Since the grandboys’ Big RV Trip last summer, the oldest grandgirls have patiently waited their turn. Until … finally! Gigi & Pops delivered on the promise Sunday, setting out on an 1,832 mile loop.
Their itinerary is different. Most notably, we’re entering new territory, which is always a bit nerve wracking hauling a 43’ tiny home on wheels, not to mention the precious cargo of three grands.
Per usual, when the time to leave draws near, I’m inclined to fear. I can think of a hundred things that might go wrong; a dozen with terrifying implications. Left to my own devices, I might become overwhelmed and bail. I’m grateful for conviction to see a promise through, and a capable life-partner, steady at the wheel. We know God is ever-faithful!
On Sunday we went only as far as Harpursville, NY, to acclimate the girls to road travel. We wanted a quick win, and found it in the Animal Adventure Park. Lions and tigers and giraffes, oh my! I’ve heard rave reviews from my friend, Ruth, about this Southern Tier gem. It did not disappoint.
On Monday, we reached Elizabethtown, near Hershey, PA. No theme parks for this GiGi! But Hershey Chocolate World is always a sweet treat.
The girls were quite keen for Indian Echo Caverns, and we were game. Win-win! The Hubs and I’ve enjoyed various cave system tours, including Mammoth Cave National Park. I gotta’ tell you, IEC rocked. We were all delighted by beautiful and vibrant colors and formations. So worth it.
The real reason for our stopover was Sight & Sound Theater’s Daniel and the Lion Den. Productions are always beautifully executed, every bit an off-Broadway experience, grounded in faith. The girls are still talking about the live animals and exciting theatrical effects of a timeless and inspirational story, adapted from Scripture. I’d wondered how they’d pull off the lions? In a word: perfectly!
On Thursday, we took the long way through Maryland en route to West Virginia. Didn’t know MD had a long way? Me, either! We’re typically in and out in a blink, RT 81 South to Florida. But Maryland has a lot to say for herself, E-W in parallel with the southern Pennsylvania border.
Turns out Maryland was just a warm up to West Virginia. And WV, my friends, is one continuous “S” curve. Every time I glanced at the map, we were either rounding the outside of one curve or the inside of another. All the while gaining altitude — or losing it, at concerning speeds.
At one point we suddenly realized we were no longer looking up at mountains, but across peaks and valleys. Glorious views, whatever you can catch before the next bend!
It was an extra-long road day, slowed by construction, limited in rest stops, but the girls traveled well. Immersed in reading or games, they didn’t notice the whine of the engine, or my nervous comments, fingers clenched around the seat cushion. This was an arduous day’s work for the Hubs, anchored at the wheel, laser focused on the road.
We arrived at Summersville Lake Retreat thoroughly exhausted but grateful. I’ve always thought it’d be cool to drive coast to coast with an RV. Yeah, no. I’ve safely put that thought to bed. Crossing the Appalachians will suffice!
Today, we’re off to do the Bridge Walk. Of all adventures planned this trip, this is the one we’re unanimously eager for and anxious about. Operated under purview of the National Park Service, the Bridge Walk is a premier New River Gorge National Park experience. I cannot wait to see what we can see 850 feet above the river from the catwalk!
~ Sincerely, Sondra
Love love love the trip and the memories your ladies will share during their lifetime
The pictures are awesome.
So lovely to hear from you, friend!. WV has been a whirlwind. Pressing on to KY!
Sounds like it’s been exciting in more ways than one! Love the photos of those “ growing up” girls!
Mercy, yes! Growing up too fast! Hope you’ve enjoyed fun adventures with your grands this summer, too! Look forward to catching up in August!