With an overnight stop at a KOA in West Virginia just off the interstate we arrived at Dixie Caverns Campground just on the outskirts of Salem, Virginia. The next 36 hours we spent packing in as much cousin time as we could! After getting our home set up we hopped on June’s Sportster and headed to Darla, Jonathon and Henry’s home in Roanoke.

We had a wonderful visit as we waited for Henry to be done with his mountain bike practice. With a nice home cooked dinner in our stomachs the 5 of us got in a car and went for dessert at Blue Cow Ice Cream shop. We then had to drive up to the world’s largest illuminated man made star that sits on a mountain that overlooks Roanoke and gives you a nice view of the valley. With only one full day to visit and it being a school day we had to go to school. We spent the morning with Darla and sat in on one of her Social Justice classes.

It was a very interesting discussion about the language being used and how that language has changed and is always changing to describe the LBGTQ culture. It was super cool to sit with these 20 something women and listen to them talk. After lunch Jonathon picked us up and we headed over to Tinker Mountain and did a short 8 km hike with him on part of the Appalachian Trail.

Then it was back to Hollins for a lecture by Dr. Brandi T. Summers where she talked about her book ” The Unmaking of a Chocolate City” regarding the gentrification of H Street in Washington, DC. This was relevant to us since that is only 4 blocks from where Wanda lives, and where we were headed tomorrow! Interesting information. With classes and lectures done, it was time to pick up Henry and we all went out for a tasty taco dinner in Salem and then back to our home for a nightcap. It was to short of a visit, but lots of fun was had!