Deer watching on Skyline Drive in Virginia makes for a perfect day

Maybe it didn’t look like the ideal time to do this but a rainy, cool day turned out to be a great time to drive part of the Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.

So what am I doing in the mountains of Virginia? Simple. Two of my grandchildren wanted to come and learn more about U.S. history. They have already been to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s place, and Tuesday they spent the day in Washington, D.C. — about a three-hour drive from where we are staying near Elton, Va.

We spent our day on Skyline Drive, something we have not done for about 25 years. It was gorgeous and the weather made for some very cool scenery as we drove. We got on the 105-mile route  at US 33 in Swift Run Gap and drove about 25 miles toward Front Royal.

There is a park entry fee but we have the lifetime senior national park pass — several years ago we paid a one-time fee and it’s good for admission to all national parks. Skyline Drive has 75 overlooks that have stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley.

We spent quite a bit of time at Big Meadow Visitor Center and enjoyed chatting with the rangers there. We also met two women from Henderson, Ky., who were doing some hiking/driving just like us.

But the stars of the day were all the deer you get to see. I lost count at about 120 for the day. Many are just on the side of the road and have no fear of people or cars. They stand calmly while you watch them or even take pictures. Only one actually ran across the road in front of our car.

To me, there’s just not a more peaceful day than driving in the mountains and being able to stop and see deer munching on grass. I enjoyed the hikes and the majestic views, but deer watching was my priority and probably always will be.