Fall Foliage

Today is the last day of daylight-saving and I can steal back my one hour. It is also an indication of the ending of fall season. For that reason, I decided to visit Shenandoah National Park to catch the last glimpse of its famous fall foliage. Before I left for the park, I grabbed myself a cup of Starbuck cappuccino and a sandwich from a deli, as if I am going to picnic. I was worry about the foggy weather along the way. It didn’t take me long (an hour and half) before I get to the park entrance. My worries vanished after I saw the nature showing off its beautiful vibrant color under the unlimited sunshine. I drove along the Skyline Drive and was stunned by the breath-taking scenery. I made my first stop at Dick Ridge Visitor Center. I sat on a bench, which can overlook the valley from an altitude of 1490ft and enjoy my sandwich. It was so relax sitting there watching people running their dogs (and chasing their kids), catching the breeze and the sunshine. It was a beautiful day, I thought. After I have done with my lunch, I continued driving along the Skyline Drive. There were dozens of vista point (or overlook) and each has its own unique scenery. In many cases, I have to park just next to the cliff. It was a little scary for me. The entire drive is about 70 miles, but I only went through half of it.

While I was driving, I listen to Lisa Ono’s latest bossa nova album. The music made me feel that this trip is very familiar. Sometimes, I have to drive uphill, and sometimes downhill. Sometimes, I have to drive on the edge of a cliff while other times driving between woods. I was reluctant to leave when I was at the higher altitude vista point (the scenery is broader and can see farther). At some vista points, there were no visitors and I felt a little lonely. But I was annoyed when there were too crowded. I once enjoy the scenery immensely but quickly realized time flies and I have to take off. Sounds familiar? It’s just like a journey of life.