Another Anniversary (The Woods Edition)

We had to cut short our trip to the Smokies this month, so we took an extra day to hike through to Rapidan Camp, former home to President Hoover in the twenties. It was a quiet day in the woods and we only crossed paths with a few hikers. I imagined this area leafed out in the warmth of summer, and began looking forward to exploring it next year when trout might be running here by Big Run Falls.

Rapidan Camp was Hoover's personal presidential retreat, chosen because if its proximity to the Capital and also for its trout streams. The interpretive rangers aren't on duty at this time of the year, so we learned what we could from signs and admired the quirks and innovations of this spot in the woods. Once a small collection of cabins, only a couple remain along with foundations and the famous outdoor fireplace.

 This is my favorite characteristic of the White House, the stacked slate chimney. 

This is my favorite new way to get family photographs. And this is my favorite guy. I am so glad he chose me when I really didn't think I was interested in being chosen.
 On our way out of the Park that day we stopped for just a few beautiful glimpses of the end of Virginia's fall colors. This picture doesn't quiet pick up with the contrast between the blue sky, green field in the valley, and the oranges and yellows of the remaining leaves.

 We also caught a glimpse of a mother bear and her two cubs in a tree next to the Skyline drive. Each time we go to Shenandoah, Dan asks us to look for bears. It is so much easier to spot them with summer leaves blocking our view through the trees. I started to feel guilty about gawking, so we moved on quickly.

We don't always get away without the kids to celebrate our wedding anniversary, but I am so grateful for these short times away together as a family in the woods. With as quickly as our kids change, we might always be trying to figure out what "our thing" is along with figuring out how to do that thing well. I hope that hiking is something we can always do together.