“I can see why low cars bottom out,” Ron said as we maneuvered the Outback over the first of many bumps.
“They said ignore the “No Trespassing” signs.”
Feeling apprehensive as we passed several on our climb up the narrow, tree-lined road riddled with bumps, Ron’s words calmed me a little. The owners said you would need four or all-wheel drive to climb the mountainside; now we knew why.
A mountain paradise lay at the end of the road. Rounding the curve, we saw the majestic cabin sitting stoically, waiting for its next occupants.
We were welcomed with snacks, cards, and signs, and we fell in love when we opened the door.
We originally had reservations at the Harrisonburg KOA, but last week, about halfway home from Lancaster, the check engine light appeared on the Dodge’s dashboard. Praying for safe travels, we made it happen without any issue. When Ron checked the code, we discovered we had a turbo issue and couldn’t camp until we fixed it. So, we looked for alternatives and found Big Bear Cabin. Because of JMU’s homecoming, we didn’t have a lot of choices. We spent more than we wanted and didn’t regret the decision as we sat on the back deck, listening to life in the valley.
“Are those cows? Do you hear that?”
Hearing the low moans from the cows below, I nodded and smiled.
“It must be amplified from the valley,” Ron said, finishing his thought.
After a restless night’s sleep, worrying about psychopaths attacking us in our isolated location, I got up and enjoyed an idealistic, quiet time with the pups.
My overactive imagination has watched too many crime shows. Our bed, positioned by the first-floor window on the porch, illuminated by the light, gave me plenty of stories. Calming my mind took effort and much prayer.
We found little touches everywhere we looked that created the perfect VRBO experience. When I discovered the “dog basket” with its note, my heart filled with joy at the thoughtfulness of our furry family.
The antler chandelier and the happy hour sign made us feel at home on our mountain getaway, inviting us to relax and unwind. The “I’m good in bed” sign didn’t lie; the massive king-sized mattress fitted perfectly around our bodies, creating a cozy haven we didn’t want to leave.
After Ron cooked eggs and bacon for breakfast, we took the pups for a walk. Again, we found little gems that enhanced our mountain experience.
The potting shed, painted with bright flowers and adorned with cute signs, welcomed us. The Bear Crossing and Big Foot signs brought a smile to our faces.
Our neighbor’s generator hummed, powering his 40 ft. travel trailer, nestled in a tiny nook surrounded by woods, greeted us as we walked down the driveway.
“I wonder what their story is?” I asked Ron as we wandered past.
We could see the owners attempt to use crushed gravel on the driveway; all washed out by the rain waters that the mountain receives.
Realizing that what goes down must come up, we turned around about a quarter of the way down, returning to the cabin to research parking at the JMU game.
While watching the latest episode of Joe Rogan, I watched leaves fall outside the window.
“Why don’t we just head that way now?” I said to Ron just before noon. We had tickets to JMU’s homecoming game against Southern Miss at 3:30 p.m., and we wanted to have lunch beforehand. We left in plenty of time to do a little exploring before the game.
When Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger joint didn’t have wine, we walked down the block and across the street to Jimmy Madison’s for lunch. Still serving brunch, the broccoli quiche with Gouda satisfied the senses. Ron had the Cobb salad, enjoying it thoroughly.
After lunch, we found general parking for the game, walked across the quad, and watched the marching band warm up in front of Wilson Hall, which brought back memories for Ron.
“I lived behind that building. Every morning, I walked from there to there and didn’t even think about it. Don’t know about now.” Using his hands as legs, Ron mimicked walking and shared memories with me as we sat in the nosebleed section, waiting for the game to start.
“Those were the only bleachers; we sat over there. There were racquetball courts under here; that’s where I learned to play.”
“You want to leave after the first quarter?”
Surprised, I felt terrible because of my lack of interest in football. Ron realized my boredom as I watched the clock, counting the minutes until half-time.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I just wanted to see the stadium. I want to sneak into Wilson hall, maybe walk around a bit. I’ve had enough of the game.”
So we left at the end of the first quarter, buying a hat at the team store on the way out. We explored campus before returning to the car and heading back to our puppies. Spotting a DQ, we got an ice cream cone for the half-hour ride back to the cabin.
We watched “Brothers” and “Hard Miles” Saturday night, then went to bed.
Ron slept until after 8:00 on his birthday, and I enjoyed another quiet morning with my coffee and Bible while Sophia cuddled beside me.
After breakfast, Ron opened his presents, allowing me to video it on time-lapse; as always, he was such a good sport.
Two wasps flee around our heads as we sat in the back of Timberville Brethren church during announcements. During the greeting, a member swatted them, making for a peaceful service.
Welcoming and warm, we enjoyed the service, teaching us about having eyes of faith as Bartemeus did when he called at Jesus and received healing from his blindness.
Walking into Roman’s for lunch, the people who sat in front of us at church greeted us. Smiling, and waving, the warmth of Timberville Brethren followed us to lunch.
“You can do Olde and Olds. I’ll only charge you for nine.”
“Deal!”
We arrived at Shenvalee and hour early, but thankfully could get on if we played the same nine twice. And so we did.
Ron won the Shenvalee Open, 28-24, closing it out on hole 17. When interviewed afterward, R. Morrison simply said, “It’s good to be the king.”
Celebratory drinks at Miller’s Grille concluded the day of golf.
After another quiet evening at BNC, we went to bed early for a good night’s rest before starting the trek home. Ron made a quick breakfast and I signed the guest book, closing out a wonderful weekend in the mountains celebrating my love.
