By Nan Donovan, columnist
The weather is finally in its spring mode. The trees are dressed again in their branches and people have been mowing for a couple of weeks. Spring has come!
Did you make any plans on trips you would like to take? Don’t know where to go? I don’t like to go anywhere for more than three days. I think that is definitely a sign of aging, but the thing is, I miss my bed at home.
I have decided that this year I am going to go somewhere. But where?
Years ago I wrote a story on day trips. The kids were young then and I took them with me. That was an unforgettable summer. We went to the Gettysburg Battlefield, visited a bologna factory, visited Harper’s Ferry, about 10 places in all. Those trips were even more pleasing than our 10 days of vacation.
I’ve decided that this year I’m going to go back to Harper’s Ferry. I did some research on it and there’s a lot more to see in that area than I knew about. For instance it is located in Berkley Springs, West Virginia, a small town loaded with history. In fact the town is known for the nation’s first spa. One thing you’ll see there is the outdoor stone bathtub that George Washington would come to bathe in. Tourist go there seeking the healing waters from their natural springs.
Located at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, Harper’s Ferry is surrounded by some of the most gorgeous waterways. All these rivers, streams and creeks nearby mean the presence of another incredible natural phenomenon — waterfalls. That is what I want to see. I love waterfalls.
The state of Virginia boasts almost 200 waterfalls throughout the state. Looks like I’ll be away most of the summer, but when I come back, I’ll tell you all about them.
A lot of these places are within an hour’s drive of Harpers Ferry and it is a very nice drive. Ask around. Someone will know how to get there. They might even have been there. Another suggestion, invite some friends along. There are some very fine, not too expensive restaurants with some of the best food you’ll ever eat. To make your trip less expensive, pack a picnic lunch. That’s always fun.
So swim, picnic or just sit back and admire the beautiful views of these thundering falls. Visit the museums, galleries and gift shops. And make sure you have pictures of your trip, all your day trips.
I have something that doesn’t have anything to do with trips… but I’ve got to shout out at Tiffany and tell her to remember to wear her gloves while playing with PlayDough.
And something else. I an anxious to hear from you. Problems. Suggestions. Something you would like to know about. News. I get a lot of emails from you and I really appreciate them. Some of you may want to start a discussion about something I haven’t even thought of.
Email me at nandonovan91@outlook.com.
Till next time, be safe.
“The Right Age” is a weekly column written for senior citizens by 84-year-old Nan Donovan, who has lived in the Shenandoah Valley for 45 years. She has worked for newspapers, as well as radio and television stations, including WLCC. She moved to the Valley from Pennsylvania.
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” For instance it is located in Berkley Springs, West Virginia, a small town loaded with history.” Harpers Ferry (there’s no apostophe in Harpers) and Berkley Springs are two very different towns, an hour apart. Both are great places to visit though!