Skulking out into our sixth drippy, dreary day, we were nonetheless bouyed by the promise of a flavor change. Today, as we fraveled along the skyline drive on the stiff back of the Blue Ridge Mountains, we left the somber soldier stories behind and looked forward to visiting the iconic home of one of our most influential presidents: Thomas Jefferson. Admittedly, the skyline drive along the ridge through the Shenandoah National Park would have been more spectacular had it not been shrouded in dense fog, and we'd have especially enjoyed camping in the park if the weather had been better, but the car was warm, the traffic light, the road smooth, and the shadowy forest contemplative. We checked into to our three story tent (Red Roof Inn) because we have these plastic cards that promise people we're good for payment. Besides, at our age comfort is desirable. Maybe we'll be lucky enough to pass this way again when the sky is bird egg blue and the bright shadows chase each other through the oaks. Who knows? For lunch, we found the best BBQ in Charlottesville (Ace Biscuit & Barbecue) which did not disappoint. Fueled by its warmth and goodness, we spent the next two and a half enjoyable hours walking the University of Virginia campus. The campus, more than any I've seen, pays homage to Greek/Roman heritage. Except for the athletic buildings, one of which is a dome and another a large quanset
hut, the entire campus is isosceles triangles atop a rows of white columns. In addition, the "lawn" area is a back to back rectangular grouping of single, highly coveted dorm rooms, one of which was occupied by Edgar Allan Poe in 1826. His room has been turned into a curio, but the others are awarded to students on an intricate system of merit. I've not seen such an arrangement before as it harkens back to a time when study was as serious as it was austere. The highlight of the campus tour for me was a visit to the University's Art Gallery. Featured was Jacob Lawrence, an African American artist who became famous at twenty-three for his series paintings depicting the migration of African Americans to the industrial North. He died in Seatle, WA after a distinguished teaching career at the UW. His work, what he called "dynamic cubism", has long impressed me for its emotive power. It was a surprising treat. The University Gallery presents art from the private collections of its alumni and changes the displays about three times a year. In short, our campus visit was lovely, just another grace filled gift of life's goodness, especially as we experienced it today.
Selfie 1: Entrance to the Skyline Drive.
The forest, dark and deep.
Our view for much of the day.
Selfie 2: Smelling the "Ace".
Pulled Pork sandwhich, cole slaw, dill pickle slice. Pepsi made with real sugar.
Behind each column is a single dorm room. The tall section is a central gathering room. Another set sits in mirror opposite the lawn. Each section has rooms to the rear as well creating a large rectangle of student housing.
Selfie 3: Edgar Allan Poe's plaque.
Poe's room as it was in the 1800s.
Selfie 4: (That's me in the shadows). Jacob Lawrence's painting depicting Patrick Henry's speech to the Virginia House of Burgess in 1775. Henry is quoted, "Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased by the price of chains and slavery?"
And this one. Thomas Jefferson to Merriweather Lewis in 1803. "In all your intercourse with the natives, treat them in the most friendly and conciliatory manner which their own conduct will admit."
It's interesting to note that Jacob Lawrence, a long time social advocate and chronicler of the African American experience, completed this series of paintings depicting the Revolutionary times in the mid fifties, the height of McCarthyism in Anerica.
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