Wednesday - Day 4

Today was the first day we woke up rather early. (Well, at least I woke up. Steve got up and made it all the way to the couch.) After yet another nutritious meal of Lucky Charms and Orange Juice, we showered and headed to downtown Luray to explore.

The weatherman said it was supposed to be cloudy and rainy, but the day turned out to be be sunny and warm. After driving around for a while, we found the Chamber of Commerce (proudly opened 7 days a week 9-5). We met the most wonderful lady who was more than willing to show two out-of-towners the plethora of brochures and posters. She shared with us all the fun activities to do in and around the area, and wasn't shy in sharing her own life stories peppered with her slow, native draw.

Armed and dangerous with Virginia brochures, Steve and I made our way to "A Moment to Remember", an eclectic cafe for lunch. Steve had a southwestern wrap with roast beef and I had turkey breast and swiss on focaccia bread. Very delicious! A full tummy and $20 later, we headed to a popular location in Luray...Lake Arrowhead. I must admit that we were both slightly disappointed in its size, but its location was perfect.

Cradled by the beautiful mountains, Lake Arrowhead is home to a small beach for swimming, canoeing, and paddleboating. The lake also has areas for fishing, picnicking and hiking. At $2 a person for a half hour of canoeing or paddleboating we were sold. We choose the latter and skeptically signed our lives away on a little piece of paper and handed it to a kid who looked about as knowledgeable about paddleboating or canoeing as the little kids who were in swimmies.

It was so beautiful and peaceful on the lake. We were the only people on the water and the stillness of the mountains and the cool breeze across the lake made for a wonderfully fun ride. For a $4 half hour of peace, it was certainly worth it.

After our boating, we headed back to the cabin. We decided on mint chocolate chip ice cream and a movie. By the time the movie was over, we were hungry again, so Steve fired up the grill. In the last battle with the grill it was an even tie. We hope for better success tonight.

With the sun low in the sky and the haze settled on the mountains, I sit here on the porch with Steve, peacefully waiting for the grill to work its magic. I love spending time with my best friend in our quiet hideaway.