Friday morning brought a brilliant sunrise breaking over the Shenandoah Mountains. Today's schedule is a bit more relaxed than the last couple of days. Took the luxury of a sit down breakfast Cracker Barrel style, then off to a brief shopping visit to Shenandoah Harley Davidson. With those critical pieces of business properly dispatched, it was time to saddle up and head off to the Shenandoah National Park and a morning ride on the Skyline. Skyline Drive is a 107 mile drive along the ridges of the mountains offering splendid views of the valley floors on ether side. Adding to the beauty of the mountains was the morning light filtering its way through the leaves and branches surrounding the road. With a keen eye one was able to see a few deer as well.
Completion of the Skyline brought us to Front Royal for topping off the gas and a great lunch at a local eatery. Back on the road put us to the other extreme of travel, joining I-66 for the remainder of the ride into Arlington, VA. What a shock that was, back into the world of seriously aggressive urban driving. However, we arrive at our hotel without incident, checked in, and headed ahead into Washington for a late afternoon/early evening visit to many of the memorials. As the sun move toward it's setting, the light of dusk settling over the scene, created a unique feeling to add to the meaning of the memorials. It was particularly moving to observe a group called, "Carry the Torch". Their primary mission is to recognize and honor Blue Star and Gold Star mothers. Blue Star moms are those with children actively serving in the military. Gold Star moms are those that have lost children while serving. There was a very touching vigil at the "Wall" on their behalf. It is truly amazing how Americans continually seek out impactful means by which to remember and honor those who have given so much to our nation. Both through active involvement and also by personal sacrifice. Journeys such as this constantly amaze me and make me so thankful and appreciative for the incredible opportunity to live in a nation of such remarkable people.
As the day came to a close, we were given the unique opportunity to see the transition of the memorials from day to night observation. What a beautiful sight to behold.
Completion of the Skyline brought us to Front Royal for topping off the gas and a great lunch at a local eatery. Back on the road put us to the other extreme of travel, joining I-66 for the remainder of the ride into Arlington, VA. What a shock that was, back into the world of seriously aggressive urban driving. However, we arrive at our hotel without incident, checked in, and headed ahead into Washington for a late afternoon/early evening visit to many of the memorials. As the sun move toward it's setting, the light of dusk settling over the scene, created a unique feeling to add to the meaning of the memorials. It was particularly moving to observe a group called, "Carry the Torch". Their primary mission is to recognize and honor Blue Star and Gold Star mothers. Blue Star moms are those with children actively serving in the military. Gold Star moms are those that have lost children while serving. There was a very touching vigil at the "Wall" on their behalf. It is truly amazing how Americans continually seek out impactful means by which to remember and honor those who have given so much to our nation. Both through active involvement and also by personal sacrifice. Journeys such as this constantly amaze me and make me so thankful and appreciative for the incredible opportunity to live in a nation of such remarkable people.
As the day came to a close, we were given the unique opportunity to see the transition of the memorials from day to night observation. What a beautiful sight to behold.
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