This past Sunday found me needing some time on the bike, in a long, solo ride.  Too many thoughts were jumbled around in my head and I needed to sort some things out.  So I plotted my route and headed out for Burkes Garden.

Bowl-shaped Burke’s Garden is the highest valley in Virginia, and is named after James Burke who “discovered” the area during the 1740s (of course the Native Americans discovered it first).  The historical marker notes that “the threat of Indian attack and the remoteness of the area discouraged permanent white settlement until the early 19th century”.  It is still a very small community and the only store is closed on Sunday.

The ride to Burke’s Garden and back is one photo opportunity after another.

Old churches

Farms and the product of farming

Images that harken back to another time and warnings about eternity

I loved her little face peeking back at me.

While these 4 photos all have an organized religion theme, they represent 3 different churches.

And of course some fun, twisty roads.

By the time I arrived home, 5 hours and 150 miles later, I was in a much more peaceful frame of mind