odyssey/ˈädəsē/noun

1. a long and eventful or adventurous journey or experience

So let me start by saying that A. October has not been long. (Halfway thru already?!) but B. It has been relatively eventful.

For the sake of time, I’ll probably skip right past the days spent in Lancaster County and the taste test between Shady Maple cream filled doughnuts and Sunnyside Pastries cream filled doughnuts. (Results: inconclusive, must do a repeat test pronto 😂)…

… to our well chaperoned date. The Ben friend and I loaded part of his nieces and nephew up in my big ol van and we drove cheerfully to Afton Mountain.

Hiking the Blue Ridge Tunnel has been on my bucket list for awhile and I was super excited that it suited part of his fam to join us.

This railway tunnel was constructed in the 1850s and used until 1944. In the beginning, it was the longest tunnel around. Over 4200 feet of history.

I thought since it was calling for rain on the day of our hike, that we’d have the place basically to ourselves. Wrong

I thought that since it was a pathway of crushed stones that the tunnel floor would be dry. Wrong

I thought that it was going to be so much fun to explore it with the children. Right. So right.

“Look at the CRAYFISH!!” Leave it to the boys to discover critters everywhere we go 😂 There was a pretty decent stream running along the side of the trail.

The roof leaked occasionally and added to the underground cavern type feel.

If you are one of the few people who weren’t visiting the tunnel last weekend, definitely take the chance to check it out.

Take a flashlight, and maybe some waterproof shoes, but prepare for a grand adventure

It’s a super easy hike, but truly unique.

And suddenly it’s hitting me. If I’m going to do another Lancaster-Co-Cream-Filled-Doughnut Taste Test, I’d better be dreaming up another hike or two . 😂

Blessings on whatever experiences October is bringing your way,

Kendra