When we were married in 2001, it was just after 9/11, so our honeymoon plans to France had to be postponed. Our choice of Charlottesville as a replacement for Provence wasn’t very far-fetched, since both offer great hiking, local food and wineries. So, when planning our tenth anniversary celebration, it was pretty much of a no-brainer that we would return to Charlottesville.
First on our plan was a picnic in the Shenandoah National Park on Skyline Drive. Yes, we’d hoped to hike there, but recent rains and impending storms made that impossible. Up we drove on our favorite road, out of Ruckersville and north on 33 to the Swift Run Gap entrance to the park. An empty, secluded parking area at about mile 68 was the perfect spot. We put up folding chairs and sat eating and drinking; relishing in the quiet and beauty that the Blue Ridge Mountains offer.
Later in the afternoon, it was time to check-in to the Silver Thatch Inn. Not only is that where we honeymooned, but it was also the gathering spot for Bruce’s 50th birthday celebration weekend. Located north of Charlottesville, it offers a short drive to the park and wineries. It also has a restaurant with some of the finest prepared local foods around. The innkeepers, Jim and Terri, who provide a comfortable place to stay, are also excellent chefs.
The next morning, we awoke to more rain. After an amazing breakfast at the Inn, we ventured out, with an itinerary that included yarn, wine and bikes. First up was Dog House Yarns in Culpeper. Their selection of yarns and fiber is amazing, and include some yarns and fiber that I thought were only available on the west coast. I left with a skein of Hazel Knits Artisan Sock yarn in the Federal colorway, which will likely be knit into a cowl, and four ounces of Abstract Fibers BFL in Burnside Bridge to spin.
The Horton Winery followed, another old favorite. I do not like the majority of Virginia wines, especially the reds. There is a common after taste that I cannot pinpoint, but I just know I don’t like it. Horton, however, has some red wines that I like, and Tannat is one that I find to be rid of that taste. We left with three bottles; one each of Tannat, their Port and a chardonnay.
We wound down 20, a road that takes you by large horse farms and spectacular scenery. Our next stop, Stony Mountain Fibers, is located on the top of a hill, off of an unpaved road. It was a quest, for sure, with all of the mud and rain; all well worth it. Barbara’s shop has an inventory that includes supplies for knitting, weaving, spinning and dying. Her book selection is the best I have seen anywhere. I told her my beginning spinning tale, and she suggested I bring my wheel up for a day and I could just hang out with her and she’d give me guidance. Can I just say here that spinners are the greatest! I have had the same offer from spinners here at home, and I’m overwhelmed by their generosity. I purchased 360 yards of Barbara’s worsted weight wool, hand dyed with cochineal and brazilwood. I will see Barbara at the Virginia Fiber Festival next weekend at Montpelier.
Before heading home, our last stop was Blue Wheel Cycling, a shop that is located near downtown Charlottesville. Bruce took care of his purchase of tire tape, while I wandered around and looked at road bikes and women’s cycling apparel.
The traditional and modern gifts for a 10th anniversary include tin, aluminum and diamonds. My gift to Bruce was aluminum – a cot, for sleeping out on our screened porch. There are so many nights here that are too lovely to spend inside, and I have special memories of sleeping out on our sleeping porch as a child.
My gift from Bruce – diamonds – set in a plain gold band. I lost my band with diamonds and sapphires last year, so this is both a replacement for that and a reminder of our 10th anniversary celebration….perfect!
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