NATURAL BRIDGE, VA

The Natural Bridge in Natural Bridge, VA, is one of the 7 wonders of the world. This property was purchased by Thomas Jefferson from King George for his retirement years, and he loved to come over his from his home Monticello. The property was surveyed by George Washington (well known land surveyor) and his initials (GW) are near the bridge. The Bridge is amazing, but think twice about the long and tedious trip to Lace Falls. It was no easy trip because you are continuously walking upward. The main attraction, the Bridge, is a privately owned tourist attraction.




We passed something I thought was amusing - Foamhenge - a styrofoam replica of Stonehenge in England - in the middle of nowhere. Only in America.




It was a beautiful day to ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains to ride to Bedford, VA, to see the National D-Day Memorial. Like 11 other Virginia communities, Bedford provided a company of soldiers to the 29th Infantry Division when the National Guard's 116th Infantry Regiment was activated on 2/3/41. Proportionately, this community suffered the nation's severest D-Day losses. We were so impressed and touched and the trip was well worth our effort.



Another very important place that has been in Bedford, VA since 1917 is the National Elk's Home, where over 100 senior Elks live. The town enjoys how their Christmas lights light up so much of the valley by the home. It is such a beautiful place.



The Blue Ridge Parkway was part of our route - but we were on this road you couldn't even attempt in an RV! We did stop at Peaks of Otter on the Blue Ridge. We also stopped in Buchanan, VA for a realistic Civil War re-enactment. These actor soldiers were both northern and southern soldiers, and although it didn't happen at the battle in Buchanan, General Robert E. Lee and Traveller were there, as well! Swords, guns, horses, cannons - very impressive! You could buy just about anything you wanted to complete your Confederate dress or uniform. We met so many people from surrounding communities - one couple brought fresh water in a tanker truck from Blue Ridge, VA, because Buchanan water has to be boiled right now.


We have been so fortunate to stay in some beautiful natural settings on our way north. Both were KOA campgrounds - one in Fancy Gap, VA, and the other in Natural Bridge, VA.

Monday morning and we're on our way on I-81 - passing through Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and to our destination in Gettysburg, Virginia - our home for the next 3 days.