Layover in Staunton, Virginia
The Thornrose Cemetery and the Frontier Culture Museum

Since I declared my intention of visiting all of Virginia’s dark sky parks and camping three evenings, forces of nature have threw me some curveballs. But I subscribe to several related philosophies that have me generally accepting, catching curveballs and admiring each. Though my que sera sera-ness might not serve me well in all avenues of life, it works well on the road.

After a long day in the Shenandoah Valley with more torrential downpours, thunder and lightening, I pulled into Staunton, Virginia a lot later than I initially planned. And I then discovered the Sanitarium that would hold me here overnight. Besides the abandoned spots, I would explore a Frontier Culture Museum and the Thornrose Cemetery.

Thornrose Cemetery is a historical cemetery in Staunton, established in 1849. It contains many Confederate soldiers, because: The South. But it also has some pretty funerary art.

Beautiful moss on a very mournful face.

They were lovely and pleasant in their lives and in death they were not divided.

More green growth

Ehhh..

A quick and pretty stop after a breakfast wrap and golden milk tea that were so bad I am not even going to tell you about it.

Before I headed to my campsite, I checked out the Frontier Culture Museum, a living museum that honors the diverse frontiers rooted in these parts. I did not expect it to be so well done! Though it was blazing hot, the stop was worth it if for the authentic historical structures alone. The enthusiasm of the employees, who spend time maintaining the settlements during their downtime, is a bonus. They shared fascinating history and enriched this stop greatly.

The schoolhouse!

A special buddy