Trip Day 31, Monday May 24, 2021 At Walnut Hills Campground VA

They kept moving the threat of rain back every few hours today,  so up util 6:00 PM we had not had any. Then at about 6:15 PM , we did get a downpour for about 2 minutes and then it stopped and dried up quickly. It’s still cloudy but no more as yet. The air is dry near the surface and it tends to dissipate quickly.

In the afternoon we tried some bird areas in Staunton, and in the morning Jim had Bible study on Zoom so in between we ate lunch. Speaking of spiritual things, the church Sunday did have the first participation of some congregation members live in the sanctuary. Five members of the choir sang a few hymns and one of them did some of the readings. It was quite nostalgic to see and hear them in the church once again. The target date for reopening the First UMC once again is this June. We are all excited even though it will still be under careful guidelines.

So, back to the story of today. after lunch we headed for what is called Betsy’s Hill in Staunton. It is a untouched forest with a one track gravel road leading to the top, which is at an elevation of 1,950 , some 550 feet  above the town of Staunton. Some say it is a treacherous road, but other than the bumps and a few switchbacks it is relatively, easily traveled.  (It is a slow uphill all the way)We stopped a few times  along the way but heard nor saw any birds. It has a good reputation for birdlife. At the top we parked again ,and walked a bit to the overlook which looks out on the Valley and a bit of the northern part of Staunton.  The trip down was in low gear as the road is steep and bumpy all the way.A good ride even though there were no birds. (It was a cloudy, gloomy day and that may have affected the bird activity .)  I might add that this “hill”is completely forested with mature cover and much second growth understory. 

The one track up Betsy's Hill.

The vew from the top of Betsy's Hill

A second park drew our interest for the same reason.It was recommended by the local Audubon Club for good birding  .This was Montgomery Hall Park, a multi-use park for all kinds of sports and outdoor activity, much like we had seen in Martinsville. Again, no bird activity  at all. We drove most of the main roads of this 148 acre park. Interestingly this was the only park of many in Staunton that was integrated before 1960. All other parks were strictly “white’s only” until after 1960.

The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library is here.

A rural home that was reconditioned we  believe.

The lookout on Betsy Hill (1,959')

Another view of the one track coming down Betsy Hill.

 There were three cars on the road, but none were IN the road at that time.

 Not having much luck with birding we ended the afternoon by a stop for groceries at the Local “Food Lion”.  A huge store  by any store standards and immaculate in it’s appearance and very helpful staff.

Ruth was happy in finding what she wanted and needed. During this pandemic time many items  are ‘out of stock”.

Tomorrow is our last full day here and we may take a short ride on The Blue Ridge Highway from the “top”end (Mile 0). This time without the trailer. The option would be a glass blower that has demonstrations all day in Staunton…pronounced “Stanton”.

Here are 10 words that Virginians pronounce a bit differently …maybe? Try your luck.

Q. The town of FRIES.—- Indian Name CHILHOWIE—-Town of BUMPASS—- Town of MCGAHEYSVILLE, —-town of STAUNTON—- City of NORFOLK—-town of BOTETOURT—Town of BUENA VISTA—-and finally…GLOUCESTER (a town)

Answers: FREEZE,   CHILL-OW-IE,   BUMP-US, MA-GAK-EES-VILLE, STANTON,  NOR-FIK, 

BOT-UH-TOTT.   BYOONA-VISTA,   GLOU-STER—HOW DID YOU DO?