Better Late Than Never

Following a fantastic three weeks in Canada, we flew to Ohio where we would start our road trip to Maryland to catch up with Jay’s brother and sister-in-law, Bart and Lolly. While we were in Ohio, we visited Portsmouth where Jay grew up. We drove around town, visited Jay’s old high school while he shared stories with me about living in a small town.

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On our road trips, I love planning stops in off-the-beaten-path places we wouldn’t normally see. This time, we kicked off our adventure at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, West Virginia.

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, constructed between 1858 and 1881, is the largest hand-cut stone masonry building in North America and reportedly the second largest globally after the Kremlin. Originally designed to house 250 patients, by the 1950s it became severely overcrowded with over 2,000 patients. This overcrowding led to deteriorating conditions and an increase in incidents among patients, including fires, a murder, and a nurse’s death.

Patients were admitted for various reasons, many unrelated to mental health, such as asthma, tuberculosis, and even women not listening to their husbands. Men could admit their wives for nearly any reason. The asylum closed in 1994 due to its appalling conditions. Treatments used included shock therapy, solitary confinement, and lobotomies.

I can’t help but wonder why it took so long for the public to become aware of these horrific conditions. There were some historical records on display, and reading about them filled me with sadness.

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Luray Caverns resemble the masterpiece of Mother Nature. This maze-like underground wonder, which is tucked away in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, is home to elaborate chambers that are brimming with exquisite stalactites and stalagmites that have formed fascinating patterns over millions of years. Dream Lake’s ethereal beauty creates the impression of floating formations through its reflections that resemble mirrors. The Great Stalacpipe Organ, a rare instrument that uses the natural structures of the cavern to produce songs harmoniously, is arguably the most enchanting. It really is a symphony of melodic beauty and geological artistry.

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Driving through the Shenandoah National Park was like taking a trip into a breathtaking natural world. You find yourself driving through thick forests, by gushing waterfalls, and up to spectacular viewpoints via winding roads. The primary route through the park provides expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The beauty of nature is revealed at every angle. Every overlook offers a different perspective of the untamed nature of the park, enticing you to stop and take just one more photo of  the beautiful surroundings.

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As we made our way to Maryland, we thought we were following WAZE’s directions precisely, but somehow ended up in the heart of Washington DC. Despite having been to DC three times before, this was the first time I’d ever seen it from the inside of a car

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After an adventurous road trip and a wonderful visit with friends and family, we headed back to the airport, dropped off our rental car, and hopped on the train to our favorite restaurant in Baltimore for the BEST CRAB CAKES ever!

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It’s so wonderful to be back home with our beautiful cats, Chai and Quattro, waiting to welcome us back!