We arrived at Big Meadows in the rain in time for dinner. I called ahead to be sure our room was near the lodge. When we checked in, our room had been moved to Hawksbill, the same unit as last time, and I cringed. Isnt that the unit with the long walk down the hill? Yep. After dinner, Jim felt bad and had to race to the unit after walking in the rain. Sarita was still sick too. I made about 6 trips to our room using an umbrella and flashlight. Ick!! Then it started to snow! We have rarely seen snow there and only flurries in May once. Deciding to prepare for more snow, I showered that night while the lights blinked a few times. In the morning, the power had gone out, so I wore pink leggings like long underwear and the waterproof boots. There was an inch of snow outside and Jim had to uncover the car using his cane, since he couldnt find the window scraper (two of the doors were frozen shut, denying access).
We missed breakfast time, but I asked for breakfast anyway and the restaurant staff obliged us. The whole Lodge was running on emergency power. Another couple sat by the fire at breakfast.
We checked on the roads and learned that the northern exits and drive were closed due to icy roads and a downed tree. They suggested using the southern exit on route 33 since it was lower elevation, even though the road to the north would be cleared soon. The snow was melting quickly.
We stopped at South River overlook to see the tree I used in my autumn fog photo years ago (not pictured) and a few other overlooks.
We also stopped at Blue Ridge Pottery on route 33 and bought a small pot. We had lunch at the Exchange Café at the David Rubenstein visitor center at Montpelier, after the weather turned warmer and sunnier.
The End of our October trip.
Onward to Mexico photos...
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