Foggy Camp

The fog lifting.

Our journey this past weekend is what I’d describe as a labor of love. It seems that lots of folks are on the road as many out of state license plates are interspersed among the big rigs that traverse my home state of Virginia. We pass through the New River Valley, home to the towns that encompass Virginia Tech and Radford University. This area is part of the Great Appalachian Valley and was the gateway for western expansion of the United States. Exploration of this area dates back to 1671. Today our destination is Fancy Gap. The Native Americans originally called it “Foggy Camp”. You will notice the many roadway signs cautioning about fog areas. It seems a phenomenon occurs when the cool air from the Blue Ridge crest, on the Virginia side, snuggles up to the warm, moist air seeping over from the North Carolina side. This is the birthplace of fog.

Suspected of being in a fog.

We head for the hills to celebrate the wedding of our beloved Becky’s oldest son. We have known Kurt (KT to us) since he was 10 years old and played baseball with our son, Eric. It has been our privilege to witness his metamorphosis from child to man. His bride, Ginny has been a gift not only to himself but to everyone who loves KT. He looks so peaceful and happy. Ginny’s family has been busy planning a wedding that could be featured in Southern Living Magazine. Their homestead provides the perfect canvas to which has been added adorably rustic accents. The effect is connubial country.

Crossing over – from before to happily ever after.

The altar.

Remembrance table.

A nearby town, appropriately named Cana, conveniently allows the preacher to open the ceremony with a reference to my favorite Gospel story. He metaphorically speaks about, ‘saving the good wine’. The story of the wedding at Cana was where Jesus accomplished his first public miracle. (Believe me, if someone changes water into wine at a wedding I’m attending he has an instant disciple. Jesus knew how to win over a crowd!) The ceremony is lovely and I wish I would’ve taken one of the adorable little embroidered hankies that were offered up in a basket on the front porch. Upon completion of the nuptials we cross a little wooden bridge (such symbolism!) and enter into the reception area.

The bar – no need for miracles here.

Later in the evening a storm blew through but we all weathered it, together. A good lesson for the newlyweds. Not ones to let a little rain dampen our spirits, we continued the party after the rain came.

Let them eat cake!

Nothing sweeter than friends.

We wish Mr. and Mrs. Thiele a very happy honeymoon and many years of happiness together.

The bride and groom.

The next day we met with Becky and the rest of the gang for breakfast and to say our goodbyes. Our plans included a stop at the New River State Park. They have a unique artifact there that was an example of early industrialization in Virginia.

Shot tower.

A shot tower was used to produce lead balls that were projectiles in firearms. Lead was melted and mixed with arsenic at the top of the tower. The molten lead was poured through a sieve at the top of the drop. It then free fell into a water filled basin at the bottom of the drop. The fall created partially cooled, rounded balls.

copper sieve for pouring shot.

Samples of the size of shot balls made in a shot tower.

We scaled the interior heights of the tower to view down the 150ft shot tunnel. After that we hit the New River Trail and headed down to Foster Falls. Not a true waterfall it is more of an area of small rapids found along the fall line. At this area you can rent boats or campsites. The extensive trails had a lot of bikers and some others who were hoofing it like us.

We came along a rodeo type ring.

Kayak fishing.

Along Foster Falls.

Getting consolation after forgetting my trail shoes and doing the 2.4 miles in “cute shoes”. Ouch!

Back to the road and the heavy traffic. It wasn’t long when we decided to stop for lunch. We exited I-81 in Salem for gas and stumbled upon a little roadside gem. As if a great handmade burger with home made potato chips wasn’t enough to please Don & Damian the place gives active duty, retired military and veterans a 25% discount!

Home of a great $5 burger with home made potato chips.

When we reached New Market we decided to bale off I-81 after hearing reports of an accident further north. Before crossing the mountain we stopped to celebrate National Ice Cream Day. We’re all about a good celebration. It was good to finally arrive home. A nice relaxing soak in the hot tub finished off the weekend.

The special was ‘ Black Raspberry ‘. It was very special.

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