The rain never let up all night and was still pounding when we woke. Ron took a ride to the visitor center to find out if the tour would be cancelled due to the rain. The rangers said the tour would go on with or without rain so he booked another night.
Around noon, the rain eased and the sun peaked out – at least for a little while. We boarded the bus and headed out to Rapidan Camp nestled in the woods of Shenandoah National Park at the head of the Rapidan River.
Rapidan Camp was President and Mrs. Hoover’s haven in the storm of a tumultuous time. Closed to the public and especially the press the camp was a sanctuary where some of the the era’s most influential people came to work on the country’s problems.
A man-made stream put in place by the Marines at the request of the president.
I didn’t know quietude was a word.
The cabin where the Prime Minister of England stayed. He was quite surprised at the lack of niceties.
The exterior of President Hoover’s cabin. It was quite lovely and cozy inside but once again no pictures allowed. The cabin is built around the tree in the foreground.
During the tour we got pretty wet during an unexpected torrential downpour. Once it cleared we were able to get a picture in front of the fireplace specifically built for picture taking.
It was really secluded ( a 30 minute bus ride into the forest) but very serene and beautiful. One has an option to become a VIP ranger and volunteer to live in another cabin for 2-8 weeks. Nice option since the cabin has been modernized and sits overlooking a rushing stream.
Back at the MH we were debating our next move. Not sure what to do since we were running out of options. We have done so much in these areas that stretching out our time on the road was proving to be difficult. We ruled out Philadelphia because we couldn't get tickets to tour Independence Hall. We decided on New York City but couldn't make any definite plans because not sure about securing a camp site at the Liberty Harbor RV Park in NJ. That plan would have to wait until we had a Wi Fi connection.
On our walk with Jewel we talked to a man who is hiking the Appalachian Trail. He and his wife had done 900 miles and he didn’t seem very enthusiastic about finishing the last 1200 miles. He stated that the sacrifices are pretty tremendous, away from family, friends and pets without the niceties of home can be pretty tough. Ron and I have talked about hiking the Appalachian Trail many times but never put that plan into motion.
This couple was unique in that they have a friend who is driving the entire distant and helping them get campsites or rooms off the trial. I think she may be there to drive them home if they decide to give it up. A 900 mile hike for people in their late 60’s is no easy task and one to be proud of. He told us he and his wife had some decisions to make so not sure how that will play out.
A note left on the tree to let other hikers know there was a campsite set up for them for the night. While we were talking to the hiker another young hiker stopped to read the note and was happy to a have a place to rest comfortably for the night.
It was interesting to talk to people our age who are making the trek – so we have not ruled out the possibility for us quite yet.
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