mrfs.net – the little trips pages

We went up to Salem, Virginia for the Div III Final Four since Williams College was once again involved.

Salem Civic Center

Williams won their Friday semifinal against Guilford College in a relatively tense affair, but at least that meant Friday night was more festive.

Williams vs Wisconsin Stevens Point

Unfortunately, Wisconsin Stevens Point was victorious in the final on Saturday in another exciting back and forth game. The Div III Final Four is pretty low-key. It’s nothing like a sell out (at least not this year) and there isn’t a whole lot of pomp and circumstance surrounding it.

We also made a side trip to nearby Blue Collar Joe’s Donuts which is just north of Roanoke.

Blue Collar Joe's Donuts

This is definately a worthwhile detour if you’re passing by on I-81 (which we do a couple times a year).   They have some very creative concoctions including:  Blueberry pancake with maple and bacon, PB&J, Turtle, Blueberry Cheesecake, Coconut Creme Pie and Lemon Drop.

Cherry trees along the Potomac

The trees are thickest in the lagoon area between the Jefferson and Lincoln monuments.   We intended to visit at least one Smithsonian as well (American Indian) which required circling the National Mall about 5 times until a parking space opened up.    

Washington Monument

We actually go to the WNC Nature Center fairly often since it’s located right here in Asheville, but we never post pictures from it, so here are a couple.

In late afternoon before the nature center closes everything tends to be particularly active (it’s feeding time!). This wolf was doing laps, apparently to build up his appetite.

We also tend to skip the petting zoo portion but since we were with our 3 year old niece we stopped by. Now, Melanie has a new friend.