NO WALTONS HERE

Say the words Shenandoah or Blue Ridge Mountains to me and it would previously conjure up the Waltons, folk songs and early Americana. But while Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah National Park certainly take you away from the rush of modern city life, somehow the mere fact that it is a car drive as well as hikes that bring people here to cool off in the mountains, misplaces the thought of racoon hunting or dueling banjos. Escape yes, Waltons no.

Linda on L and I

My friend and fellow author, as well as naturalist and artist, Linda Johnston, drove nearly two hours to take Cristal and I on a great hike, gab and catch up. Linda, I’m going to try to remember what Mountain Laurel looks like.

Mountain Laurel

And goodnight, John-Boy…

12 responses to “NO WALTONS HERE”

Corinne | June 14, 2015 at 6:16 pm | Reply

Nice pics of my sporty friend !!!! Enjoy your trip and I am waiting for your blog everyday Love

================================================== Ipad Corinne Brunschwig 407-718-0028

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- andidowning | June 14, 2015 at 6:27 pm | Reply
  
  Thanks!😀
  
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Alice Trego | June 14, 2015 at 7:15 pm | Reply

Great that you and Linda connected in such a cool spot!

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- andidowning | June 14, 2015 at 7:19 pm | Reply
  
  Yup!
  
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jagrout | June 14, 2015 at 8:17 pm | Reply

Interesting how locations can gain a stereotyped reputation they don’t necessarily deserve.

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Arletta Dawdy's Blog | June 14, 2015 at 9:25 pm | Reply

Andi,
I’m enjoying OUR trip! I wonder if western mountain laurel looks/is different thant you’ve seen. I have a necklace made (by the brother-in-law whose stories inspired my Huachuca Trilogy) from red bean-like seeds of the western type from the Guadalupe Mntns in west Tesas…..

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- andidowning | June 14, 2015 at 9:32 pm | Reply
  
  Arletta: as Linda discovered my knowledge of plants is about nil. But look at the lovely photo of Mountain Laurel. I doubt I’ll forget it now!
  
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fitzjerrellk | June 15, 2015 at 5:41 pm | Reply

In Texas / San Antonio/Austin/Central state Navtive Mountain Laurel is purplish – Very strong fragrance. The blossom is similar to a Wisteria blossom.

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- andidowning | June 15, 2015 at 5:43 pm | Reply
  
  You’ll have to show me sometime so I can compare
  
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- Arletta Dawdy's Blog | June 15, 2015 at 6:00 pm | Reply
  
  Thanks, Karen for the info about western mountain laurel…I’ve never seen it except online…
  
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Carmen Peone | June 15, 2015 at 5:51 pm | Reply

Glad you were able to catch up to Linda. Thanks for sharing the Mountain Laurel.

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- andidowning | June 15, 2015 at 5:58 pm | Reply
  
  Yup. Was amazed she drove nearly 2 hours to visit with us!
  
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