Camping au naturale

We took the girls camping at Jellystone park this weekend out near the Natural Bridge in Virginia. Amalia was very happy to see Ranger Smith. 

While not busy chastising Yogi for stealing picnic baskets, Ranger Smith took an interest in the girls' coloring. 

The morning Pledge of Allegiance with Ranger Smith and Boo Boo Bear. 

For my parents: old cars in the parking lot at the Natural Bridge.

Before we got to the bridge, we walked through a butterfly garden. 

A very friendly butterfly.

At last, the Natural Bridge. This picture doesn't do it justice. It's quite impressive.

Gorgeous.

We continued walking up the path to a circa1700 Monacan Indian village. Lily is keeping herself warm with a deerskin. 

Amalia's turn

Checking out my arch enemy, the raccoon.

Lily was all sunshine and rainbows during the trek up to the waterfalls.

She recovered pretty quickly once we got there (and Andy promised to let her ride on his shoulders on the way back). 

Amalia must have learned how to sit from Andy.

The other side of the bridge

George Washington carved his initials on the Natural Bridge when he was a surveyor.

 Checking out the nearby caverns--the deepest on the East Coast.

A steady 54 degrees.

Lily can even make a ratty old blanket look fashionable. 

Right after this is when the tour guide turned off the lights so we could see how dark it is inside the caverns. In case you're wondering, the answer is "very."

Walking back toward civilization (and warmth).