We spent the weekend in Luray VA at a VRBO farm. But we were non-paying guests, there at the invitation of the owners, Jett’s son Devin and his wife Mary. Also there were their son, Zachary, their good friend and neighbor, Angie, and Devin’s twin brother Joshua and his wife Cristina. Two other couples joined us for a cookout on Sunday. And 5 dogs.
Let me get the bad news out of the way: Zachary, who is 14, beat me at chess. I beat him easily in the first match but he wanted a second. I thought I had him on the ropes, but made several bonehead errors and lost. I guess it had to happen sometime and now it has happened.
Now the farm. It is 4 bedrooms (including one with a Harry Potter “cupboard under the stairs” bed), 3 baths and a pool on 6.5 acres with a stream running along the eastern edge. The kitchen is awesome and there are many places to socialize. A very nice weekend vacation spot.
The company was as good as the accommodations. The food was terrific too. Becky had to get used to being around a bunch of other dogs, but she managed. I think she enjoyed the weekend.
Before we left Monday morning we visited the Luray Caverns. I had first become aware of this attraction many years ago and considered it a minor “bucket list” item. Since we had a place to keep Becky – at the farm with the other dogs – we seized the opportunity.
It isn’t cheap – $36 ($34 for over 65), but I think it is worth it. The cavern is just spectacular. A few of the several dozen photos that I took:
The last room on the tour is called “The Cathedral” and contains a pipe organ that produces music by striking stalactites with wooden mallets. The chamber was originally called “The Ballroom” because dances were held there – complete with a big band orchestra. Dancing in a cavern!
When we returned to the farm we learned that Becky had gotten out and had tried to run after us, presumably because she thought we were abandoning her. Fortunately Zachary was able to get her back before she got far on her trek to Florida.