We had a get together in Blacksburg this past weekend. For me, it was the first time I've been in the fall that it was not a football weekend. The difference is amazing. There are no crowds to deal with and the hotels are very reasonably priced.

Arrived Thursday afternoon after having lunch in Harper's Ferry, stopped by the Inn at Virginia Tech for a drink, had dinner at The Greeks that night. Seems like that place (downstairs) hasn't changed in 50 years. Friday morning we strolled around campus, went to the (empty) bookstore and had a late lunch at West End. Friday afternoon hanging out at the New River and Friday night at Macado's for dinner. Never been to one but that place was solid. Good food and reasonable prices.

Saturday morning we hiked the Cascades. Five couples, all aged 64-67. Nobody died. Actually is was a good workout but not that strenuous. We took the lower trail up. It was damaged in places making it more difficult but it is a beautiful hike. The falls at the top were as spectacular as ever with a greater volume of water than I'd seen in the past. Taking the upper trail down was a breeze. No up and down like the lower trail. Drove over to Mountain Lake for a late lunch at the bar. They have a separate room that shows Dirty Dancing on a loop while the bar had two football games on (they weren't showing UVa-Duke). Back to the hotel for a 2-hour break before a 7:30 dinner at The Farmhouse. Great food and no push to leave since there was no one waiting for a table. A leisurely breakfast at the hotel before battling the beast that is I-81 (it wasn't too bad).

The only disappointment was the foliage; everything was green. The vistas along the New River and on the drive to Mountain Lake are still spectacular but typical late October color would have made it even better.