Friday 14th October

Today we travelled to Baltimore (via Atlanta). Luckily they checked our bags right through as we only had 30 minutes to find and board our connecting flight in Atlanta, as the first flight was a few minutes late. We arrived in Baltimore and were very relieved to find our luggage had arrived and Ryan was there to meet us. We were very impressed with Lizzy and Ryans flat; it has twenty foot high ceilings, is in the style of industrial chic and is larger than we had thought. 

Saturday 15th October

We didn't sleep well because of the traffic noise and the tram horns but after a leisurely breakfast we packed up Lizzy and Ryan's car to drive to Shenandoah National Park for two nights. It took about three hours to get there and we then drove some way south down Skyline Drive and parked up to do a short walk up Compton Peak. It was only about 2 miles and 450 feet of climb and was on a lovely stony path through woodland, which at this time of year is displaying wonderful autumn hues. It was quite hot though and by the time we returned to the car and driven some way to our accommodation  it was dark. It was quite exciting driving down a gravelled road to collect the keys from a lock box, to open a large wooden gate which put us in mind of Jurassic Park!

The unmade road continued along the river and we eventually found our cabin which was quite difficult in the dark. We were delighted with it - it was beautifully appointed, with a large picture window facing the river, and a large deck with a hot tub, barbecue and seating. 

Sunday 16th October

The sun was shining on the Shenandoah River when we got up and we decided to do a longer walk but to be back about 5pm so we could enjoy the hot tub before it got dark. It was quite late by the time we had had breakfast and got organised, so we decided on the Rose River loop. This was a beautiful four plus miles with 750 feet of climb along rocky wooded trails to the waterfall and then along the river and up by cascades to Dark Hollow Falls where we joined a main fire road back through the trees. The autumnal colours were wonderful and we had lunch down by the Rose River falls, sitting on a fallen tree.
When we got back we all enjoyed the hot tub for a while before having a barbecue and salad.