this August.  It has always seemed a shame to only celebrate that happy day for a single day, so we spread out our celebration all summer.  

I loved the B&B run by Lois and Earl Arnold in Montebello Virginia the first two times I went there.  I had shared that good experience with EllieD and she seconded the motion to go there to enjoy Lois' hospitality and her breakfasts!  

EllieD and Lois Arnold a the Dutch Haus

The Dutch Haus was hosting 5 thru hikers the first night we spent and four the second night.  Diane was especially glad to talk to the women who were doing long distance hiking.  It seemed like she and Coughdrop were going to talk forever.  Here, EllieD is sitting on the comfortable front steps of the Dutch Haus. 

The Dutch Haus Front Porch

24 June, Thursday 

After considerable discussion, EllieD and I decided to drive to the base of Crabtree Falls about 5 miles down the Tye River drainage from Montebello.  We parked there with plans to walk up the path along the falls.  The picture at the top of the page is of the two of us at the lower falls.   

A bright day begins at the upper Crabtree Falls.

The path parallels Crabtree Falls for the first two miles, climbing about 2000 feet.  Here, EllieD takes a short rest at the bottom of the upper falls.   

Upper Crabtree Falls

At the top of the falls, EllieD decided to take a group of glamour pictures of me, sans glasses.  It seemed like I was posing forever as she became Hollywood photographer!  But could I refuse a request like that?  You must be crazy!

A short rest at the top of Crabtree Falls

EllieD was the conquering hero of the falls and shows off her strength in her hiking kilt: 

She who overcame.  Carpe Diem!

We had done so well that we decided not to descend along the falls, but walked an additional 7 miles along the AT, back to Montebello via Spy Rock.  Now that is strong!

25 June, Friday Morning

After leaving the Dutch Haus, EllieD and I made the short hike up from the Blue Ridge Parkway to Humpback rocks.  It was an easy mile up and a fast skitter down, racing from one bench to the next along the day hiker trail. I didn't think we would ever stop laughing about the looks we caused on young couples faces as we skipped and ran down the gravel path.  

Manly pose on top of Humpback Rocks

Diane had the last laugh, by lying down on the job, nearly "falling asleep." 

Fortunately, we did not quite "fall asleep"

Thanks for reading our photo journal for the last three days.  We had a blast and hope it shows.

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