All the Way to Burke’s Garden -

Did you ever take the long way to somewhere -

Just because you could?

Just to see what you could see?

This was my day yesterday – knowing that rain would happen somewhere later in the day, but wanting to get out and see the beautiful morning while I could.

“Roads Less Traveled” are my favorite thing – and deep into mid August before leaves start turning was a great time to do it.

Coming upon this abandoned house along a quiet country road without another car in sight meant a quick pull over, a get out, and marvel.

As a child, I would have LOVED that hole in that tree.  what a great place to hide, or secure away childhood treasures!

That tree was meant for climbing.

And the texture under those eaves – so pretty!

Time stands still on Virginia back roads. 

See that pretty bit of gingerbread above the door by the tree? I would love to think this house was much loved in its day, and that porch welcoming and inviting to all guests that came up the steps.

I hadn’t explored Rural Retreat before -

A cute little town with an even cuter name – and a newly refurbished train depot turned community center.

Rural Retreat’s claim to fame?  In the early 1900s, farmers planted more than 600 acres full of cabbage, raising an average of more than 9 million pounds of the leafy, green vegetable per year. Around 1915, 14 million pounds of cabbage were produced in Rural Retreat, which had developed into the world’s largest cabbage market, earning the designation as the “Cabbage Center of the World.”

The restored depot is now a community venue and hosts events like weddings, birthdays, baby showers, meetings and more.

View from the depot platform.

Stately old homes – huge lawns.

Further up Walker Mountain -

Those clouds were gathering and the rain starting to fall – but the long distance views to the north were just breathtaking!  Oh, and the temp? About 70 degrees up here.  Almost too cool for shorts!

Old churches are another favorite!

Nebo Methodist Church.

Bastian, Virginia

Look at the difference between those two doors!  Someone put a more modern 1950s screen door on the right hand one. LOL.

Founded 1860 – Rebuilt 1931.

Another lonely country road – and I think of the Sunday sounds of singing that must have come through these two doors. Where are those voices now?  What were their lives like in this beautiful place?

Hauntingly peaceful.

And we are almost there -

Have you heard of Burke’s Garden, Virginia?

Getting here is a challenge. Steep descents coupled with many hairpin turns up and down the mountain keep you very aware that this is a special place. Burke’s Garden is a bowl-shaped valley scooped out of the rugged Appalachian Mountains in Southwest VA.

Discovered by James Burke in 1740!

Areal view-

With an elevation of 3086 feet,  Burke's Garden lies in a massive bowl formed by a mountain collapsing in on itself over time. 

This unique geology has formed a depression surrounded by mountain ridges which has led to the Garden being known as “God's Thumbprint.”

In fact, on our way down in – we had to pull over and back up.  There was a sheriff’s vehicle acting as pilot car for a couple of semi trucks that were trying to get back out of Burke’s Garden and the only way they could get back up the many hairpin turns was to take up both lanes.  And they did.  Wow!

Incredible!

There is basically one road in, and the same road will lead you in a circle and back out where you came from.

Stopping for snacks and Amish bulk foods before the storm comes!

And it is definitely coming!

And it’s about to be a doozy!

This guy better hurry – or he’ll be caught in it too!

And you thought these signs only happened in Pennsylvania?

Or Ohio?

Beautiful creek view – and what about that big boulder?

My takings home were simple.  Some peaches and tomatoes.  A bottle of clear vanilla extract for baking.  Some chocolate mint fudge I am squirreling away for just a small bite at a time. A jar of hot and sweet pickles.

And memories of wonderful conversations had with Elizabeth and her two daughters Martha and Alice who were working the store. We talked about peach canning.  And plant growing from impatiens, to hostas and the big and abundant coleus with gorgeous colored leaves that was growing there on the front porch of the store in a big pot.

Our lives are so very different, but in so many ways the same.

Other favorites from yesterday with no photos – Porches lined with “Amish wash” in all of the bright colors we’ve come to love about the Amish.

I love that several families have made Burke’s Garden their home just the next county over from me and are living happily side by side with their Mennonite and “English” neighbors.

Last views as we climb out of the “bowl” that is Burke’s Garden.

It was a great escape, and yes I wore a mask any time I was round people or inside buildings.

Dinner was leftovers when I got home because – TIRED!

2 more Hexie star blocks were appliqued to string block backgrounds and we are now up to 46 done!  Only 10 left to go!

The rain is supposed to continue through the weekend.  Perfect quilting weather – and I love the cooler temperatures.

You know where to find me – I’ll be at the QPO ALL DAY!

How about your Thursday ahead?

Oh – questions have arisen in the comments section about “Why do I get your blog a day late?” And the answer is simple.  You signed up for the email announcements.  It’s a digest of all things posted throughout the day, and it sends at the end of the day – so your email letting you know of this post is likely going to show up in your inbox when you get up tomorrow. The email notifications are not generated in real time as soon as a post goes live. it’s a digest.

if you want to be current with posts AS they are posted – please come directly to the blog (just give me a bookmark) instead of waiting for notification in your email.

I hope that helps!

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Look for the beauty, it is everywhere! I love this old and quite plain shoo fly quilt.

Humble little blocks, a wool blanket as batting and tied with red wool yarn. This quilt kept someone warm through many cold winters. Who made it? Who slept under it? What is the story behind each and every scrap?

There is so much love and beauty even in the simplicity of this sweet humble old quilt.

Look for beauty in the simple things today!