RVing with Big Al / Valencia’s Venture

07/24/2026

07/22/2026

📍 Falling Spring Falls, VA 🌊
✨Did you know this 80-foot Virginia waterfall USED to be taller than Niagara Falls? 🤯When Thomas Jefferson visited and surveyed this spot in 1781, he recorded it as a massive 200-foot-tall cascade! It was so impressive that he even wrote about it in his book, Notes on the State of Virginia.
So, why is it shorter today? In the 1900s, commercial mining companies redirected the creek to harvest limestone, permanently cutting the ledge down to its current 80-foot drop.

07/19/2026

🏕️🇺🇸 Home on the Road 🇺🇸
Loved our setup at Shenandoah Valley Campground! It's the perfect, quiet stopover. 🌲🚐
We even have bunnies hiding under the trailer—they might just hitch a ride home! 🚙🐇

07/18/2026

🚐 Claimed by a Bunny! 🐰💦

We fed the campground rabbits, and now they won't leave! They leave "surprises" daily, but today one sprayed Doug to mark its territory.
🤣💦Doug is not a fan of being claimed. Lesson learned!

07/13/2026

And that is an official wrap on D.C. and the surrounding area! 🎬👋
Before we could leave, we had to survive the Metro... 🚇 Let’s just say I am officially not a city girl! ❌🏙️ (this was a slow day too)
Doug knew the right direction, but my stressed brain completely disagreed. 🤦‍♀️ I threw a total hissy fit, he joined right in, and we had a meltdown right there in the station! 😤💥
Luckily, Doug found a saint of a Metro worker to calm my panic attack. 😂🧭 The older I get, the harder unfamiliar things are. Time to head back to where life makes sense! 🚗🛣️

07/12/2026

🇺🇸❤️ Arlington National Cemetery and witnessing the Changing of the Guard was an unforgettable experience. 🕊️✨ Many people wonder how long the Changing of the Guard ceremony actually lasts. Here is the quick breakdown:⏱️ The Ceremony: The formal changing process takes about 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish.👣 The Shift: The 30-minute or 1-hour shift limit refers to how long a sentinel is out there. Once the 15-minute ceremony ends, the new guard stays on duty alone for the remainder of the block.🚶‍♂️ Always Moving: The guard on duty doesn't just stand still—they continuously march, pause, and pace their line. Grateful for the miles, the memories, and the heroes. 🚗🛣️ 📸

07/12/2026

The perfect, most humbling final stop on our road trip. 🇺🇸❤️ Walking through the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery and witnessing the Changing of the Guard was an unforgettable experience. 🕊️✨ Grateful for the miles, the memories, and the heroes. 🚗🛣️ 📸

07/11/2026

🏛️ Tour of the U.S. Capitol!

🇺🇸Standing inside the massive Rotunda, looking up at the beautiful top of the Capitol to see the breathtaking The Apotheosis of Washington ceiling fresco 🦅🎨, and exploring the historic Crypt 🧱 and Statuary Hall 🗽 was incredible.

✨We started the trip underground at the massive Visitor Center built right beneath the building! 🕳️🏛️ You have to add this free tour to your D.C. bucket list! 🎒📸

📍 U.S. Capitol Visitor Center

07/10/2026

Small photo dump. Final Stop: First Ladies dresses, Lamb Chop, and Prince! It would take you a whole day or two to go through this museum, . 👗🎸Wrapped up the ultimate weekend at the National Museum of American History! 🏛️✨
Honestly, there are way too many pictures to post—it is just overwhelming trying to pick! 📸🤯 FromFirst Ladies' inaugural gowns, nostalgia, real Lamb Chop puppet, and Prince's legendary Cloud guitar! 🤩👑🐑 Fun fact: it was originally the white guitar from the movie Purple Rain, but Prince later repainted it yellow to match his 90s albums.
Mission accomplished hit the two main Museums, next tour in Arlington and capital then goodbye D.C.! 🛫🇺🇸❤️