Note: Ward, Wally, Theo, and I are on a weeklong trip to the Blue Ridge of Central Virginia.
Our destination today was Smith Mountain Lake. Smith Mountain Lake was built in the early 1960s by the damming of the Roanoke and Blackwater Rivers for hydroelectricity. It is a large lake of approximately 35 square miles. Our first thought was to see the dam and an exhibit about it at the visitors center. Turns out there are three visitors centers around the lake, and we went to the wrong one, but found very helpful people where we did stop. After talking with them, we decided that we would go to Smith Mountain Lake State Park for some hiking. We hiked the Turtle Island and Chestnut Ridge Trails which go out onto peninsulas in the lake. Trees along the way were labeled which was very interesting for this tree-identification ignorant group. BTW, every place we go, including where we're staying, we are seeing some really big trees. Below are a few pictures from our hikes around the lake.
After our time at Smith Mountain Lake, we toured the nearby Booker T. Washington National Monument. In case you've forgotten, Booker T. Washington was born a slave, but became an educator, author, orator, and founder the the Tuskegee Institute.
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| The monument is located on the former tobacco plantation where Booker was born and later freed. |
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| Today, it is a working farm (minus the tobacco crops) circa late 1850s when Booker lived there. |
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| They had livestock including sheep, pigs, and chickens. |
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| This was a replica of the cabin Booker and his family lived in. His mother was the plantation's cook. |
Then we returned to our home-away-from-home for another evening of relaxing with games, puzzles, books and a Bop-It. More on the Bop-It another time. Now it's time to get on the road for today's adventures.
Until next time...
Another day with interesting places to visit! That lake area looks so peaceful!
ReplyDeleteOccasionally, a speed boat would race across the water disturbing the otherwise peaceful setting at the lake. But that didn't happen very often, and I realize lake recreation is much more about boating than hiking.
DeleteOh how fun! You have been in my neck of the woods since we live in Hokie country. I hope you have a great trip.
ReplyDeleteYes, we are very close to Hokie territory. My husband and I are both Hokies. :)
DeleteI was just catching up on your trip postings. Looks like you have great weather and are enjoying yourselves! I didn't realize that Booker T. Washington founded the Tuskegee Institute. Monuments and museums are one of my favorite ways to learn about history.
ReplyDeleteWe couldn't ask for better weather. The rain that we were supposed to have for the first few days did not materialize. We're all choosing different activities, and the visit to learn about Booker T. Washington was one of mine. He was a remarkable man. Luckily, the rest of the family likes these kinds of visits, too.
DeleteThat lake looks so inviting and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYou would have loved the lake. It was full and not many boats around.
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