Thursday, October 16, 2014

Shenandoah National Park

Trees and mountains garbed in autumn splendor, thick mist softening the world, deer and bear watching from beside the road, craggy rocks to climb, soul-nourishing views to the east and the west...On our way home from Florida in September, Stephen and I took an evening and a day to drive through Shenandoah National Park along the Skyline Drive. I've been wanting to explore and sketch there for years, so we meandered our way slowly along the 105 miles of the Skyline Drive. We stayed the night at the Lewis Mountain cabins, partway through the park, staying in a delightful, clean cabin, where I awoke the next morning to the sound of a Screech Owl right outside the window and the fragrance of fall rising from the damp earth and leaves.

We stopped to enjoy most of the overlooks, savoring the variety of views, and I sketched as many as I had time for. We also took a couple of short hikes (though one was longer than planned, due to missing a turnoff on the trail), stretching our legs and breathing deeply of the refreshing, clean air. I could easily spend days in this place, but I thoroughly enjoyed our short visit.

Here are my sketches that tell the story of our time in that magical place. You can click on the images to see them large enough to read my notes about each location and my thoughts about the park in general. 

McCormick Gap Overlook
Sawmill Run Overlook
 
Crescent Rock View
Jewel Hollow Overlook
Hazel Mountain Overlook
Pass Mountain Overlook
Hogback Overlook
Shenandoah Valley Overlook

 

4 comments:

Joanne George Todd said...

My favorites: "bouquet" of sumac and goldenrod; sun's rays through morning fog + its note; Pass Mt. overlook; your note on #8; and the sunset on #9 is as glorious as nature, Melissa!

Melissa Fischer said...

Thank you, Joanne! You would have loved the views there, and I'm sure you would have had a beautiful way of describing it. I always enjoy reading your descriptions of nature.

Vickie said...

Lovely record of the experience you had. A perfect way to enjoy and meditate on the beautful place around you.

Melissa Fischer said...

Thank you, Vickie! I always find that sketching helps me to see more and really be present in nature.

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